Repair or Replacement of Broken Office Chair Casters

If the casters on your office chair are broken, you can repair or replace them following these steps:

1. Inspect the Damage
   Place the chair upright and observe whether each caster makes even contact with the ground, checking for any tilting. Then, turn the chair upside down and carefully examine each caster for signs of bending, deformation, or cracking. If only some casters are damaged, note their positions for targeted handling later.

2. Purchase Matching New Casters
   Buying individual casters can be challenging, so it's recommended to purchase a complete set. You can obtain matching models in two ways:

• Contact the Manufacturer: Provide the chair model and order original matching casters to ensure the axle shape and size are identical to the original components.
• Offline Matching: After removing an old caster, take it to an office supplies store and select a compatible replacement set based on the axle's diameter, length, and connection method (e.g., snap-on or screw-fixed).
  Special Scenario Recommendation: If your office has tiled or wooden floors, hard plastic casters may crack due to long-term weight bearing. In such cases, prioritize rubber swivel casters. Their high-elastic rubber material is wear-resistant and provides shock absorption, rolling almost silently with smooth 360° rotation, suitable for most executive chairs and swivel chair bases.

3. Remove Old Casters
   Choose the removal method based on the fixing type:

• Snap-On Type: Hold the caster with one hand and the chair base with the other, then pull outward firmly. The caster may pop out directly. If the pulling force is insufficient, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the small gap between the caster and the chair as a lever, gently moving it back and forth to pull the caster stem out about 1 cm before pulling again.
• Screw-Fixed Type: If a screw head is visible where the caster connects to the chair, use a screwdriver to turn it counterclockwise and loosen the screw, then remove the caster.

4. Install New Casters

• Lubrication: Apply a small amount of spray lubricant (e.g., WD-40) to each chair base socket. Insert the straw into the nozzle, insert it into the socket, and spray quickly for half a second. If no lubricant is available, apply a pea-sized amount of Vaseline to the caster axle to reduce installation resistance.
• Tap to Secure: Align the caster stem with the base socket using a rubber mallet. First, push gently by hand to confirm the position. If not securely in place, tap lightly near the base of the caster stem with the rubber mallet (avoid hitting the caster body) until the stem is fully inserted into the base, preventing deformation or breakage of the new caster.

5. Test the New Casters
   Turn the chair upside down and sit on it, then move slowly to observe whether it rolls smoothly. If the chair still tilts to one side, further inspect the seat plate for deformation or damage. If necessary, contact a professional repair technician for handling.