How To Repair An Office Chair That Lowers By Itself

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How To Repair An Office Chair That Lowers By Itself
How To Repair An Office Chair That Lowers By Itself
Anonim

Office armchairs use a pneumatic cylinder that controls the seat height thanks to compressed air. The cylinder fails on almost all models after a few years, usually because the seals are too damaged to maintain pressure. You can purchase a replacement cylinder to restore the chair's full functionality, but this is usually as expensive as buying a new model. Alternatively, you can try these simple DIY methods to secure the seat at a comfortable height.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Use a hose clamp

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 1
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 1

Step 1. Slide the plastic cover off the cylinder

Almost all office chairs have a plastic tube above the extendable cylinder. Slide it all the way up or down so you can see the metal cylinder below.

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 2
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 2

Step 2. Set the chair to the desired height

You won't be able to adjust the seat after this repair, so be sure to experiment. When standing, the seat should be aligned with the knees.

  • If the chair does not maintain its height even if you do not sit down, put it on the floor.
  • If the plastic covers the cylinder at the desired height, you need to remove it. To do this, turn the chair over, push the retaining clip at the base with a screwdriver and remove the wheels, then the plastic cover. Then put the wheels back on.
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 3
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 3

Step 3. Wrap a hose clamp around the cylinder

Purchase a 2cm cable tie from the hardware store. Loosen the screw and free one end of the band. Wrap it around the metal cylinder, but don't fasten it for now.

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 4
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 4

Step 4. Improve the grip of the band (recommended)

The strap must be very tight to hold the seat at the desired height. Create an easier-to-grip surface by wrapping a strip of rubber or a couple of layers of masking tape around the cylinder. Do this at the highest visible point of the cylinder.

  • Alternatively, sand the same section of the cylinder with sandpaper.
  • If the cylinder looks dirty or greasy, clean it.
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 5
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 5

Step 5. Tighten the zip tie as much as possible

Slide it to the top of the cylinder. Check that the seat is at the desired height. Pull the band and secure it by tightening the screw.

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 6
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 6

Step 6. Test the chair

The seat should now not slide under the strap. However, the pressure adjustment system will not work. If the seat is not at the desired height, move the strap higher or lower.

If the strap slips, tighten it over a rubber strip to improve adhesion or try the PVC pipe method described below

Method 2 of 2: Use a PVC pipe

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 7
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 7

Step 1. Measure the chair cylinder

Remove the plastic cover that protects the extendable metal tube. Estimate the diameter of the cylinder by holding a ruler perpendicular to its vertical axis. Also, measure the length when the seat is at the desired height.

You don't need exact measurements, but you can calculate the diameter based on the circumference if you prefer to be precise

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 8
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 8

Step 2. Purchase a section of PVC pipe

You will need to install it over the pneumatic cylinder of the chair, so it should be the same diameter or slightly wider. The 4 cm tubes are suitable for most models. Purchase enough tube section to reach from the base to the chair seat when the chair is at the desired height.

  • The pipe does not have to consist of a single section. It may be easier to work with small pieces, but you can also cut PVC yourself at home.
  • Some people have used a tall stack of shower rings instead of a PVC pipe. These are even cheaper and easy to install materials, but they may not be strong enough to support your weight. Try this method at your own risk.
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 9
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 9

Step 3. Saw the long side of the PVC pipe

Secure it with a vise. Use a saw to cut it from side to side, but only from one side. The end result will be a tube with one cut, not two halves.

  • It is recommended to wear a mask or respirator when cutting the PVC, so as not to inhale the irritating particles.
  • If you don't have a vise or cutting tools, leave the tube intact and remove the chair wheels so you can slide it over the metal cylinder. In most cases, you can disassemble the base by pressing a retaining clip under the chair with a screwdriver.
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 10
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 10

Step 4. Put the tube over the chair cylinder

Pull the plastic cover up or down to reveal the pneumatic cylinder. Push the cut side of the PVC against the metal so that it opens and closes over the cylinder. It should hold the seat in place, preventing it from sliding.

If you can't install the pipe, cut it into shorter pieces and try again

Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 11
Fix a Sinking Desk Chair Step 11

Step 5. Add more sections of tube to adjust the chair height

If the seat is too low, raise it and install another piece of pipe. You won't be able to lower the seat without removing the PVC, so make sure you reach the ideal height.

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