How to help bookshelf from tipping over

[JanetRose]

We have bookshelves that we installed wheels under so we can move to get into the closet (I took the doors off the closet as we wanted the shelves more than the closet space).

If there anything we can put under the shelves that will help them from tipping to the front when we wheel them forward?

I don't even know what to google!

Thank you all again!!

 

[Stratman50th]

Shim the front wheels so the shelf already tilts back. Also, looks like it's already done, but the larger the wheels the less likely it will tilt.

 

[NotUrsula]

Long-time librarian. Normally when rolling shelving is apt to tip, the problem is weight distribution. Binders and baskets are going to be lighter than bound books (well, unless you store bowling balls in the baskets.) Rearrange the shelves so that the heaviest items are on the bottom and the lightest on top. You could also put some clay tiles flat in the bottom of the basket to make it heavier.

Also, since they are prone to tipping, adding elastic lines to the front of the shelves about 3 inches up from the bottom will save cleanup if they do tip a bit when moved (same principle used on boats, but stretch gives you more flexibility than hard rails). You can drill holes through the outer sides about an inch back from the front edge, then sew the elastic securely to a flat shank button that is larger than the hole. Sew the second one on with the line in place and the elastic stretched; it will pop tightly into place once you release the tension. Alternatively, you can use wider elastic, fold the ends under, and put a screw into the folded end on the face of the bookshelf side, but depending on what the shelf is made of, that method may not work as well.

 

[Imzadi]

I agree with getting larger wheels. I have a tall metal kitchen shelving unit that I wanted to be able to roll out of the way. I made sure to get nice big wheels so the unit would have more stability while rolling it and not tip over, and not get caught on a "speed bump" as it goes over the slightly raised floor at the door jamb.

Here are some at Walmart. It's a search for 4 inch caster wheels. They also have 3 inch ones too. But, I decided on the 4 inch for the reason I stated.

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=4+inch+caster+wheels

Shim the front wheels so the shelf already tilts back.

Shim is a technical term. If you go to a hardware store and tell the guy in the lumber department that you need some shims, he can give you a little bag of flat pieces of wood that you wood glue under the front wheels, if you don't want to get new wheels.

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-Wood-Shims-Elson-Strip/dp/B001EDUCBY/