Furniture Swivel Plates' Ball Bearings Full VS Half
Sep 26, 2025
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Full bearing vs. half bearing
| Feature | Full Bearing | Half Bearing |
|---|---|---|
| Ball bearings | The channel is completely filled with ball bearings, providing more points of contact for distributing weight. | Only a limited number of balls (often fewer than 10) are used, each in its own pocket. |
| Strength and durability | The full complement of bearings and deeper raceways results in a much higher load capacity and longer lifespan. The 2mm plate thickness is a limiting factor, but a full-bearing design maximizes the strength and prevents bending better than a half-bearing one. | With fewer ball bearings, the weight is not evenly distributed, which can cause the plate to wear unevenly or buckle under heavy or uneven loads. |
| Rotation quality | Rotation is smoother, more stable, and quieter. This design prevents the wobble and friction that can occur with fewer ball bearings. | Due to the limited number of bearings, the plate is more likely to be wobbly or have "free flow" spin that is less controlled. It is also more prone to making noise. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive due to the higher quantity of bearings and more robust design. | Usually cheaper, as they use fewer materials and are built to a lower standard. |
| Ideal use | High-load applications, frequent use, or any project where stability, durability, and smooth rotation are a priority, such as bar stools, heavy display stands, or office chairs. | Lightweight applications that do not require heavy loads or smooth, continuous rotation. |