Stem Casters

Match the caster's load capacity to the combined weight of the object plus expected load, choose wheel diameter and material based on floor type (hard rubber or polyurethane for hard floors, softer rubber for carpets), and confirm stem type and dimensions for compatibility with your mounting socket

Common stem types include threaded stems, grip ring stems, and grip neck stems; measure the stem diameter and length and check thread pitch for threaded stems to ensure a proper fit with the furniture or equipment insert

Divide the total weight (including payload) by the number of casters and allow a safety margin; light-duty casters typically support under 150 lb each, medium-duty around 150–500 lb each, and heavy-duty over 500 lb each

Polyurethane wheels are durable and floor-friendly on hard surfaces, rubber wheels are quieter and better on uneven or delicate floors, and hard plastic or nylon wheels are durable but can mark or scratch softer flooring unless used with protective mats

Yes; regular maintenance includes cleaning debris from the wheel and swivel, lubricating bearings or swivel raceways as recommended, checking for wear or flat spots, and tightening or replacing stems and fasteners when loose or damaged

Yes; many stem-mounted casters include wheel locks or total-lock options that stop wheel rotation or swivel; choose a lock type that matches your stability needs (wheel brake for rolling prevention, total lock for full immobilization) and ensure the lock engages reliably on your chosen wheel material

Larger wheel diameters roll over obstacles and rough surfaces more easily and reduce rolling resistance, while smaller wheels sit lower and provide tighter turning radius; consider clearance, desired furniture height, and the typical floor surface when selecting wheel size