Light Duty Casters · 2"–7" · 75–1,400 lb · Polyurethane & Rubber

Plate sizes: 2-3/8 x 3-5/8, 2-1/2 x 3-5/8, 3-1/8 x 4-1/8Bolt holes: 1-3/4 x 2-15/16 slotted to 2-3/8 x 3-3/8; 1-3/4 x 2-7/8 slotted to 3; 1-3/4 x 2-7/8Diameter: 2 to 5 inTread: 13/16, 7/8, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 3 inCapacity: up to 1,260 lbStem: threaded

Light duty casters cover furniture, wire shelving, medical carts, and light institutional frames where loads stay modest. Plate-mount and threaded-stem options with 2 to 5 inch wheels keep roll effort low on finished floors. Rubber and soft poly protect tile and epoxy; harder compounds last longer on concrete. Size capacity from the heaviest routine load per corner, and match stem or plate geometry so the cart sits level.

Shop by wheel material

7 types

Rubber and polyurethane favor floor protection; phenolic and steel favor heavy capacity. Compare materials →

Caster Finder Find your caster in 3 steps Mount, size, capacity — narrowed to your exact spec in this collection.

Light Duty Casters: buying guide

Light-duty casters carry 75 to 300 lb per caster, sized for office and institutional equipment, retail displays, AV and presentation carts, healthcare equipment, and lab rigs. Rated bearings with published dynamic loads — not the unrated furniture casters they are often confused with. Plate, threaded-stem, and grip-ring mounts. Same or next-day ship from our Mansfield, TX facility.

Specified by the CasterHQ in-house engineering team — 125+ years combined caster industry experience. Spec validation, load calc, and mount verification: 844-439-4335.

75 to 300 lb Per Caster 8 Mount Configurations 6 Wheel Materials Rated Bearings & Dynamic Loads 99% Same or Next-Day Ship

Fits as a drop-in replacement for:

Colson 2 Series
Colson 1 Series
Faultless 80 Series
Stevens 32 Series
Hamilton W Series
Algood ALG Series
Shepherd Regent
Pemco WW Series

Select by Capacity & Mount Type

What Are Light Duty Casters

Light Duty Casters: Plate, Stem & Specialty Options

Light duty casters are swivel or rigid wheels rated 75–350 lbs per caster, built for office chairs, hospital carts, retail displays, hospitality equipment, and light industrial workstations. CasterHQ stocks 1,400+ light duty models in plate, stem, grip-ring, and expanding-adapter mounts with 2" to 5" wheels in rubber, polyurethane, nylon, and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) — same-day shipping from our U.S. warehouse network backed by $100M+ in inventory.

Capacity: 75–350 lbs per caster (4-caster set up to 1,400 lbs total)
Best for: Office chairs, hospital carts, retail displays, service carts, hotel luggage racks
Ships: Same day on in-stock SKUs · Same-day shipping on 1,400+ in-stock SKUs

Jordan Wilson

Industrial Caster Specialist | 15+ Years in Caster Engineering

Access to $100M+ in-stock U.S. caster inventory

Application Engineers On Staff · ISO-Certified Facility · Trusted by 50,000+ Businesses Nationwide

350 lbs

Max Per-Caster Capacity

5″

Max Wheel Diameter

50,000+

Businesses Served Nationwide

Choose Light Duty Casters If...

Your load is under 350 lbs per caster — office chairs, furniture, display racks, light utility carts, medical instrument stands
Floor protection matters — hardwood, tile, laminate, or polished concrete where non-marking rubber or TPR wheels prevent scratches and scuffs
Quiet operation is required — healthcare settings, libraries, offices, and hospitality environments where noise must be minimized
Multiple mount options are needed — threaded stem for chairs, grip ring for furniture legs, expanding adapter for tubular frames, top plate for carts

Office Retail Healthcare Hospitality Food Service — 50,000+ businesses equipped nationwide

How Much Weight Can a Light Duty Caster Hold?

Light duty casters support 50 to 350 lbs per caster. A standard 4-caster office chair setup handling 250 lbs total needs casters rated at minimum 95 lbs each (250 ÷ 3 × 1.15 safety factor). CasterHQ stocks over 200 light duty configurations with same-day shipping.

The ÷3 formula (instead of ÷4) accounts for the reality that on uneven surfaces one caster temporarily lifts, redistributing its load across the remaining three.

What Are the Best Light Duty Casters for Hardwood Floors?

Polyurethane and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) casters are the top choices for hardwood floors. Both are non-marking, roll quietly, and protect wood surfaces from scratches. Choose polyurethane for heavier loads up to 350 lbs; choose TPR for lighter furniture under 200 lbs where softer rolling is preferred.

Which Light Duty Caster Wheel Material Is Best for My Application?

Polyurethane handles hard floors and moderate loads up to 350 lbs. TPR rubber excels on hardwood with quiet, non-marking performance. Phenolic resin withstands heat to 300°F for bakeries and kitchens. Nylon is chemical-resistant for labs and washdown environments. Gray iron suits heavy rolling on concrete in industrial settings.

What Size Light Duty Caster Do I Need?

For carpet and uneven floors, use 3–5 inch wheels for easier rolling. For hard flat surfaces like tile or concrete, 2–3 inch wheels work well. Larger diameters roll over obstacles and door thresholds more easily. Match plate size to your equipment’s mounting holes: 2-3/8″ x 3-5/8″ is the most common light duty plate.

ENGINEERING RULE OF THUMB

Per-Caster Rating = Total Weight ÷ (N−1 casters) × 1.15 safety factor

For a 200 lb office chair with 5 casters: 200 ÷ 4 × 1.15 = 58 lbs minimum per caster. The N−1 method assumes one caster lifts on uneven carpet or transitions. For carts on hard floors, a 4-caster setup with 300 lbs total: 300 ÷ 3 × 1.15 = 115 lbs per caster minimum.

PRODUCT INTELLIGENCE

Quick SpecsSizes, capacities, and mount options at a glance

Specification	Value
Wheel Diameter	2" – 5"
Load Capacity	Up to 350 lbs/caster
Wheel Materials	Rubber, Polyurethane, TPR, Nylon
Tread Width	3/4" – 1-1/4"
Mount Types	Top Plate, Stem, Grip Ring, Expanding
Plate Sizes	2-3/8"x3-5/8" & 3-1/8"x4-1/8"
Bearing Type	Plain, Ball, Precision Ball
Brake Options	Side Lock, Total Lock, Top Lock

Pro Tip: For office chairs on hardwood floors, choose polyurethane or rubber wheels — they protect flooring and roll more quietly than hard nylon. Upgrade from standard twin-wheel casters to single-wheel casters for smoother rolling.

Application GuideWhere these casters work best and which wheel to choose

Office & Workspace

Desk chairs, file cabinets, printer stands, mobile pedestals — polyurethane or TPR recommended because they protect hard floors and roll quietly in noise-sensitive offices

Furniture & Residential

Sofas, ottomans, kitchen islands, bed frames — rubber or soft tread because they distribute weight without denting hardwood or scratching tile

Healthcare & Medical

Instrument carts, IV poles, exam stools, bedside tables — quiet TPR wheels ideal because patient environments demand near-silent mobility and non-marking treads

Retail & Hospitality

Display fixtures, garment racks, service carts, luggage carts — versatile mount options because retail environments need frequent reconfiguration with minimal floor damage

Light Duty vs. Medium Heavy Duty — Head to HeadSide-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tier

Feature	Light Duty	Medium Heavy Duty
Load Range	★ Up to 350 lbs	350–1,200 lbs
Wheel Materials	★ Rubber, Poly, TPR, Nylon	Polyurethane, Phenolic, Steel
Floor Protection	★ Excellent (soft tread)	Good (harder wheels)
Noise Level	★ Very Quiet	Moderate
Mount Options	★ Plate, Stem, Grip Ring, Expanding	Plate, Stem
Best For	★ Office, furniture, retail, healthcare	Carts, dollies, light industrial

Selection Tips from Our TeamPractical advice for choosing the right caster

1Match wheel material to your floor. Rubber and TPR protect hardwood and tile. Polyurethane is the all-around performer on hard surfaces. Nylon works on carpet but can mark hard floors.

2Bigger wheels roll easier. A 4" or 5" wheel requires significantly less push force than a 2" wheel — especially on carpet or uneven surfaces. Size up when ergonomics matter.

3Lock it down where it counts. Total-lock brakes stop both the wheel and swivel for stationary equipment. Side brakes are sufficient for furniture. Always specify brakes for medical carts.

4Measure your stem or plate before ordering. Light duty casters come in multiple stem sizes (3/8"-16, 1/2"-13, 7/16"x7/8" grip ring) and plate sizes. Confirm your existing dimensions to ensure a drop-in replacement.

FAQsQuick answers to the most common questions

What qualifies as a light duty caster?

Any caster rated up to 350 lbs per unit. Light duty casters typically feature 2"–5" wheels in rubber, polyurethane, TPR, or nylon and are designed for furniture, office equipment, displays, and light carts in commercial and residential settings.

Which wheel material is best for hardwood floors?

Polyurethane and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are the best choices for hardwood. Both are non-marking, floor-friendly, and roll quietly. Rubber works well too but can leave marks on certain finishes. Avoid hard nylon on wood floors.

What's the difference between grip ring and threaded stem?

Grip ring stems snap into a socket and are semi-permanent — common on furniture legs and chairs. Threaded stems screw into a threaded hole and are easily removable. Check your existing mount type before ordering replacements.

Can I use light duty casters on carpet?

Yes. Choose larger wheel diameters (3"–5") for carpet — they roll over fibers more easily than small wheels. Polyurethane and nylon wheels perform best on carpet. For office chairs, consider upgrading to rollerblade-style casters.

Do you stock light duty casters with brakes?

Yes. CasterHQ stocks light duty casters with side-lock brakes, total-lock brakes, and top-lock brakes across all mount types. Brakes are available on most wheel sizes from 2" to 5". Most are in stock and ship same day.

When Light Duty Casters Are NOT the Right Choice

Loads over 400 lbs per caster — Light duty frames and bearings will fail prematurely. Step up to Medium Heavy Duty Casters (rated 1,200–2,500 lbs).
Outdoor rough terrain (gravel, grass, docks) — Small hard wheels get stuck. Use Pneumatic Casters with air-filled or foam-filled tires instead.
High-heat environments above 250°F — Standard rubber and polyurethane soften and deform. Specify High Temperature Casters with phenolic or glass-filled nylon wheels.
24/7 heavy industrial rolling — Light duty bearings aren’t built for continuous use under load. For warehouses and manufacturing, choose Heavy Duty Casters with sealed precision bearings.

Guide: How to Choose the Right Caster Wheel Guide: Polyurethane vs Rubber Caster Wheels

ENGINEERING RESOURCES

CasterSpec™ Load Calculator Caster Selection & Engineering Hub Engineering Specifications Push/Pull Force Calculator

RELATED CATEGORIES

Medium Heavy Duty Casters Chair & Furniture Casters Threaded Stem Casters Grip Ring Stem Casters 2-3/8" x 3-5/8" Plate Casters High Temp Casters

Not sure which light duty casters fits your application?

Our team has equipped 50,000+ businesses with the right casters from over $100 million in U.S. warehouse inventory. Tell us your application and we'll match you in minutes.

"CasterHQ helped us replace every caster in our facility in under 10 minutes on the phone. Perfect fit, zero hassle." — Facility Manager, Regional Industrial Network

Engineer Tip: 4 Light-Duty Selection Mistakes We See Weekly

Furniture-grade casters on rated carts. Big-box furniture casters carry static ratings only. A 75–300 lb rated caster is tested for rolling loads — that is the entire reason this category exists.
Guessing the grip-ring stem size. A 7/16" x 7/8" stem in a worn 1/2" socket walks out under load. Measure the socket, not the old stem.
Hard nylon on hardwood. Nylon rolls easy but dents soft floors. Spec soft thermo rubber or polyurethane — tread hardness is specified by durometer per ASTM D2240; stay under ~80 Shore A on hardwood.
Soft rubber above 250 lb. Soft treads flat-spot when parked loaded. Above 250 lb per caster, step up to polyurethane.

Based on CasterHQ engineering field data across light-duty cart, fixture, and institutional installations.

How CasterHQ Selects Light-Duty Casters

Every light-duty caster we stock carries a verified dynamic load rating — "rated, not furniture" is a stocking rule, not a slogan. We cross-check manufacturer ratings published to the ICWM performance standard for casters and wheels before a SKU earns shelf space in Mansfield, TX.

Dynamic ratings only. If a caster only publishes a static rating, it does not enter this collection.
Stem retention checks. Grip-ring and threaded stems get verified against socket spec — the #1 light-duty failure point we see in the field.
Floor-first tread guidance. Selection guidance maps durometer to floor type so hardwood, LVT, and epoxy installs do not learn the hard way.
Compliance-aware. Cart and fixture guidance aligns with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.176 materials-handling requirements.

Jordan Wilson

President & Owner, CasterHQ · 15+ years industrial caster engineering

Updated: June 12, 2026

Continue your build · related caster collections

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Updated: June 12, 2026 · Last reviewed by Jordan Wilson · Specs verified June 2026 · Updated monthly by CasterHQ engineering

BHP: 1-3/4″ × 2-7/8″, slotted to 3″

BHP: 1-3/4″ × 2-15/16″ slotted to 2-3/8″ × 3-3/8″

BHP: 2-5/8” X 3-5/8” (Slotted to 3” x 3”)

BHP: 2-7/16" x 4-15/16" slotted to 3-3/8" x 5-1/4"

(3″ Wide Casters), Industry-Standard

BHP: 3-3/8" x 5-1/4" slotted to 4-1/8" x 6-1/8"

BHP: 4-1/8" x 6" slotted to 4-1/2" x 6-1/8"

View All • 21 Plate Sizes

Plate Casters

Stem Casters

Stainless Casters

Ergonomic Casters

Leveling Casters

Light Duty Casters · 2"–7" · 75–1,400 lb · Polyurethane & Rubber

Shop by wheel material

Light Duty Casters: buying guide

Select by Capacity & Mount Type

2-3/8" x 3-5/8" Plate

3-1/8" x 4-1/8" Plate

Threaded Stem

Grip-Ring Stem

Expanding Stem

Stainless Plate

High-Temp Casters

Chair & Furniture