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Measure Casters
This 30-second video explains how to measure a caster:
Note: All of our 7/16 x 7/8" stem casters work with all of our bases.
How do I determine my stem size?
Measure the diameter and the length. We offer two standard sizes, as well as threaded stems (see below).
| 7/16" x 7/8" | 5/16 x 1-1/2" |
| Standard for a chair with plastic or metal base | Standard for a chair or furniture with wooden legs |
Now what?
Once you've determine your stem size, you know they'll fit your chair - so the rest is up to you! Choose the same one, a bigger one, a smaller one - or even a shinier one!
Like simple? Stick with black.
Feeling fancy? Go for chrome!
Have a passion for patina? Check out the antique brass!
How do I measure my wheel size?
Diameter is measured across. So, measure the wheel only - from one side to the other.
FAQ:
Should I choose hard or soft wheel casters?:
This is an easy one - Hard floors need soft wheels, soft floors need hard wheels:
- Hard floor - laminate, stone, hardwood, brick, tile, linoleum
- Soft floor - carpet or carpet tiles
What about that plastic neck thingy?
That is technically called a barrel. If the end of your base leg - above the caster - is 1.5" across or wider, you can use a caster with a barrel. Barrels serve aesthetic purposes only, so if you don't know what to do, skip it. Or, if you have a barrel already - or like how they look, choose a caster with a barrel!
I have casters with a threaded stem; how can I tell if they're the size you offer?:
Chairpartsonline offers 1/4-20 and 5/16-18 stems. This measurement is key to obtain before ordering.
Step 1: Measure the stem diameter (we offer 1/4" or 5/16").
Step 2: Measure the length of the threaded portion of the stem
Step 3: Determine threads per inch (TPI). E.g. If you have a .5" long thread with 10 rows, you can easily calculate that the same thread in 1" would have 20 rows.
Thread dimensions are stated as diameter-TPI. Or 1/4"-20 TPI.
Note: You can usually replace a longer stem with a slightly shorter stem. If you have a shorter stem and want to use a longer, stick a small object up into the hole to measure the full depth - usually there's extra space beyond the existing stem, but you'll want to confirm.
The tread of my soft casters is crumbling - why?:
This may occur due to age, if the flooring or wheels are exposed to UV radiation, or due to the use of heavy cleaners on the flooring or wheels. In all cases, replacement is recommended.
