What's Actually in a Lazy Susan Hardware Kit
Typical kit contents
The Two Plates, Explained
A lazy susan bearing is two concentric steel plates that rotate independently.
Understanding which plate does what prevents the single most common installation error: mounting both plates to the same fixed surface.
Screw Specifications and Load Ratings by Bearing Size
The table below covers everything you need before drilling a single hole: load capacity, pilot hole size, screw number, and whether a detent stop is available.
Screw length is not fixed — it depends on your material thickness.
The rule: at least 2/3 the depth of the board, without penetrating through the opposite face.
Always do a one-screw test assembly before committing to all holes.
Bearing | Load Capacity | Pilot Hole | Screw | Countersink? | Detent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3" | 200 lbs | 5/32" | #6 | If flat-head | No |
4" | 300 lbs | 5/32" | #6 | If flat-head | No |
6" | 500 lbs | 5/32" | #6 | If flat-head | No |
9" | 750 lbs | 3/16" | #8 | If flat-head | Yes (1 or 8) |
12" | 1,000 lbs | 3/16" | #8 | If flat-head | Yes (4) |
For #10 flat head screws: countersink each hole so the screw head sits flush. A protruding screw head will contact the bottom plate during rotation — the bearing will bind or scratch on every turn.
Tools You'll Actually Need
Using Speed Nuts (The Better Option for Top Plate Attachment)
Speed nuts — small, spring-steel clip nuts — are an underused installation trick.
Instead of countersinking flat-head screws into the turntable, you press speed nuts onto #10 flat-head screws from above, insert them through the top plate holes, and the spring tension holds them in place during installation.
Two advantages over countersunk flat-head screws
1. Easier disassembly if you ever need to replace the bearing.
2. No countersinking required on the turntable surface.
Speed nuts are rarely included in standard lazy susan hardware kits. Buy them separately at any hardware store — they're inexpensive and worth having on hand.
The Most Common Installation Mistakes
3" = 200 lbs max. 9" = 750 lbs max. 12" = 1,000 lbs max.
Overloading deforms ball races.
Always add a 25–30% safety margin to your estimated load.
When to Buy a Kit vs. Components Separately
Kits make sense for single-project, standard-size installations (3"–12" steel bearings) where the included screws match your material.
They're cost-effective and convenient.
Buy components separately when:
You're installing multiple bearings and need bulk screws
Your material thickness requires non-standard screw lengths
You need speed nuts (almost never included in kits)
You're specifying precision aluminum bearings (ASL series) — these are generally sold as individual bearing units without a kit, and screw patterns follow metric bolt-circle dimensions
For guidance on selecting the right bearing size and load rating before buying a kit, see our lazy susan hardware selection guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size screws come in a standard lazy susan hardware kit?
Most kits include #6 wood screws for 3"–6" bearings and #8 screws for 9"–12" bearings. Always verify the screw length against your material thickness before installation — the included screws may not match your specific application.
Can I install a lazy susan bearing without a drill?
Not recommended. Without pilot holes, screws are likely to split wood or strip before seating. A basic cordless drill with a 5/32" bit is the minimum required tool for a reliable installation.
Why does my lazy susan click or bind after installation?
The most likely cause is a screw head sitting above the plate surface, contacting the opposing plate during rotation. Check every screw — even one that's 0.5mm proud can cause the symptom. The second most common cause is debris caught in the ball race; remove the bearing, clean the race, and reinstall.
Do I need to lubricate the bearing before installing?
For greased bearings (marked "CG"), no — they arrive pre-lubricated. For ungreased bearings in high-use applications (restaurant tables, retail displays), applying a small amount of bearing grease before final assembly extends service life and reduces noise.
How do I know if my lazy susan hardware kit includes the right bearing for my load?
Check the load capacity on the product spec sheet. 3-inch bearings handle up to 200 lbs; 12-inch bearings handle up to 1,000 lbs. Add a 25–30% safety margin to your estimated load before selecting. If your kit doesn't specify a load rating, that's a red flag — buy from a supplier that publishes full specifications.
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