How to fix an office chair: step-by-step repair instructions

All experts in office and home furniture, and in particular chairs, claim that most often the adjustment and position mechanism fails. Replacing the gas lift in an office chair is required if the foot does not respond to pressure and the chair is stuck in one position. Of course, it can be repaired, but only a complete replacement is allowed, since repairing certain parts will not bring results.

The advantage is that any office chair can be repaired with your own hands, using photos and videos from the Internet.

Self-disassembly of the product

Every user should know how to repair an office chair. It is not difficult to disassemble the product yourself; basic knowledge about the design is enough for this. Practical dismantling skills may be needed both for repairs and for transporting disassembled furniture. In order to prepare the chair for repair, you must:

Turn the furniture with its back to the wall, carefully stand with your feet on the horizontal crossbar, but do not press on it with force. Gently pull the backrest up, rocking it left and right. Separate the cross and gas lift. Screw all the wheels.

The most critical stage is separating the backrest and seat. Having completed dismantling, it is necessary to collect all the parts in one place so as not to lose anything

If something doesn’t work out, don’t make any physical efforts: plastic parts can easily break from one careless movement

If you want to effortlessly separate the gas lift from the rest of the structure, you can install the seat so that the pneumatic cartridge is at the top. After this, you need to take a hammer and gently hit it on the seat where the backrest is attached. Next, you should repeat the same thing in other places so that the mechanism that raises (lowers) the chair does not jam.

Repairing a computer chair has a clear algorithm. Any office chair, regardless of cost and appearance, has a standard structure. It is clearly visible in the diagram in the operating instructions. The following elements can be distinguished in the design:

A metal or plastic base is a cross, or a base of five rays, shaped like a star.
Plastic rollers with a metal hinge inside. More expensive models have iron wheels.
Pneumatic cartridge. In some operating instructions this part is also called a gas lift.
Rocking mechanism with a straight or slightly offset axis.
Piastres, or height regulator. It is a metal platform equipped with an additional lever.

The most difficult furniture to repair is for executives. These are the most expensive seat modifications with a large number of additional functions. Products intended for personnel are much simpler. The cheapest furniture is made for office visitors. As a rule, it does not last long and cannot be repaired. Instead of a crosspiece, such chairs have four legs, and there is no rotation mechanism.

Self-repair - how possible is it?

If your computer chair lowers itself when you sit down and rises when you rise from it, while the period of raising or lowering can vary from a couple of seconds to a day, this is a sign that gas has escaped from the gas cartridge.

Important! Gas lifts are not subject to any repairs, because their disassembly is quite dangerous for human life.

In this situation, you can fix the chair using improvised means in the required position or change the gas cartridge for a new one.

Important! The price of a gas cartridge is not that high, and it can be purchased at absolutely any specialized store.

So, you have decided to replace the gas cartridge yourself. For this case you will need:

Armchair;
Curly screwdriver;
Rubber hammer;
Metal drift;
A new gas cartridge that will match the length and diameter;
Vise for greater comfort.

Common breakdowns

As noted above, an office chair is a rather complex device and any of its structural elements can fail.

Damage to the cross

The problem with this element may be destruction at the junction of the beams. The material from which the cross is made is important here.

As a rule, the base is a hollow structure into which a polypropylene pipe of suitable size and cross-section can be inserted. It, in turn, must be rigidly fixed to the base and the damaged beam.

In order to dismantle the crosspiece of an office chair, you need:

Remove the rollers. As a rule, they do not have a rigid fixation and are quite simply removed from the mounting sockets. To illustrate the process, it is recommended to watch the video:
Dismantle the piastra. Fastening to the seat is done “on a cone”. Disconnection from the gas elevator is carried out by tapping on the attachment point. The correct process for disassembling an office chair is shown in the video:
Remove the retaining clip located in the recess on the top of the hydraulic lift.
Knock out the gas lift to repair or replace the five-arm.
The process technology and dismantling device are shown in the video:

Destruction of the swing mechanism

If the chair does not hold the “horizon”, then the problem is most likely in the destruction of the swing mechanism.

Fastening to the seat is done with four screws using a shaped screwdriver. The element is dismantled as follows:

The bolts that secure the rocking mechanism from the seat are unscrewed
The gas lift is knocked out of the device mount.

This element is made of metal.

It should be noted that most chairs originating from the Middle Kingdom are not suitable for domestic spare parts. This concerns, first of all, the swing mechanisms (size discrepancy).

Chinese mechanisms: 200 x 200 mm.
Domestic: 200 x 150 mm.

In order not to re-drill holes when replacing an element, we suggest using adapter plates. How it looks assembled can be seen in the figure below.

Air chuck failure

The pneumatic cartridge of the chair is a two-chamber structure filled with air. When you press the adjustment lever, the valve stops the flow of air between the chambers.

If, when pressing on the valve, the gas lift rod does not extend, it means that the integrity of the piston, seal, etc. is compromised.

The dismantling process is described above. To clarify the process, watch the video about replacing the gas cartridge on office chairs:

A fairly common cause of gas lift failure is the bending of the adjustment lever, which does not allow pressing on the cartridge valve. In this case, the repair can be easily carried out independently: you need to bend the lever to its original state.

Causes of failure

Computer chairs, when used correctly, last for many years. In the event of a manufacturing defect in the gas spring, the furniture can be replaced, especially if it has a warranty. But replacing the gas lift, either with your own hands or with the help of professionals, may also be necessary if the product is used incorrectly. Main causes of breakdowns:

Creating an advantage. It is not recommended to sit on one side of the seat; you need to sit in the middle.
Irregular furniture care. It is recommended to lubricate parts at the intervals specified in the instructions for use.
Frequent placement of two people on one chair. The structure can support a weight not exceeding 120 kilograms.

It is not recommended to sit down from a jump or run, otherwise there is a high probability of the gas spring breaking, as a result, you will have to change the gas lift on the office chair, which will entail additional financial costs.

Operating principle of gas lift

What does an office chair consist of?

An office chair, despite its apparent simplicity, is a rather complex product that consists of many components. These include:

Backrest – designed to support the back; it can have different sizes and shapes. The angle between the seat and the backrest is just over 90 degrees and this ensures relaxation of the lower back when the back is thrown back onto the backrest.

Most often, the backrest is equipped with a set of adjustment mechanisms that allow you to adjust the angle of inclination, install it in a certain position, and this will provide additional comfort for using the chair.

Seat – Manufacturers produce several types of chairs. Manufacturers produce the following models:

hard;
semi-soft;
soft.

Each seat may have a different filling. To fill hard seats, straw, wood or metal are used. In semi-soft chairs, polymer materials, such as foam rubber, are often used for filling. In addition to the filler, springs can be installed in the soft seat.

The front edge of the seat has a rounded shape, this ensures normal blood supply to the legs. Most often, manufacturers make seats with a width of 400 to 500 mm, and a depth of 480 mm.

The optimal position of the chair is considered to be the following: the feet are placed on the floor, while the legs are bent at the knees, the angle is 90 degrees. Your hips should be firmly placed on the seat.

Armrests – designed to support the elbows, thus relieving the load from the shoulders, neck and spine. Most often, such chairs are needed by people who work a lot and for a long time at the computer. Lack of armrests leads to fatigue and loss of performance.

Chair manufacturers equip them with customizable armrests. If it is not adjustable, then they guarantee a position where the arms are bent at the elbows at an angle of 90 degrees.

These parts can be attached to the frame of the chair using various methods:

They can be attached directly to the seat. If necessary, they can always be dismantled without compromising the integrity of the chair.
They are attached simultaneously to the back and seat, thus connecting them together.
The armrests are installed in such a way that they connect the seat and backrest, but, in addition, there is an additional metal plate installed. For the most part, they can be removed without damaging the overall structure.

Upholstery – for this purpose, materials with increased wear resistance are most often used. These can be both natural and artificial materials, including the use of leather.

Filling – foam rubber or other polymer materials are used to fill the seats and backs.

Gas lift is a cylinder made of steel and filled with some inactive gas. This device is designed to adjust the height of the chair. It also plays the role of a shock absorber. Gas lifts, sometimes you can find the name gas cartridge. They are divided into long, medium and short. All these units have unified dimensions and are interchangeable.

They are produced either with a chrome plated or painted black. Painted elevators are equipped with a cover.

The crosspiece is the component of the chair that bears the main weight. Bases with a large diameter and five rays are considered optimal. This design is able to provide maximum maneuverability in all directions of movement. Both metal and plastic are used for its manufacture. The key disadvantage of a metal cross is its excess weight.

Rollers - these parts guarantee the mobility of the chair; polymer materials such as nylon or polyurethane are used for their manufacture. There are different designs of rollers, some are designed to move on standard floor coverings, others are designed to move on parquet or laminate.

Manufacturers equip chairs with numerous mechanisms that allow you to adjust the height of the chair and recline the backrest. All of them are designed to provide extremely comfortable conditions for humans.

What is gas lift in an office chair?

Gas lift, the correct name is a gas spring in which the elastic element is not a metal spiral, but compressed air, which is pumped into a metal cylinder and compressed under the pressure of the piston. Gas lift is a term that has taken root in the furniture industry.

Do not confuse gas lift and shock absorber. The latest devices are used in automobiles and other technical devices, and they are designed to dampen vibrations and speed of movement.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting computer chair problems

These tips will help you identify and possibly fix a broken office chair yourself. We are talking about swivel chairs that have a gas lift and a cross with rollers.

Tools that may be needed:

Screwdriver "+"
Screwdriver "-"
Pliers
Hammer
Hexagon
Circular punch
Accessories

It should be noted that there are a large number of different seat mechanisms, and this undoubtedly makes it difficult to find a replacement if a malfunction occurs. Among them there are standard mechanisms that are installed on many models of chairs sold in Russia. You can purchase such a mechanism in some stores in the city that sell chairs and spare parts for them.

If there is a need to replace the crosspiece, it is better to buy a metal one with a larger diameter; it will be more stable. You can also buy a simple plastic cross, it will cost less and is quite durable. When purchasing, pay attention to the diameter of the wheel rod.

There are three types of wheels: simple plastic, rubberized and plastic with a “skirt” (such wheels are used mainly on executive chairs, but in terms of strength and wear resistance they are not much superior to ordinary plastic ones). When purchasing, pay attention to the diameter of the rod, usually they are 11 mm, less often 10 mm.

Video:

“How to remove a gas lift” | "How to make a video"

Problem	Possible breakdowns	What to do	Tips and tricks	Photos
When you sit in the chair, it lowers. And when you get up, it rises. And when I press the lever, nothing happens.	The gas cartridge is faulty. The gas came out.	Gas cartridge needs to be replaced	Although the gas lift is not attached to the mechanism and the crosspiece in any way, it is not very easy to disconnect it for replacement, since over time the junction of the gas lift with the crosspiece becomes so compact that it becomes quite difficult to knock it out. Watch the video, “video section”.
You press the chair lift lever, but it does not rise or fall.	Perhaps the tip of the lever that presses on the gas lift button was bent during transportation or operation, and the pressing occurs past this button.	Disconnect the gas cartridge and mechanism.	Use pliers (if it is a light mechanism) or a hammer (if it is a complex large mechanism) to adjust the lever so that it is in the middle of the hole and can press the gas lift button.
When you sit in a chair, you feel it tilted in one direction or another.	It is not a marriage. The reason is still unknown. There may be a manufacturing error.	Place a spacer between the mechanism and the seat base	You can put a spacer on the two extreme ends, on the side where you feel the tilt. It may be necessary to put it on only one corner if the roll is not large. The gasket can be either several metal rings or a bolt about 6 mm thick.
The seat of the chair rocks a little from side to side	Either the mechanism begins to break at the junction with the gas lift (usually this happens on mechanisms where there are welded parts), or the gas lift rod has become loose.	Replacing a mechanism or gas lift	In any case, you will have to disconnect the connections and replace the gas lift or mechanism. Watch the video, "Video Section".
The back of the operator's chairs is loose, although all the bolts are tightly tightened.	The thread on the screw may be broken, or the plastic casing of the same screw may be broken. The mechanism itself may be broken.	Tighten the bolts if they are not tight. Or replace the back support mechanism or the bolts that secure the spring.	If the thread is broken, then it is enough to replace the screw itself. If the back support mechanism is broken, it is better to replace it, but it is rarely sold anywhere. Sometimes it's better to buy a new chair.
The gas lift begins to fail. At the junction with the cross	When the gas lift presses on the crosspiece, the hole expands under pressure and the crosspiece may crack or the gas lift may drop to the floor.	Replace the crosspiece.	Not all crosses may have this effect. Any five-arm will do, just when purchasing, pay attention to the diameter of the wheel rod. It is better to buy a cross with a larger overall diameter, it will be more stable.
Cracks on the cross	Possibly improper weight distribution on the spider or a manufacturing defect.	Replacing the cross	Remove the five-arm and replace it.
The gas lift piston rod reaches the floor	The locking latch at the bottom of the gas lift has fallen off or broken	Replacing the locking latch or the gas lift itself.	If it falls off, it’s better to put it on. If it breaks, you will have to replace the gas lift. Or take it from a faulty gas cartridge (if there is one).
Powder on the floor under the chair	After prolonged use, the lubricant has dried out and friction needs to be reduced.	Lubricate connections	Buy a lubricant that is used for metal joints.
The chair does not roll well or is tilted on one side. There are traces left on the floor.	The rollers have broken or are not suitable for your flooring. They may need to be cleaned of dirt or wiped.	Replace one or all rollers.	Replace the roller or rollers. If there is a breakdown, you need to remove it and install a new one. If there are marks on the floor, it is better to buy rubberized ones and replace them. Sometimes the rollers simply become clogged with dirt, then simple cleaning will help. Here is a video on “how to replace rollers” .
The upholstery is worn out	Over time, the fabric wears out.	Upholstery replacement	If the chair has simple shapes, then it is possible to replace the upholstery. To do this, you need to buy new fabric in the store, a furniture stapler and reupholster the chair. If the chair has complex upholstery with different stitching. It’s easier to replace the chair or contact a furniture reupholstery company.
The seat, back or armrests have become less soft	Over time, the padding loses its properties and becomes thinner.	Increase padding thickness	To do this, you need to remove the brackets that hold the tension of the upholstery. And through the resulting gap, fill the missing space with foam rubber.
When assembling, the bolt does not tighten	The paths were clogged with garbage. Or during assembly, the bolt was initially screwed in incorrectly.	Cleaning paths, tapping threads	Just clean the hole and then the bolt will screw in easily. If you initially screwed the bolt in at a different angle, the thread might have broken and will need to be re-cut. There are special tools for this that are sold in hardware stores. Mostly, chairs use bolts with a diameter of 6 mm, less often 8 mm. and 20-30 mm long.
Rollers fall out	There is no locking ring on the chair. Wrong rod diameter. The bushing is broken.	Replacing the roller or bushing, if any.	If there is no circlip, remove the wheel and replace it. If the bushing that serves to hold the wheel is broken, then it is easier to buy a new crosspiece, since the bushing is not easy to find on sale.
Loose armrests	Over time, the bolts that hold the armrests have come loose	Tighten the bolts holding the handles	Take a screwdriver and tighten the bolts at the joints. On some chairs, the metal bushings into which the bolts are screwed may fall out or break. Then you will need the help of a specialist, or the purchase of a new chair.
The mechanism creaks	Metal parts rub against each other (a slight squeak is acceptable, but annoying)	Lubricate. Or slightly connect or expand the connection of large metal parts (typical for mechanical top gun)	Here it is better to use some kind of multispray. It has been proven that WD-40 does not always help, and its smell is more pungent. Lubricate the mechanism in the area of the connections. parts, as well as in the spring area. If it is possible to disassemble the mechanism, it would be better to lubricate the already disassembled one. There is one more option. At the junction of large parts of the mechanism, use a hammer or screwdriver to stretch the joints or tap a little with a hammer so that they are closer to each other. This is for top gun type swing mechanisms. In 90 percent of cases this solves the problem.
The tilt mechanism clicks or falls off	The locking mechanism is broken	Change mechanism	The part that holds the chair in an inclined position has several teeth. And over time, if you have the most common position, the teeth wear out, or the entire part breaks off. It is unlikely that you will do it at home, so it is better to replace the mechanism, or sit and not fix it in one position or another.
Chips on the wooden handle	The armrests hit the tabletop or nearby furniture	Seal with suitable materials	If the chip is deep, you can repair it with wood wax; they come in different colors and shades. If you just stripped off the varnish, then painting with stain and then varnish on top will help. It all depends on what materials were used to make the chair. And, of course, try to sit more carefully. But still, this is a problem with all wooden parts. It may be advisable to lower the armrests below the tabletop.

Catalog section:

buy spare parts and accessories for chairs

Useful:

Video - assembly, disassembly

Chair assembly diagrams are available for each chair at the bottom of the page.

Basic mechanisms of office chairs

How to use chair mechanisms

How to sit at your desk correctly

Chair ratings can be found in the articles section, or in the product card of each chair

How to choose an office chair in an online store

Article: “MARRIAGE” section – video

Article: Rubric MARRIAGE cross

Checking the contents

Wheels

Most product models are equipped with special wheels that are mounted on the crosspiece. The diameter of the rollers does not exceed fifty millimeters, and the size of the rods is ten millimeters. Most often, the wheels are supplied separately from the crosspiece and therefore you will have to install them yourself.

If the chair will be placed on parquet or linoleum, it is recommended to buy rubberized casters. They will not damage the surface and will not leave marks on it.

Cross

When checking the package, you need to make sure there is a crosspiece. This is an irreplaceable part on which the rest of the structure is installed.

The crosspiece is made of the following materials:

Wooden. Wood parts are used in expensive office chairs. The advantages of wooden crosses include an attractive appearance and resistance to high loads.
Chrome plated. Such products are considered the most reliable and durable. Chrome parts are versatile, as they are installed in both expensive and budget chairs.
Plastic. Budget chairs are equipped with plastic crosspieces. In terms of strength, they are inferior to products that are made of metal or wood.

Lifting mechanism and casing

The kit should include a special mechanism for raising and lowering the seat. It is installed between the chair support and its cross.

A gas lift is a hydraulic gas device found in every office chair. If it is not included in the package, you will have to contact representatives of the store where the product was purchased.

Seat, back, 2 armrests

In addition to the above components, the kit should include two armrests, a seat and a backrest. These details make the office chair more comfortable. However, sometimes the kit may be missing something. Most often this happens when they buy budget models of office chairs that are sold without armrests.

Set of bolts and other fasteners

The parts from which the chair is assembled are secured using special fasteners. Bolts and screws should be included with the rest of the chair. Most components are attached to each other with small screws about one and a half centimeters long. To attach the side armrests, stronger fasteners are used - bolts.

Special key

Some office chairs have components that are secured not with screws or bolts, but with fasteners with a special hex hole in the head. Such fasteners are not very common, and not every person has a tool for working with hexagons. Therefore, manufacturers must ensure that a special key is included in the kit.

Helpful Tips:

If you have problems with the gas cartridge immediately after assembling the new chair, it is likely that you received a defective gas cartridge. But before you go and complain to the sales organization and demand that the element be replaced, check whether the gas lift button is locked with a lever from the swing mechanism.
When the gas lift does not respond when the lever is pressed, check whether you have correctly secured the piastres or the swing system, and whether the lever for pressing the gas lift button is damaged.

In all other cases, it will be necessary to replace the gas cartridge.

Important! If, after reading everything about repairs, you have come to the conclusion that, for you personally, it is easier and cheaper to buy a new chair, then do not forget to read the article on how to choose a computer chair.

Tips for use

A computer chair requires careful handling. This is especially true for an already repaired device. When using, you must adhere to certain rules so as not to break the furniture. Otherwise, the service life of the device will be greatly reduced. The following recommendations from experts should be taken into account:

It is not recommended to use the product in rooms with high levels of air humidity, as this will quickly damage the integrity of the mechanism.
If the furniture was delivered at low temperatures, it is prohibited to assemble it immediately after placing it in a warm room. It is better to start installation the next day to avoid compromising the integrity of the structure.
Do not put pressure on the bolts and main fastening elements of the structure. Plastic does not withstand heavy mechanical loads.
Do not put a large load on the crosspiece.

A chair that has been exposed to low temperatures is strictly prohibited from immediately being assembled and used; the optimal time for adaptation is 24 hours.

Several people cannot sit on a chair at the same time. Also, do not forget about the fragility of the armrests. If too much pressure is applied, they quickly become unusable. In many models, the fabric is also vulnerable to dust and dirt. Vacuuming frequently is necessary to avoid dirt buildup.

When assembling, extreme care must be taken to avoid stripping the threads by excessively twisting the elements. An office chair is comfortable and practical furniture

To make it last longer, you need to follow basic principles. Timely replacement of parts will help extend the life of the device

An office chair is comfortable and practical furniture. To make it last longer, you need to follow basic principles. Timely replacement of parts will help extend the life of the device.

We should not forget about regular preventive inspection, which includes lubricating all moving elements, as well as tightening loose nuts and screws.

In what cases is replacement necessary?

Since this is the most important element, you should not neglect the timely (in case of breakdown) replacement of the gas lift in an office chair. Such furniture is designed to last a long time, but problems do occur. The most common faults are:

the seat does not stay in the desired position and falls spontaneously;
the lifting mechanism does not react in any way to pressing the lever;
the chair is fixed in the desired position, but falls down when you sit on it;
the skew of the furniture in one direction is noticeable to the naked eye;
The seat is loose and wobbles in different directions.

Most often, the gas lift breaks due to improper use of the chair. For this reason, the following actions are prohibited:

Creating an advantage. It occurs if you sit on one side. The correct position is in the middle.
Landing for two. The weight that this furniture can withstand does not exceed 120 kg.
Jumping from a running start or from a jump. Children especially love to do this. A sudden load damages the mechanism.

In addition, timely maintenance of office chairs should not be neglected. It is recommended to lubricate the functional parts of the mechanism regularly. The timing is indicated in the instructions for the chair.

Using a piece of furniture for entertainment - spinning like on a carousel, riding around the room - is not forbidden. However, you should not abuse this. The main purpose of furniture is not play at all. This should be explained to children, teaching them to be careful.

How to repair a gas lift chair | Do it yourself

admin · 01/18/2017

If the gas lift does not respond to pressing the lever, then the reasons for this may be a malfunction of the metal platform under the seat (piasters), improper fastening of the swing mechanism or piastres, as well as damage to the pneumatic cartridge. If the reason is a malfunction of the piastra, then you need to contact a workshop, and if the gas lift does not work, then you can simply replace it yourself.

You will need

— Serviceable gas lift;
- crosshead screwdriver;
- rubber or metal hammer;
- vice;
- ring punch.

Instructions

1. In order to replace the gas lift, you must first remove the piaster and seat from it.

To do this, tilt the chair upside down and use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the four screws securing the seat to the piastre. After this, lightly tapping the piaster with a rubber hammer, preferably, knock it off the gas lift.

If these manipulations do not help, then in order to remove the piastra, you need to turn the gas lift using a vice regarding the piastra.

2. After you have removed the seat and piaster from the gas lift, you need to disconnect the cross from the gas lift

Please note that on the bottom side of the gas lift there are fastening elements that cannot be hit under any circumstances

In order to remove the gas lift without damage, use a special tool - a ring drift. The gas lift and the cross have a conical connection with each other. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to knock out a gas lift alone without some skill, so it’s better to invite someone to help you. Place a gas lift between two tables.

One person will hold it, and the second will knock it out with a heavy hammer.

3. Replace the broken gas lift with a working one. Insert it firmly into the hole in the crosspiece. Place the casing on the gas lift. This must be done before the gas lift is combined with the seat.

4. Screw the rocking mechanism to the underside of the seat with four screws, front to front.

5. Now you need to tip the chair over and put the gas lift on it. Insert the gas lift into the hole in the swing mechanism and press firmly.

Tip 2: How to repair an elevator

The problem of broken elevators is becoming increasingly popular. Many of them need urgent replacement or major repairs. But, as always, there is no money in the budget.

A person living on the second or third floor may not need an elevator, but residents of, say, the eighth or ninth floor really need it - exclusively pensioners and young parents who have to take their children out for walks in a stroller every day.

You will need

- paper;
- pen;
- camera;
— city district administration;
— housing and communal services.

Why the gas lift of the chair broke down - the main reasons

The task of any gas lift is to ensure a soft landing for the user, reduce the rigidity of the seat and provide the required height of the chair.
If the seat lowers under the weight of a person, or vice versa, does not fall, or suddenly jumps up, this indicates a malfunction. In 85% of cases, the breakdown of such a part is due to improper use by the user of the furniture:

sharp jumps, jumps;
the use of the chair is uneven and inappropriate: for example, children sit on the railing, jump, and periodically sit on it with sudden jumps;
lubricating the gas lift with additional grease or oil provokes its breakdown;
using the chair in an unheated room also causes it to break;
The user's weight is higher than that specified by the manufacturer. So, a cheap chair, as a rule, is equipped with an equally cheap gas lift. For example, Chinese products are, at best, equipped with a 2nd generation gas lift. The specific load on such chairs is no more than 120 kg. If we are talking about children's (as a rule, in the understanding of the parent - a temporary and simplest chair) models, then the maximum load is 80 kg. There is no point in talking about the quality of the product;
rocking in a chair with the mechanism in a fixed position. For example, if you sit in a chair and fix it in one position without the possibility of swinging, and at the same time push off with your feet from the floor, rocking the product, then the load on the gas lift will be uneven - the gas lift breaks, if it is a plastic mechanism, then it will crack.

Gas lifts break down most often due to improper operation.

Dismantling process taking into account the type of base

Before you begin repairing it yourself, you need to thoroughly understand how to properly remove the gas lift from an office chair. Inept actions can simply break the mechanism.

To replace the gas lift in a chair you will need:

a Phillips screwdriver designed for assembling and disassembling furniture;
rubber hammer - it will not damage plastic and metal parts;
ring punch - a tool that allows you to press parts out of holes.

And, of course, a new lifting device. A vice and lubricating fluid will help facilitate the dismantling process. It is recommended to treat the joints with it in advance, 12–15 hours in advance, to make the disassembly process easier. The replacement for any such structure will be similar, but there are some nuances depending on the type of base: plastic and metal.

Plastic

The sequence of actions includes the following steps:

Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the bolts that secure the seat to the piastre.
Place the chair in its normal position and remove the seat along with the decorative cover of the lift. It’s convenient to do this if you rest your foot on the crosspiece and pull the chair up, rocking it from side to side.
Turn the cross over, remove the decorative plug and the pin that secures the gas lift.
Knock the gas lift out of the chair using gentle movements of a rubber hammer, helping with a drift if necessary.
Replace the broken mechanism.
Reassemble the chair in reverse order.

Metal

The sequence of actions for gas lift chairs with a metal base will be the same as for plastic ones - they have the same structure. The difference lies in the characteristics of the material itself. Both of them can break. But if the plastic cracks as a result of inept actions, then low-quality metal (too thin, soft) will bend or be scratched. Therefore, you need to act taking into account the material.

If you follow the instructions and do not make any drastic manipulations, repairing an office chair gas lift is not that difficult. This will help avoid expensive furniture replacement; a chair with a new lifting mechanism will last quite a long time. If you have doubts about your own abilities, you should ask a more experienced person for help and carry out the replacement together.

It will be useful: How to care for fabric blinds

Learning how to properly remove the gas lift from an office chair to replace it

Computer chairs have long outgrown their status as exclusively office furniture. Today they are increasingly being purchased for apartments and houses, which is explained by the versatility, ergonomics and durability of the design. But even such reliable products can experience breakdowns, the most common of which are malfunctions in the gas spring. To find out the degree of wear of this part, you will have to figure out how to remove the gas lift from an office chair to repair it or completely replace it. You can cope with the task without professional help, the main thing is to know the features, the operating principle of this mechanism and strictly follow the instructions presented in the article .

Operating rules

To prevent complex breakdowns and extend the life of your computer chair, experts recommend immediately after purchase that you carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions, which detail all operational nuances.

Along with the classic rules for using the product, professional craftsmen recommend paying attention to the following tips:

operate the product only in a dry and well-ventilated area; a chair that has been exposed to low temperatures is strictly prohibited from immediately being assembled and used; the optimal time for adaptation is 24 hours; during assembly, maximum care must be taken, trying not to break the threads by excessively twisting the elements; It is strictly unacceptable to exceed the load on the crosspiece.

Experts point out that one chair is intended for only one person, and using the product by a large number of people can have disastrous consequences.

You need to sit down on a chair smoothly and carefully, trying to avoid sudden and forceful movements. The armrests also need the same treatment; you shouldn’t put pressure on them, much less sit down on them.

The armrests also need the same treatment; you should not put pressure on them, much less sit down on them.

People who are overweight need to purchase only structures with metal elements that are more durable. You should also not use the chair to move heavy loads and objects.

When the wheels get between the joints of the tiles, they become deformed, and after a while they break completely.

The upholstery of the product, which needs to be treated with care and regular cleaning, is no less vulnerable. To remove stubborn stains, it is permissible to use only special cleaning products specified in the instructions. To extend the life of a computer chair, experts strictly prohibit giving it to small children for entertainment. Improper use of the product can lead to irreparable damage.

We should not forget about regular preventive inspection, which includes lubricating all moving elements, as well as tightening loose nuts and screws.

The product should be inspected at least once every 3 months, but it is better to pay attention to the chair every 30 days. If the above recommendations are not followed, the purchased chair may quickly fail, and the purchase of a new product will entail additional financial costs.

A computer chair is an important element of every office worker’s workplace. Given the increased demand for this type of furniture, manufacturers produce a wide range of such products. Despite the external differences, the design and principle of operation of the different types are almost the same, so you can fix the breakdown and restore the working condition of the product yourself at home, following the recommendations of experienced craftsmen, which will significantly reduce the financial costs of repairing or purchasing a new chair.

How to repair computer chairs, see below.

Signs indicating the need for restoration

The chairs in question include mechanical and hydraulic adjustment systems. If the seat lowers when you sit down, it is likely that the gas cartridge is empty. This creates inconvenience and reduces employee productivity. If it is uncomfortable to sit in a chair, performing any actions at the computer will be slowed down. In addition, problems with posture may arise, your back may begin to hurt, and even the development of scoliosis. Therefore, it is necessary that the seating area remains in order at all times.

Before deciding to replace the gas lift, you need to check the computer chair for its functionality. You need to sit on it and try to change the height of the seat: raise it and then lower it. If no changes have occurred, you can safely go to the store for a new device. There you will select the necessary parts with the required dimensions and a gas cartridge. Experienced consultants who are well versed in all models of gas lift chairs will help you choose the types of spare parts suitable for your chair. The gas cartridge itself is not worth repairing on your own. This is a health hazard and can even take your life. The best option would be to buy a new part. Its cost is not that high. If your hands are skilled, you will be able to independently replace a failed gas lift with a new product. What you need to repair the chair can be bought at a store that sells this product. Of course, home renovations will save your finances. But, if in doubt, it is better to seek the help of specialists. And here there is no need to deliver the seat to the workshop, since most of them provide similar services at home. There are not many parts in the gas lift chair, so restoring it will not be particularly difficult. And if you still decide to make the replacement yourself, you will need materials and tools. Materials: chair, gas lift sized to fit the chair, WD40 spray lubricant and bearing lubricant. Tools for work: flat and figured screwdrivers, vice, tape measure, rubber hammer, metal drift and pipe wrench.

Scheme of work

In an unloaded state, the central cylinder of the gas lift is located in the upper part of the structure. If a person sits on a chair and presses a lever (button), the mechanism begins to lower, pulling the seat down. After this, the cylinder returns to its original position. When you press the button without load on the seat, the air inside the gas lift pushes the rod up. At the same time, the seat begins to rise.

Description and purpose

A gas lift (gas spring) is a part of an office chair that, under the pressure of compressed air, pushes out a metal cylinder. The latter adjusts the seat position (that is, it allows you to raise and lower the seat). Sometimes a gas lift is compared to a shock absorber. But these details have nothing in common. Shock absorbers dampen vibrations, while gas lift performs other functions.

Structurally, this mechanism consists of the following components:

metal case;
a cylinder consisting of two gas reservoirs and supplemented by a bypass valve;
a piston and rod located inside the central cylinder and allowing the chair to move up and down;
buttons through which the position is adjusted.

Gas lift performs several useful functions:

Helps to choose the appropriate office chair height according to a person’s height.
Provides rotation of the chair around its axis.
Partially relieves the load experienced by the human spine.

A gas lift is a completely sealed cylinder. The gas contained inside is injected during the production process. For the manufacture of this mechanism, high-strength steel is used, which can withstand various types of external influences, including strong impacts. The gas does not come out.