The below capacity ranges indicate the working (dynamic) load that each caster will support. A safety factor should be included in your formula to determine your required load rating per caster.
W/(C-1)=R W is total weight needed to move. C is total number of casters required. R is ideal load rating, with safety factor built in. Divide the total load weight by one less caster than you will use to safely determine load rating.
Plate dimensions shown are overall mounting plate size. When replacing existing casters, select the closest plate size and verify bolt-hole compatibility. BHP = Bolt Hole Pattern, shown under each plate.
Polyurethane threaded stem casters mount via a threaded shaft that screws into a tapped hole or weld nut on the equipment frame. The standard mount for institutional furniture, OEM machinery, medical carts, and any equipment with factory-drilled and tapped receivers. CasterHQ stocks 31 polyurethane threaded stem configurations across 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", and 5/8" thread sizes.
ISO 9001:2015 Facility
·
50,000+ Businesses Served
·
Application Engineers On Staff
·
Net 30 Terms Available
Configurations
31
Polyurethane threaded stem styles
Load Range
75–1,400 lb
Per threaded stem caster
Thread Sizes
4 std.
3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 5/8 UNC
Ships Same Day
94%
In-stock orders by 3pm CST
JW
Reviewed by Jordan Wilson · Industrial Caster Specialist
Content last verified April 2026 · 15+ years caster engineering · CasterHQ Engineering Team
Most modern office and institutional receivers use 7/16"-14 UNC, 1" length. Heavier industrial casters use 1/2"-13 UNC. The largest commercial stem is 5/8"-11 for heavy machinery. Verify with a pitch gauge before ordering — 7/16"-14 vs 7/16"-20 look identical but strip the receiver on the first install.
02Should I use thread-locker?
Yes — rotating load vibration backs out threaded stems over time. Use blue Loctite 242 (medium strength) on industrial casters. Don't use red (permanent) on casters that may need replacement. Thread-locker is industry standard practice for any cart with vibration exposure (warehouse, manufacturing, vehicle service).
03Can I get threaded stem with brake?
Yes — side-lock brake is available on most threaded stem configurations. Total-lock is harder on stem casters because the lock mechanism needs space around the swivel race. Total-lock available on heavier 1/2" and 5/8" stem casters; not on 3/8" or 7/16" light-duty.
Full Specifications Overview+
Thread sizes: 3/8″-16, 7/16″-14, 1/2″-13, 5/8″-11 UNC standard
Stem lengths: 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″, 2″ standard; custom available
Load range: 75 lb (light) to 1,400 lb (heavy industrial)
Wheel diameters: 2″ through 6″
Polyurethane durometer: 75A to 90A Shore A
Bearings: precision ball (standard); plain bushing on light institutional
Finish: zinc-plated standard; stainless and chrome available
Engineer Tips — Threaded Stem Selection+
Verify thread pitch BEFORE ordering. 7/16″-14 vs 7/16″-20 strips receivers on first install. Use a pitch gauge.
Apply blue Loctite 242 on every install. Vibration walks threaded stems loose over months of use.
Match stem length to receiver depth. Stem too short = no thread engagement; too long = bottoms out before seating.
Use Grade 5 stems above 600 lb load. Lower grades thread-strip under impact.
Consider 1/2″-13 for any new spec above 500 lb. 7/16″ stems become marginal at higher loads.
Frequently Asked Questions+
Most common stem size for office and institutional? 7/16″-14 UNC × 1″ length — global industry standard since 1985.
Custom stem sizes? Yes, on minimums of 100+ units with 3-4 week lead. Metric (M10, M12) also available.
Divide total cart weight by 3 (not 4) because uneven floors cause one caster to temporarily lift, redistributing load to the remaining three. Multiply by 1.25 for dynamic impact (rolling onto floor seams, dock plates, thresholds). Example: a 1,500 lb cart needs casters rated ≥ 625 lb each (1,500 ÷ 3 × 1.25).
Replacing existing threaded stem?
Send photos, measurements, or the old caster. Our engineers find the exact match.
Needed 850 replacement office chair casters across 12 facility locations on short notice. CasterHQ shipped exact 7/16-inch threaded match in 48 hours, standardized our maintenance line on one SKU. Zero failures 14 months in.
