48-Inch vs. 60-Inch Cantilever Arms: Which Stock Arm Fits Your Load?
October 24, 2026
NAWL's stock cantilever arms are straight and come in 48-inch and 60-inch lengths. The 48-inch arm is rated at 2,640 lbs each and the 60-inch arm at 3,260 lbs each. Choose the arm that supports at least two thirds of your stock's depth, and never load an arm past its own rating, even if the column could take more.
Arms are the part of a cantilever system that actually touches your material. They are also where overloads most often start, because the arm has its own rating separate from the column it bolts to.
What are the two stock arm sizes?
| Arm length | Rated capacity each | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 48 in | 2,640 lbs | Narrower bundles, lighter loads, tighter aisles |
| 60 in | 3,260 lbs | Wider bundles, heavier loads, deeper support |
48 in
- Rated capacity each
- 2,640 lbs
- Typical use
- Narrower bundles, lighter loads, tighter aisles
60 in
- Rated capacity each
- 3,260 lbs
- Typical use
- Wider bundles, heavier loads, deeper support
Both lengths are straight arms that bolt onto stock columns and adjust in 4-inch vertical increments. They ship on the quick-ship program, which typically dispatches within 48 to 72 hours of ordering. Read the stock cantilever lineup for what else ships fast.
Why does the longer arm carry more here?
On NAWL's stock line, the 60-inch arm carries 3,260 lbs versus 2,640 lbs for the 48-inch arm, which reflects the heavier section used for the longer arm. Do not assume that rule holds across brands. On many systems a longer arm carries less because of leverage. Always read the rating for the exact arm you are buying, as covered in our guide to reading capacity per side.
How deep should the arm be for your stock?
Your material should rest on the arm over most of its depth. If the bundle is much wider than the arm, the load overhangs and the arm carries it at a longer lever. If the arm is much deeper than the stock, you waste aisle space and may snag the next bundle. A practical check:
- Measure the widest bundle or stack
- Pick the arm length that supports most of that depth
- Set arm spacing so long stock is supported along its length
- Confirm the arm rating covers the weight each arm will carry
For deeper bundles, see choosing arm length for your longest stock.
What about arm spacing along the column row?
Arm spacing along the row depends on your stock. Stiff, heavy stock like steel bar can be supported at wider spacing than flexible stock like PVC or thin-wall aluminum, which sag between supports. Space supports so nothing droops under its own weight. For flexible material in warm weather, plan closer supports. The fence post and rail storage guide shows a spacing approach for lighter stock.
What about arm finishes in Minnesota?
NAWL's standard finish is NAWL blue powder-coat, and galvanized is available on all stock SKUs. Indoor racks usually do fine with powder-coat. Outdoor arms see snow, ice, de-icing salt and condensation, so galvanized is worth a close look. See galvanized vs. powder-coated cantilever in Minnesota winters.
How do arm and column ratings work together?
The arm rating limits each arm. The column rating limits the total load on one side of the column. Loading every arm to its limit can exceed the column's rating, in which case the column governs. The worked example in the capacity article shows this with real numbers.
How do I order the right arm?
Send your longest bundle, bundle width, heaviest bundle weight, and how many bundles you plan to stack per level. Compare with the stock ratings on the cantilever rack page, then request a quote. NAWL supplies cantilever rack and components. Installation is handled by your crew or an installer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use one arm per level? Cantilever arms normally work in matched sets on one column row. Confirm the arrangement for your layout.
Do arms come with end stops? Ask what end-stop options are available for your arm. See arm end stops and load centering.
Can I add arms later? Yes, if the column rating and spacing allow. See expanding a cantilever system later.
Need arms sized to your stock?
Send your bundle dimensions and weights, and we will match 48-inch or 60-inch arms from stock.