Lazy Susan Bearings

What is a Lazy Susan Bearing?

Lazy Susan bearings are a type of rotary bearing designed to support a high axial load while rotating. They consist of two circular metal plates with small steel balls between them. The top plate is the rotating platform, and the bottom plate is fixed to the supporting structure.

Choosing the right size mainly comes down to matching the bearing's diameter to your turntable or platform. As a rough starting point, the bearing diameter is often one-third to one-half of the platform's total diameter — but the Suggested Turntable Diameter column in the table below is the more precise guide for each part number.

Use the table below to match bearing size to load capacity, material, and mounting hardware at a glance:

Aluminum part numbers: 3C8884 (3"), 6C8886G (6"). Brass/chrome part number: 3C6285 (3"). All other part numbers are cold-rolled steel.

Need bulk pricing or a custom specification? Contact us for a quote.

For a more detailed walkthrough of sizing, load calculation, and material selection, see our complete Lazy Susan Hardware Guide.

How Do Lazy Susan Bearings Work?

Lazy Susan bearings work by using the small steel balls or rollers between the two circular metal plates to create a low friction contact point. The steel balls or rollers distribute the weight evenly around the circular path, minimizing friction and preventing damage to the plates.

This even distribution of weight makes the Lazy Susan bearing capable of supporting a high axial load while rotating. The design allows for easy access to items on the platform without having to reach over or move the entire object.

Every part number on this page uses the same basic bearing type: a ball bearing turntable assembly, where a ring of steel balls runs in a single-row raceway — also called a ball race — between two flat plates.

If your project's load capacity or diameter exceeds this lineup's ceiling — 1,000 lbs and 12 inches — a heavier-duty standalone thrust ball bearing or a slewing ring bearing is usually the better choice for that higher load capacity and larger size. See our full slewing ring bearing lineup for industrial and large-diameter rotating applications.

Most part numbers here are cold-rolled steel with a galvanized, black E-coat, or chrome finish depending on the model; a few specific part numbers use aluminum or brass instead — see the selection table above and the size tables below for exact material by part number.

Benefits of Lazy Susan bearings:

Lazy Susan bearings have several benefits that make them a popular choice for rotating platforms. Here are some of the key benefits of Lazy Susan bearings:

• ● Improved Rotation
• ● Increased Stability to tall displays
• ● Reduced Bearing Damage
• ● Even Load Distribution
• ● Added Strength and stability during shipping

When to Use Lazy Susan Bearings?

Lazy Susan bearings are especially useful for tall rotating structures and components with side-to-side movement. The taller the component, the less side force it takes to damage it — that force acts through a longer lever arm — so a lazy Susan bearing's ability to distribute load evenly around the plate becomes more important as height increases.

What are Lazy Susan Bearings Used for?

Lazy Susan bearings show up across a wide range of applications, including:

kitchen shelves, dining tables, Corner Cabinets, Storage Solutions, storage shelves, Turntable Kaleidoscopes, Tabletop Serving, Movie Poster Displays, Magazine & books racks, display racks, rotating wardrobes, Televsion and Computer Monitor Turntables, Flower Arranging, Revolving Jewelry Floor Displays, Revolving Musical Boxes, Sculpture Displays, Sports and Recreation Equipment, ceramics and sculpturing and DIY projects, etc.

How to Install Lazy Susan Bearings?

For Standard 3", 4", 9" & 12" sizes

• ● Perform a test assembly to establish the required screw length to prevent contact with the opposing surface.
• ● use the bearing's smallest holes as a guide to mark turntable for drilling.
• ● Drill holes based on bearing size: #6 screws & 5/32" holes for 3", 4" & 6"; #8 screws & 3/16" holes for 9" and 12".
• ● (Optional) Lubricate bearing balls for noise reduction.
• ● Mount bearing to base using satisfactory wood screws.
• ● Attach turntable to mounted bearing with self-tapping screws.

For 9" and 12" sizes

• ● Determine the correct screw length for the turntable and base thickness.
• ● Mark hole locations on turntable and base using bearing's large access holes.
• ● Pre-drill all holes, including access holes in base.
• ● Mount bearing onto the base plate.
• ● Attach screws through access holes to the turntable plate.

You can also use speed nuts on the lazy Susan Bearing and attach the top turntable plate with #10 flat head screws. Remember to countersink the screws to avoid protrusion. If you're looking for a lazy Susan Bearing for your project, you've come to the right place. Check out our product page for more information or contact us if you have any questions.

For tool recommendations, speed nut tips, and the most common installation mistakes to avoid, see our complete Lazy Susan Hardware Kit guide.