Sometimes, we have to replace the old wheels, or remove them for cleaning. Do you know how to remove office chair wheels properly? If not, join FittingChairs to find out.
How to remove office chair wheels?
Some wheels are secured without a fastener and can be easily removed if you pull hard enough.
However, in some instances, you may have to pry the caster to remove it from the chair.
Here are steps for how to remove wheels from office chair:
Bring it to upside down position
The first step of how to remove office chair wheels is to turn the chair over and make wheels face the air so that you can have a clearer view of the bottom side and access better.
If the chair is too weighty, make sure you get help from a friend to turn it upside down.
Eliminate of threaded stem caster
The next step of how to remove office chair wheels is to remove casters from office chair involves threaded stem.
Simply twist it in a clockwise manner. If clockwise motion makes the caster move, then keep on going and it should be enough.
Eliminate grip stem caster
In some cases, casters do not allow unscrewing. So you need to deal with a grip stem system.
Apply some lubricating oil on the area where chair meets caster. Then place one hand on the chair leg, place another hand on the caster.
Then give it a pull. You can use a spray oil for the process. If there’s no budge noticeable, then use gloves or a towel to grip things better.
In some chairs, a swivel plate might be used instead of the stem mechanism. If that’s the case, you can use a screwdriver to get this plate out.
Using prybar or screwdriver in case of no budge
The caster in some chairs may be too rusted. And this may be hard for removing it with pulling out.
In this case, you should use a wide flat-head screwdriver. You will also need a nail pulling slot included pry bar. The pry bar’s slot should be enough spacious to hold caster stem. The stem is usually slightly more than 13 mm.
You will insert screwdriver’s head in the place where caster meets chair. Then simply turn it.
It should be moving away from the chair. If this does not happen with turning motion then try rotating. You want to try various angles here. So that more leverage can help you to pull the caster out of chair.
Using pry bar is the next alternative you should try for how to remove office chair wheels. Position pry bar’s slot right into the place between chair and castor. It should be over the stem.
Then pull the caster out. You can also ask a friend to hold chair from another side while you are pulling the caster.
How to replace caster wheels on office chair?
Now you know how to remove office chair wheels. Let’s move on to how to replace caster wheels on office chair.
Buy replacement caster
The first thing to replace office chair casters is buying a new one that matches well. You need to find a suitable one. If your chair has a swivel plate, calculate its width as well.
To measure the previous wheel, consider from front to back. Usually, it should be somewhere between 5.1 to 6.4 cm.
If you had a bad experience with rolling the chair since there’s a rug on floor, go for a larger wheel.
Refer to these high-valuated replacement office chair caster wheels from Amazon:
Screw the threaded caster
For this step, you need to clean the area where you’ll install new caster first. After cleaning, focus on aligning. Align the threaded stem along with leg of chair.
Then simply screw it until there’s no turning noticeable.
For grip caster
To replace wheels on office chair with a grip mechanism, you’ll have to follow a different route from threaded one.
Push grip caster onto the chair leg. Keep an eye on the caster top. If it flushes with the chair leg bottom, then stop pushing.
If you think caster is not getting into the hole, use some lubrication, such as WD-40. Apply it within the leg inside part.
You can also use a rubber mallet to drive the caster in gradually.
For a swivel plate caster
You need a suitable screwdriver to fix it in place. This is basically the same thing done in a reverse manner as removing the old caster swivel plate.
Choose and buy replacements
The stem is the metal part that connects the caster to the chair. It’s important to note what kind of caster’s stem it is and the size of the stem. The most convenient option is to buy universal caster wheels that would fit most office chairs.
However, if you are looking for a specific model, you need to measure the stem. Figure out the exact measurement of the wheel by using a ruler. Most casters come with between 2 – 2.5-inch wheels.
Choosing between single-wheel or double-wheel casters. While double-wheel casters tend to be more durable, it has more opportunity to break down as it has more parts.
Single-wheel casters offer a modern look, providing you with a smooth and refined glide for your office chair.
You can find a set of the best quality chair wheels that is affordable.
How to maintain caster wheels?
If you want to make your ergonomic office chair stay the way it should be, you should always focus on proper maintenance.
To identify potential problems and avoid malfunctions, you should often inspect the caster wheels. Get rid of dirt and debris regularly.
Replace the wheels immediately if the wheels are damaged.
To increase mobility, lubricate the wheels every 6 months. Remember, do not apply lubrication where the wheels touch the floor to avoid a greasy mess.
Aside from the above things, always remember to clean your office chair properly. Proper maintenance is necessary to make sure the chair and the wheels continue to perform at its best.
In case you want to know how to remove hair from office chair wheels, read this article.
How to install casters with stem?
This is fairly simple. Align the stem with the chair’s leg and pop the stem in place, or screw in the casters with your hands until it no longer turns. This process is similar to locking a door with a key.
Apply lubrication to the inside of the chair leg if the caster is hard to get in the hole. If your caster comes with a swivel plate, install it with a screwdriver.
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Above are steps for how to remove office chair wheels. Remember to choose a suitable replacement for your chair and follow the removing instruction. Follow FittingChairs for more information.
