Chair Feet FAQ

Always use the outside measurement when determining the size of your fittings.

In the UK, most chair feet are imperial, not metric, so with older chair and tables, use imperial measurements to the nearest 1/8″

Chair Feet – Frequently Asked Questions

Chair Feet UK

How do I measure my chair feet?

To measure the feet of a chair, you will need a tape measure. Place the chair on a flat surface and measure the length and width of each foot. Make sure to measure from the widest points and to the farthest point of each foot. Record the measurements and use them when purchasing replacement feet or when trying to find a suitable floor protector.

Our chair feet are measured by tube diameter, or outside width with the square ones. The internal size is always smaller than the tube size, usually by 1/8″, so we always go by the outside measurements of the tube. Always include the width of the metal in the measurement. Also in the UK we use imperial measurements, not metric. The most common sizes are 3/4″ to 1 inch, though we supply smaller and much larger fittings too.

My new feet are wearing down quickly!

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your chair feet from wearing down quickly:

  1. Use chair mats: These protect the floor from the chair’s feet and also reduce the amount of friction between the chair and the floor.
  2. Rotate the chair: If you use the chair in the same spot all the time, the feet in that spot will wear down more quickly. Rotating the chair can help distribute the wear more evenly.
  3. Check the feet for damage: If the chair feet are damaged, they may be more prone to wearing down quickly. Check for any cracks or other damage and replace the feet if necessary.
  4. Check the weight and size of the chair: A heavy chair or one with large feet will put more stress on the floor, so if you’re noticing quick wear and tear, it might be worth considering a lighter or smaller chair.
  5. Ensure the chair is level: If the chair is not level, it will put more stress on certain feet. Make sure that the chair is adjusted so that it sits level on the floor.

Before fitting the new chair or table feet, we also recommend that you file the chair leg to remove any sharp edges – this will help the new chair feet last longer and stop them from splitting.
We only supply heavy-duty fittings anyway, but still it all helps…

When is the best time to replace my chair feet?

The best time to replace your chair feet will depend on the specific condition of the feet and the usage of the chair. In general, chair feet should be inspected regularly, at least once or twice a year, and replaced if they show signs of wear and tear or damage. Some signs that it may be time to replace your chair feet include:

  1. Worn down tips or ends: If the tips or ends of the chair feet are worn down, they will not be able to provide the same level of support and protection for the floor.
  2. Cracks or breaks: If the chair feet are cracked or broken, they will not be able to provide the same level of support and protection for the floor.
  3. Scratches or dents on the floor: If you notice scratches or dents on the floor in the areas where the chair is used, it’s possible that the chair feet are worn and need to be replaced.
  4. Uneven wear: If you notice that certain feet are worn down more than others, it’s likely that they need to be replaced.
  5. Unleveled: If the chair is not level and you see that one or more feet are worn down more than the others, it’s likely that they need to be replaced.

It is important to replace the chair feet as soon as possible when you notice any of these signs. This will ensure that your chair is stable and safe to use, and will also help protect your flooring from damage.

Replace feet earlier rather than later – to protect your floors, we recommend that chair feet and table feet should be replaced when the original item is half worn.

Which is the best type of replacement chair foot?

The best type of replacement chair foot will depend on the specific needs of your chair and the type of flooring it will be used on. Here are a few types of replacement chair feet that are commonly used:

  1. Rubber feet: Rubber feet are a popular choice because they are durable and provide good traction on most types of flooring. They also offer good protection for the floor and are relatively inexpensive.
  2. Felt feet: Felt feet are a good choice for hardwood or other delicate flooring because they are soft and less likely to scratch or damage the floor. They are also quieter than some other types of feet.
  3. Glides: Glides are a type of chair foot that is designed to slide easily on the floor. They are commonly used for chairs that will be moved frequently, such as office chairs.
  4. Casters: Casters are wheels that are attached to the bottom of a chair leg. They are commonly used for chairs that will be moved frequently, such as office chairs or wheeled chairs.
  5. Furniture pads: Furniture pads are small, round pads that are placed on the bottom of chair feet. They are designed to protect hardwood, tile, and other hard flooring from scratches and scuffs.

Ultimately, the best type of replacement chair foot will depend on the type of chair you have, the type of flooring in the area where it will be used, and the way you’ll use the chair. It’s important to consider all these factors when choosing replacement chair feet.

External (outside fitting) heavy duty chair tips are the preferred design for easy application and durability – they also cover unsightly marks at the bottom of the chair or table leg.
With square fittings we recommend inserts, as they have shown over time to last longer.

Help! My new chair feet fall off, or won’t even go on!

The chances are that you’ve ordered the wrong size. Please call us to arrange replacements. The correct feet should be able to be tapped into place, not bashed with a hammer.

If your new chair feet are falling off or won’t even go on, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue:

  1. Make sure the feet are the correct size: If the feet you bought are too small or too large, they may not fit properly. Measure the size of the existing feet and compare it to the size of the replacement feet to ensure they are the same.
  2. Check the threading: Make sure that the threads on the replacement feet match the threads on the chair legs. If the threads don’t match, the feet may not screw on properly.
  3. Use a little bit of lubricant: Sometimes, the threads of the chair legs can become corroded and hard to screw on. Applying a bit of lubricant, such as a light oil or silicone lubricant, can help make it easier to attach the new feet.
  4. Inspect the chair legs: Check the chair legs for any damage or deformities, such as dents, rust, or bends, that may prevent the feet to stay on.
  5. Tighten the feet properly: Make sure the feet are tightened properly. Over tightening can cause the feet to strip the threads and make it difficult to keep them on.
  6. Check the manufacturer instructions: Make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the new feet.

If you are still not able to attach the new feet or they keep falling off, you may have to contact the manufacturer or the seller for assistance. It is also possible that you have received a defective product, so you should check if the product has a warranty.

Which style and size do I need to order?

If your chair or table feet need replacing but you are not sure of the correct style or size you need, you can send us a sample of your old chair or table foot or tip through the post, and we will match it to the correct new item.