When selecting stem-type casters for your equipment, furniture, or carts, one crucial factor to consider is the stem itself. All too often, this seemingly small detail is overlooked during the selection process, leading to confusion and frustration during caster installation and then the dreaded product swap-out. Let’s take the time to educate ourselves and go over the common types of stem mount casters.
- Threaded Stem Casters
Features:
- Threaded rod that screws directly into a threaded insert, nut, or tapped hole
- Available in different thread sizes (e.g., 3/8″-16, 1/2″-13, M12, etc.)
- Provides a strong and secure fit, especially for metal applications
- Requires precise threading compatibility with the receiving hardware
Applications:
- Industrial carts and workbenches
- Metal shelving and racks
- Machinery bases requiring secure installation
- Grip Ring Stem Casters
Features:
- Smooth metal stem with a rubber or plastic friction ring that simply inserts into a pre-fitted socket
- Standard diameters include 7/16″ and 3/8″
- No threading required, making installation quick and easy – push-in and pull-out
- Primarily used with sockets in tubular furniture and light-duty equipment
Applications:
- Office chairs and furniture
- Retail store displays
- Lightweight utility carts
- Grip Neck Stem Casters
Features:
- Tapered neck that locks into a metal socket
- Requires a special socket for a secure fit
- Not ideal for heavy loads
Applications:
- Wooden chairs and tables
- Antique-style furniture restorations
- Institutional and classroom furniture
- Expanding Adapter Stem Casters
Features:
- Adjustable rubber or plastic sleeve expands inside a hollow tube when tightened
- Fits into tubing of different diameters (e.g., 1″, 1.25″)
- Provides an adjustable fit for various tube sizes
- Great for applications where bolt-through mounting isn’t an option
Applications:
- Scaffolding and medical equipment
- Rolling clothing racks
- Tubular frame carts and tables
- Hollow Kingpin (Stemless) Casters
Features:
- Does not have a fixed stem but instead uses a bolt, rivet, or special fastener
- Allows for flexible mounting solutions
- Can be used in various custom applications
- Often found in heavy-duty or industrial settings
Applications:
- Industrial carts and platform trucks
- Custom fabrication projects
- Heavy-duty warehouse applications
- Cross Drilled Stems
Features:
- Stem with a hole perpendicular to its length – this is the “cross-drill”
- Commonly used in hollow tube or leg mounts where a pin can lock the caster in place through the cross drilled stem
Applications:
- Scaffolding
- Store fixtures, shelving
- Institutional carts
- Ladder Stems
Features:
- Ladder stems have a groove or series of grooves along the stem where the caster may be allowed to snap in and lock at one or more positions
- Allows for minor height adjustments easily
Applications:
- Mobile safety steps, warehouse steps, portable stairs, or rolling stairs
Conclusion
While we at Advance Caster strive to empower our customers with all of the knowledge necessary to select a caster, we understand that the complexity of these choices can be daunting. If you would like any further assistance with this process, email us at sales@advancecaster.com