Adjustable Feet

Adjustable feet are essential for leveling and supporting structures, machinery, furniture, and display stands that require vertical adjustments for optimal functionality. They are available in various base and thread sizes to accommodate different applications. Generally, larger thread sizes and base diameters offer enhanced leveling and stabilization compared to their smaller counterparts.

RS Australia offers an extensive range of leveling feet made from various materials, suitable for light- to heavy-duty applications.

What are Adjustable Feet Used For?

Adjustable feet are used as stability tools in machinery to distribute weight evenly. They are standard components in production environments where conveyor belts are used, such as in the food manufacturing, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

These components are also used in the packaging industry where precision alignment and balance levels are required for special machinery to function.

How Does an Adjustable Foot Work?

An adjustable foot provides a stable base for objects while allowing for precise vertical adjustments.

It typically consists of a threaded stud that is attached to a base plate. By rotating the stud, the user can raise or lower the object to achieve the desired height and level.

Additionally, the base plate often includes features such as a rubber pad or a swivel mechanism, which provides stability and accommodates uneven surfaces.

What Materials are Adjustable Leveling Feet Made Of?

Adjustable feet are manufactured from various materials to suit different applications and environmental conditions. The choice of material influences the strength, durability, and corrosion resistance of the adjustable feet. Here are some common materials used in their construction:

Steel: These adjustable feet are robust and offer high load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. They are often used in industrial machinery, workbenches, and equipment stands.
Stainless steel: Levelling feet made with stainless steel provide excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for applications where hygiene or exposure to moisture is a concern. For example, they come in useful in food processing equipment, medical devices, and outdoor applications.
Aluminium: As aluminium is lightweight and offers good corrosion resistance, these adjustable feet are often preferred in applications where weight is a concern, such as in aerospace or automotive applications.
Plastic: Plastic adjustable feet are cost-effective and lightweight, making them suitable for lighter-duty applications or where corrosion resistance is not critical.
Nylon: Nylon offers good strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and solvents. They are often used for when the adjustable feet will be exposed to harsh chemicals or cleaning agents.
Rubber: Rubber adjustable feet provide excellent vibration damping and shock absorption, making them ideal for applications where noise reduction or vibration isolation is important, such as in audio equipment.

Where Can I Use Adjustable Feet?

Here are a few examples of where you can use adjustable feet:

When raising furniture or machinery, the adjustable thread offers more height for stability.
To level off an object, articulating and tilting feet help with uneven surfaces or varying heights.
With anti-vibration mounts, a rubber base foot can reduce vibrations and noise by providing shock absorption.
When frequent height adjustments are required, such as in portable stands and stalls, levelling feet can help.

How Do You Install Industrial Leveling Feet?

Choose the correct feet: Select feet that are compatible with the size, weight, and intended use of the object you are installing them on.

Position the foot: Position the adjustable foot, ensuring that the base is in full contact with the mounting surface.
Align the mounting hole: If the adjustable foot requires a mounting hole, carefully align the hole in the foot with the corresponding hole on the object.
Insert the threaded rod: Ensure that the rod is inserted straight and perpendicular to the mounting surface.
Tighten the foot: Use a wrench to tighten the nut on the adjustable foot, securing it firmly to the object.
Adjust the height: Rotate the adjustable foot to achieve the desired height and level. Ensure that all feet are adjusted evenly to provide a stable and level base for the object.
Check stability: Once all feet are installed and adjusted, check the stability of the object. Ensure that it is level and does not wobble.

Types of Adjustable Feet

Fixed feet: These adjustable feet have a rigid base, so they can be adjusted vertically, but not sideways. They are suitable for general use.
Articulating feet: These levelling feet allow a deviation of up to eight degrees and are used for balancing structures on uneven surfaces.
Tilting feet: With ball joints located between the bases and the thread, these feet provide up to 20 degrees of articulation and are used in applications with varying heights.

Safety Precautions for Machine Leveling Feet

While levelling legs are generally safe and easy to use, it's important to follow some basic industrial workplace safety precautions to prevent accidents or damage to equipment.

Ensure proper load capacity: Select adjustable feet with a load capacity that is appropriate for the weight of the object they will be supporting. Overloading adjustable feet can cause them to fail, leading to instability or collapse.
Check stability: After installing and adjusting the feet, always check that the object is stable and does not wobble. Doing so helps to mitigate safety hazards.
Use correct tools: When installing adjustable feet, use the appropriate tools to tighten the fasteners. Avoid overtightening, which can damage the feet or the mounting surface.
Inspect regularly: Periodically check adjustable feet for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, loose parts, or corrosion. Replace any damaged feet promptly to ensure continued safety and stability.
Keep feet clean: Keep adjustable feet free from debris that could interfere with their operation or cause damage.
Level equipment properly: When adjusting the height of adjustable feet, ensure that the equipment or object is levelled properly to prevent tilting or instability.
Use anti-slip features: If the adjustable feet have anti-slip features, such as rubber pads or textured surfaces, ensure that these features are in good condition and provide adequate grip to prevent slipping or movement.

Industrial Applications of Adjustable Feet

Adjustable feet are versatile components that find wide-ranging applications across various industries. Here are some examples of how adjustable feet are used in different industrial settings:

Machinery: Heavy equipment, such as industrial presses, milling machines, and lathes, often utilise adjustable feet to ensure stability and minimise vibrations during operation. This helps to maintain accuracy and prolong the lifespan of the equipment.
Workbenches and tables: In workshops and laboratories, heavy-duty leveling feet provide a stable base for workbenches and tables, even on uneven floors. This allows for precise work and prevents instability that could affect delicate tasks or measurements.
Conveyor systems: Adjustable feet are crucial for maintaining the proper alignment and level of conveyor systems. This ensures smooth and efficient material handling, preventing jams or damage to goods as they move along the conveyor belt.
Storage racks and shelves: Heavy-duty adjustable feet are often used to support storage racks and shelves, preventing them from collapsing under the weight of stored items. This is particularly important in warehouses and storage facilities where heavy loads are common.
HVAC systems: Equipment like rooftop air conditioning units often require adjustable feet for proper installation and levelling to ensure optimal airflow and prevent excessive noise and vibration.
Electronics manufacturing: In electronics manufacturing, adjustable feet support and level sensitive equipment, such as circuit board assembly lines with multiple PCB connectors. This helps to prevent damage to delicate components and maintain the accuracy of manufacturing processes.
Food processing: Adjustable feet made from stainless steel or other hygienic materials provide a stable and sanitary support base for equipment, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards and preventing contamination.
Automotive assembly: In automotive assembly lines, adjustable feet support and level car bodies and other components during production processes. This ensures accurate alignment and facilitates efficient assembly operations.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing: In the pharmaceutical industry, adjustable feet are used in equipment for the production of medicines and other pharmaceutical products.
Laboratory equipment: Sensitive laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, and analytical instruments, often relies on adjustable feet for stability and precise levelling. This helps to prevent vibrations that could affect measurements and ensures accurate results.

Trusted Adjustable Leveling Feet Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS is a reliable provider of adjustable leveling feet in Australia. Whether you need adjustable feet for a workbench or other heavy-duty industrial applications, we carry a range from top brands like Serious, Elesa, Bosch Rexroth, and more.

Buy Adjustable Leveling Feet Online from RS

Shop heavy-duty and industrial adjustable leveling feet at RS Australia with fast and reliable nationwide shipping. Visit our Delivery Information page to learn more about shipping options and timelines.