Need Threaded 3/8" to 1/4" Stem Reducer for Casters

[M. L.]

I have chrome shelving kit pipes with 3/8" threads that I'd like to use for inserting casters instead of the levelers it comes with. I have some

1/4" thread casters lying around and would like to find a way to use them with the 3/8" threading. Is there such a thing as a 3/8" to 1/4" threaded reducer for casters? TIA.

[trader_4]

IDK, I googled a bit and all I found were reducing bushings for pipe threads. Never saw one for bolt threads either.

[dpb]

Look for 3/8 to 1/4 tripod thread adapter...they've fairly common for camera tripods.

[Bob F]

You might find a "thread insert" somewhere that does it.

[gfretwell]

If he wasn't set on using the ones he has, 3/8" casters are not that expensive. I don't think I would screw around with something that can get as heavy as a shelving unit can. If he never wanted to take the casters off I suppose he could pack the hole with JB Weld. Be sure to work some in the threads of the caster too. Just be sure the casters are straight before it cures.

[Terry Coombs]

  He just needs to pop for some 3/8" shank casters . There's not enough difference in diameter to cut threads both on the inside and outside . JBWeld might work if he can keep it from running out the other end .

[gfretwell]

I bet if you cut some paper washers the top of the caster would hold the JB up there until it cured, with the casters down on the ground. The only issue is they might tilt on you if you can't block up the shelves to the right height so there is minimal load on them or tie them up with wire.. The extra JB flowing down would fill the cavity quite nicely as long as both surfaces were primed.

[Xeno]

You would find the pitch incorrect then. Far better to just get some correct size, not to mention load capacity, 3/8" castors and wait until you have an appropriate use for the 1/4" castors

[M. L.]

Thanks for the heads-up. The following is what I found:

3/8"-16 male to 1/4"-20 female thread adapter

5 for $0.76/eBay (China)

5 for $3.63/eBay (USA) Unfortunately I jumped the gun and purchased four 3/8" diameter stem casters for $15.99 on eBay. But at least I still have my 1/4" stem casters, and at least I know that stem adapters/inserts are a thing. Thanks to all who replied.

[M. L.]

Yes, that's exactly what I found. I listed the pricing in another thread. Thanks.

[M. L.]

Sorry, didn't intend to mislead. The 3/8" chrome pipes are part of a desk kit, which won't be taking on heavy loads.

I ended up buying four 3/8" casters on eBay for $15.99. But I appreciate the fact that someone actually makes threaded stem reducers. And they're very cheap.

[M. L.]

I found thread inserts to be so cheap that it would have been worth the risk to see if they'd fit. But as you suggested, I ended up buying four

3/8" casters.