New Article - How to Measure a Caster Stem

We've heard from our customers that one of their biggest frustrations is ordering the wrong caster stem. You know how it goes, you get the box from the delivery driver, open it up, they look right.  Then you take off the old ones and they don't fit. You know how this story ends.

So to help, we've created a new guide to help get the right measurements, the first time. Using two common tools, an adjustable wrench and a ruler, you will be able to get the right dimensions of a grip ring or threaded stem (by far the most common types).

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let us know.

So many ways to mount a caster

There are many different ways to mount a caster to a piece of equipment, generally there are six industry standard methods, pictured below. In the coming week we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and why it should be used on equipment. The posts are directed at design minded people, but could prove an interesting read regardless. If you need help deciding, please don't hesitate to contact us.

From left to right: Top Plate, Grip Ring, Expanding Adapter, Grip Neck (Wood) Stem, Threaded Stem, and Plain (Round) Stem

It just doesn't fit

Furniture, Medical and Institutional casters are available with a wide variety of mounts. Looking through our files, it seems that the biggest reason for returns and exchanges of furniture casters is an incorrect stem. It makes sense, they aren't the easiest thing in the world to measure. To start, there are three common kinds of stems: Grip Ring, Threaded, and Grip Neck.

Grip Ring stems are common in 3/8" and 7/16" diameters. This is critical, ordering the wrong diameter will positively ensure that the caster will not properly fit. The most accurate way to measure is to use a set of calipers, but most don't have them just lying about. So, here are a couple of quick ways to do it.

• Use a wrench, a 7/16" to be exact. If its loose, it's 3/8", if it's tight, then 7/16"


• Use a piece of paper. Measure the circumference by wrapping a thin strip of paper around the stem, marking where the start meets the paper again. If it's roughly 1-1/8" then its a 3/8" stem. Or if it's roughly 1-3/8" it's a 7/16" stem.

Threaded stems come in a more wide array of sizes; from 1/4" to 1/2". The same techniques can be used to identify the diameter. Or, if you have extra bolts lying about, a visual comparison, end to end, will work just fine as well.

Grip neck stems are by far the easiest for us. There exists only one standard size: 5/16" dia x 1-1/2" long.

To find out more about furniture casters, click here. Or for institutional casters, click here.