Office chair casters, as core components of the support system, directly impact user experience. Commonly available casters on the market are divided into two categories: flat plate type and recessed type. The former is directly fixed to the bottom of the chair leg with screws, while the latter is embedded into the leg interior via a snap-fit mechanism. Nylon casters are suitable for hard floors, rubber casters are more friendly to wooden floors, and PU casters combine noise reduction and wear resistance. The diameter of casters typically ranges between 5 to 7 centimeters, with larger diameters requiring less effort to push but offering relatively lower stability. Braked casters come in two locking mechanisms: full lock and single-wheel lock. Full lock simultaneously fixes all casters via a bottom lever, ideal for positions requiring prolonged fixed positioning, while single-wheel lock controls the rotation of a specific caster, commonly seen in medical care seating. Industrial-grade casters can support up to 150 kilograms, while standard office chair casters have a load capacity of 80 to 120 kilograms. Overloading may cause ball bearings to deform, leading to abnormal noises. When installing casters, distinguish between left-hand and right-hand threads, with counterclockwise rotation often being the disassembly direction. For new casters, applying silicone-based grease initially reduces friction, while cooking oil should be avoided to prevent dust accumulation forming oil sludge. In laminate flooring environments, soft TPE casters are preferred, with products rated 60 to 70 degrees in hardness protecting the floor while ensuring smooth operation. Anti-static casters are common in laboratory settings, requiring surface resistance values controlled within 10^6 to 10^9.9Ω. Ball bearings and needle bearings directly affect service life, with the former suitable for daily office use and the latter more resistant to heavy loads. Regularly inspect ball bearing grooves for wear, and replace promptly when noticeable depressions or rolling resistance occur. Special-shaped casters like star or claw designs primarily enhance traction, ideal for slope environments but harder to clean. If a caster feels sluggish, disassemble it and use WD-40 rust remover to clean the trapped hair fibers inside the bearing. Quiet casters are not completely silent, with international standards requiring rolling noise below 30 decibels. During testing, push the seat from a distance of 3 meters. If normal conversation remains unaffected, it is considered qualified. Some high-end casters feature a double-row ball bearing design, offering over 30% higher load capacity compared to single-row structures. If encountering floor scratches, do not immediately replace the casters. First, inspect the wheel surface for debris like sand or grit, and clean the wheel groove with a soft brush to resolve the issue. When purchasing, pay attention to the thickness of the caster bracket—steel plates over 1.5mm are more durable. Quick-release casters offer convenient installation but slightly less stability than screw-fixed types, making them ideal for frequently moved conference chairs. Some brands incorporate a stepped design, with a mesh structure effectively blocking lint and fibers from entering the bearings. Multi-wheel casters often feature a tread with alternating deep and shallow grooves, enabling use on both carpets and hard floors, though rolling resistance is approximately 15% higher than specialized casters. Maintenance is recommended quarterly, involving deep cleaning with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to wipe the axle. For long-term storage, disassemble the casters and store them upside down to prevent rubber deformation from unilateral pressure. Always replace casters in full sets, as mixing old and new can lead to uneven stress distribution and accelerated wear. If the caster bracket is deformed, forceful use may scratch the floor, necessitating timely correction with a rubber mallet or replacement with a new bracket. Specialized environments require targeted selection: corrosion-resistant casters are often made of 304 stainless steel, suitable for chemical laboratories; high-temperature casters use special rubber and can operate continuously at 80°C. Finally, consumers should be advised that casters under 20 yuan are typically made from recycled plastic, offering unreliable load capacity and durability, so office settings should prioritize certified, quality products.
Post time: Dec-26-2025
