Caster Stem Types

Grip Ring Stems

• The grip ring stem is a common caster type on office chairs and ready-to-assemble furniture. The end of the stem is wrapped with a wire or band, which is the ring to which the caster type’s name refers. This band is typically made of brass and locks the stem into place when it is inserted into the chair or piece of furniture. Grip ring stems can be machined quickly and inexpensively, making them an affordable and durable means of attaching casters.

Grip Neck Stems

• A grip neck stem, or wood stem, is milled to be captured by the socket of the wood furniture in which it is typically used. Grip neck stems have an advantage over other stem types, in that they come in one standard size. Because of their uniformity, replacement grip neck stems are easier to obtain than stem types, which may have been milled to meet a variety of specifications.

Threaded Caster Stems

• While grip ring stems are more common on chairs, threaded stems may also be used. This type of stem is also common on carts, such as those used to carry packages and documents through large office buildings. The length of the stem is threaded, like the stem of a bolt, so that it can be screwed into the bottom of the cart. Washers and nuts are typically used with threaded stems, just like with bolts, to secure them in place.