If your office chair squeaks, sticks, drags across the carpet or leaves marks on your wooden floor, the problem is almost always the wheels, not the chair. Swapping them is one of the quickest, cheapest upgrades you can make to your workspace.
Signs it's time for new wheels
Wheels that stop rolling or only turn in one direction, a chair that skids rather than rolls, flat spots or cracks on the tread, hair and fluff wound tightly round the axle, and scratches or dents appearing on hard floors.
Step 1: Check your stem size
Most office chair castors use a push-in grip-ring stem, and the most common size is 11mm diameter by 22mm long. Some chairs use 10mm stems instead, so it's worth measuring one of your existing wheels before you order.
Step 2: Remove the old castors
Turn the chair upside down on a soft surface. Grip each wheel firmly and pull it straight out of the base. If it's stubborn, wiggle it side to side as you pull, or slide a flat-head screwdriver between the wheel and the base and lever gently. A spray of silicone lubricant around the stem can help.
Step 3: Push in the new ones
Line the stem up with the socket and push firmly until it clicks. If it needs extra encouragement, stand the chair upright and sit down on it: your weight will seat each wheel fully. Give each one a tug to check it's secure.
Choosing the right wheel for your floor
| Floor | Best wheel |
|---|---|
| Wood, laminate, vinyl, tiles | Soft rubber or polyurethane tread: quiet, grippy and floor-friendly |
| Carpet | Harder wheels roll more easily and don't sink into the pile |
| Mixed floors | Polyurethane: the best all-rounder |
Bonus tip: many people buy a chair mat to protect their floor. The right soft-tread castors can do the same job, without the mat sliding around or curling at the edges.
Give your chair a new lease of life
Smooth, quiet replacement castors, backed by our Lifetime Warranty.
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