Are you having trouble with your swivel chair? From broken gas cylinders to casters that won’t swivel, there are a variety of common problems people experience with their office chairs. Fortunately, repairing these issues yourself without professional help is usually possible. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common problems with swivel chairs and how to fix them.
Broken Gas Cylinder
The gas cylinder on a swivel chair is a component that allows the user to adjust the seat height. This is especially important in shared spaces such as an office, as every user may need to change the chair to a different height for optimal comfort. This piece uses a lever, usually on the bottom of the chair. It contains pressurized air, allowing users to raise and lower the seat.
It can be frustrating if your chair no longer moves up and down. This problem is even more irritating if the chair abruptly falls too low or rises too high as you adjust it. If you find that you cannot alter your chair’s height due to resistance from the cylinder, this could also indicate that something is wrong with it.
How To Replace Gas Cylinders
Replacing a gas cylinder on a swivel chair is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to keep the chair safe and secure.
To begin, lay the swivel chair on its side, giving you clear access to the base. Work on a flat surface, such as a floor or workbench. Next, unscrew the gas cylinder from the base using a pipe wrench. When doing this, keep track of each component you remove so you don’t lose pieces of your chair.
Once you’ve removed the components, take your new gas cylinder and carefully place it into the proper spot in your swivel chair’s frame. Tighten the cylinder securely using your pipe wrench before reassembling all the other pieces. Place each component back in its proper position and verify everything is secure before sitting in your newly repaired swivel chair to test its ability to raise and lower correctly.
The Chair Won’t Roll
When a swivel chair no longer rolls on its wheels, it fails to perform a key function. Often, this occurs due to a combination of wear and tear on the chair’s internal mechanisms and improper chair tension. As the chair gets older, its mechanisms become worn down, especially if you use it daily. Using the chair improperly, such as exceeding its weight limits, can also stress this component.
How To Replace Broken Casters
Luckily, replacing the casters of a broken swivel chair is not a difficult task. Start by laying out the chair on a flat, clean surface. Then, take a moment to inspect each wheel for rust or dirt buildup since this can affect how well the casters sit in place.
Next, carefully remove the base of the chair and set it aside. Unscrew the old casters to remove them and install the new ones. Be careful not to make them too tight, making it difficult or impossible to swivel in the chair. Once you’ve replaced all the casters, put the chair back together and test how well it swivels.
Pro Tip
You should check your chair casters once a month and tighten them if they appear too loose. This keeps your chair in great condition and reduces the risk of needing to replace it sooner than expected.
The Chair Won’t Recline
Many of us like to push back and recline in our swivel chairs to relax at our desks. However, when you lean back and nothing happens, you’re not just frustrated but also uncomfortable.
Often, swivel chairs fail to recline if the tension knob is too tight or when the recliner spring breaks.
How To Repair the Recline Knob
Before replacing any pieces of your chair, check the tension knob. Often this is on the backrest; if not, check the base of your chair. Turn the knob counterclockwise, then see if the chair reclines.
If changing the tension doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to replace your recliner’s spring. To do this, remove the base of your chair so you can view it. Remove and replace it if it looks misshapen or broken, then put the chair back together.
Bonus Tips for Fixing Your Chair
Most of us use our office chairs daily, and ensuring they work properly is important for comfort. The best ways to fix your chair are by shopping for quality replacement parts and asking for assistance when needed.
Shopping for Quality Replacement Parts
Knowing the common problems with swivel chairs and how to fix them is as important as using the best pieces to improve them. Quality parts ensure your chair functions better than before and will last longer. In turn, this prevents you from having to replace the chair entirely. Instead, you can make repairs to hold onto your office chair for years.
As you shop, ensure you purchase replacement parts of the same size and weight as the originals. This ensures that the chair is properly supported and balanced to prevent further damage or potential injury when using the chair.
Shop at Abacus Swivel Chair Parts
At Abacus Swivel Chair Parts, you can buy various replacement office chair parts to fix or upgrade your chairs. We’ve worked in the industry for years and can help you find the pieces you need and answer any questions about installation.
Understand the Project
Before buying replacement parts or disassembling your swivel chair, ensure you know what to do. Review online guides such as videos for tutorials on how to fix the problem with your chair. This ensures you go into things with a clear understanding of what you’ll need to do to prevent further damage to the chair and its mechanisms.
Contact Abacus Swivel Chair Parts if you have questions about a specific product or how to repair your chair. We’re always happy to share our industry knowledge with customers so they can make the needed office chair repairs.