Each cabinet has fastening connections in its design that ensure convenient operation. Gas lift plays an important role in the proper operation of the kitchen cabinet. Provided that this device is installed correctly, you do not have to worry that at some point the furniture doors will warp or begin to open spontaneously.
In order for kitchen furniture to remain functional, it must be equipped with a gas elevator . Moreover, even a non-professional can assemble and install this device on a kitchen cabinet. If you strictly follow the installation instructions, you can ensure reliable fastening of the doors, which can open with a minimum of effort. It must be remembered that the reliable operation of the kitchen cabinet depends not only on the correct installation of the gas lift, but also on its choice.
What is
A gas lift for a bed is a device that makes it easier to lift the upper part of the structure without extra effort. The operating principle of this small device is similar to that of a car shock absorber. The main components of the product are:
- Cylinder with gas (nitrogen is almost always used). It must be taken into account that there is high pressure inside the cylinder, so it is not worth repairing or disassembling it yourself.
- Piston with rod - this part helps transmit the force generated during operation of the product.
- Oil muffler (can also be made of rubber). A gasket whose main task is to stop vibrations that occur during the operation of a gas lift.
- Retainers. Plates made of durable steel, with which the gas lift is fixed to the bed frame.
Many companies equip their furniture with gas lifts not only to make it convenient for the owner to store and search for various things. Beds supplemented with a similar device ensure an anatomically correct position of the spine during rest. They also do not have joints and seams, which often cause discomfort. Other advantages of the product include:
- Simplicity of design.
- Since the lift is assembled from just a few elements and operates using pressure, it is affordable.
- Easy installation.
- Reliable and durable - each product is designed to last approximately 20,000 lifts.
- No noise during operation.
- The device is completely safe for health.
As for the weaknesses of beds equipped with a gas lift, there are only 2 of them. If you purchase a bed with springs in the upper block, it will take a lot of effort to lift the element. The second disadvantage is that gas lifts that can withstand heavy loads are expensive.
Design Features
All chairs designed for working at a computer have the same design, regardless of the brand and model. Some parts of the product can be removed and replaced with new ones to eliminate breakdowns. Experts recommend choosing furniture from domestic manufacturers so that there are no difficulties in selecting spare parts. The structural elements of a computer chair are listed in the table.
| Part name | Function |
| Seat | The main element of the chair. |
| Back | Support for the spine. The tilt angle can be adjusted. |
| Armrests | Provide a comfortable hand position while working. |
| Cross with rollers | The supporting element on which the frame of the product is supported. Casters help you move furniture silently and easily. |
| Gas lift (pneumatic cartridge) | Shock absorber and height adjuster. |
| Rocking mechanism | Fixing the product in the optimal position for work. |
To understand how to properly disassemble an office chair, you need to know which elements can be detached. Removable parts are armrests (for some models), rollers on the cross and gas lift. The upholstery and filling of the seat and backrest can be changed, but this type of repair requires special equipment and is difficult to do at home. The frame of the product can be monolithic or consisting of separate parts fastened together with metal plates. In the second case, the components can be separated independently in the event of a malfunction.
Computer chair
Structural elements
Computer chair design
What is a gas furniture lift?
What types of filing cabinets are there, selection rules
The main elements included in the design of a furniture gas elevator are:
- the rod with which the mechanism operates;
- guide for rod movement;
- bearing facilitating sliding;
- piston;
- sleeve with gas;
- sealing gaskets that give the system complete tightness.
Internal device
Gas is filled into the sleeve of furniture fittings exclusively in the factory. The device is completely sealed, which eliminates gas leaks in the event of a breakdown. It cannot be repaired: if it breaks, a complete replacement of the fittings will be required.
What does a furniture gas lift do and why is the device installed? Using the mechanism you can:
- open and close cabinet doors smoothly and silently, which eliminates the possibility of sudden contact of the facade with the furniture body and extends the life of the furniture;
- fix the doors in the open or closed position;
- gain maximum access to the contents of the cabinet and view all items stored in it.
In addition to the cabinet, gas elevators can also be installed on any other folding systems, for example, for lifting beds, disassembling/assembling sofas, sectional tables, for an office or children's chair, and so on.
Flaws
The main disadvantages of a gas lift include its tightness - if it is discovered that the device does not hold the door, it means that the seal of the housing has been broken and the gas has escaped. Such a defect cannot be repaired - the entire lift will have to be replaced. However, with proper installation and operation, such damage should not occur, which explains the reliability and popularity of this type of fittings.
Classification
Selection rules and fittings options for sliding wardrobes: purpose, characteristics
When planning repairs and purchasing new furniture, we recommend that you pay attention to structures that use gas lifts. They increase the level of ergonomics, comfort and operational safety of any furniture several times.
At the same time, there are different areas of application for furniture gas elevators, which is why a certain classification is used
Taking into account the direction of their action, there are 2 types of shock absorbers:
- Direct action. Direct action designs are distinguished by the fact that they compress the operating rod. That is, in the basic assembly state, the rod is in the fully extended position. In the furniture manufacturing industry, these devices are the most common;
- Reverse action. From the name it is not difficult to guess how they differ from direct action elements. How do you think? Absolutely right. Here the gas lift extends into a recessed rod.
There is a classification based on the internal pressure inside the working cylinders. Designs are divided into 2 categories.
- High pressure. They consist of a rod and a cylinder. Inside the latter, as already noted, there is an inert gas. Such an element cannot be disassembled. The work is based on the fact that gas begins to displace the rod from the cylinder. By plunging the rod inside the cylinder, the volume of gas storage used is reduced and the pressure in the spring increases;
- Low pressure. These lifts are made from a pair of hollow cylinders filled with compressed gas. When compressed, the gas increases volume and thereby increases the internal pressure in the spring. Their resource is almost unlimited. Plus, such structures can be adjusted, disassembled and maintained.
Therefore, we recommend that you first ask which GLs are used in the furniture you purchase. If you made the furniture yourself, then all you have to do is buy a suitable shock absorber. Markings are applied and installation is carried out. Buying gas lifts today is not a problem at all. The price for accessories is reasonable, and there is a large selection.
Functional types
For each of the above types of activities, a gas lift of the appropriate type can be selected. There are several main criteria for choosing such systems.
Direction of action
In this case, direct and reverse gas lifts are distinguished. The work of the former is based on compression of the rod. By default, this element is extended to its full length. It is this type of gas lift that is used in furniture production. As for the reverse system, the rod extends from the inside.
Cylinder pressure level
Springs with a high or low degree of pressure can be installed in the design.
- For the first, a combination of a rod and a cylinder filled with inert gas is used (non-separable product). Gas displaces the rod part from the cylindrical part. As the rod deepens, the gas volume is reduced, which leads to an increase in the degree of spring pressure.
- The latter are represented by two hollow cylinders. The spring pressure in them changes in proportion to the volume of pumped gas.
It is worth noting that low pressure systems have virtually no operational restrictions. They are easy to use and maintain, starting from the stage of installation into a furniture structure (or any other).
Type of spring lock
Gas lifts with a lockable spring can be considered a separate functional type. The stop element is installed on a pressure tube or rod, which allows you to stop the progress of the structure at the right moment. In particular, this is relevant when adjusting the height of office chairs. The gas lift is fixed by means of a special button that controls the piston valve (the system is set in motion by pressing this element).
From a technical point of view, there are three methods of blocking:
- Standard (with a fairly elastic fastener). Over time, the risk of spontaneous movement of the piston increases.
- Ambivalent. When the piston is pulled out, the fixation is more rigid, which increases reliability.
- Combined. Equally rigid fixation, preventing free movement of the spring element in any direction if the lever in the structure is not pressed.
Naturally, the degree of reliability of the system affects its final cost.
Installation technology
Review of outdoor cabinets for gas cylinders, selection rules
How to install a gas lift system on a cabinet? Before installation you must:
- determine the method of fastening the fittings;
- prepare tools to do the job;
- familiarize yourself with the diagram for attaching the lift to the cabinet door.
Mounting methods
The gas lift can be installed on a furniture cabinet:
- using fixing pads secured with self-tapping screws. This option is easy to install, but can only be used for products made of wood, chipboard, MDF and analogues;
- using screws with a locking function. The primary area of use is metal and plastic surfaces.
Types of fasteners
As a rule, self-installation of a furniture lift is carried out on plates, since the installation of screws must be carried out at the furniture manufacturing stage.
Tools and materials
To perform installation work you will need to prepare the following kit:
- tape measure, square, marker (pencil) for applying preliminary markings;
- drill for preparing holes for fastenings;
- screwdriver and screwdriver for fixing the lift.
A gas lift is exclusively an additional device that facilitates the process of using a cabinet or other piece of furniture. The main fittings of a cabinet door are furniture hinges.
Even after installing the gas lift, the main load is taken by the hinges
Gas lift installation
Direct installation is carried out after installing all the cabinet door fittings according to the following scheme:
- determination of mounting locations for furniture lifts. The location of fasteners is determined in accordance with the planned opening angle of the cabinet door. As a rule, installation dimensions for all situations are indicated in the attached instructions;
Determining lift mounting locations
- in the marked places holes are drilled, the diameter matching the size of the fastening bolts;
- fasteners are fixed;
- The gas lift is fixed on the fasteners. Fixation is considered complete only after a click. In some situations, fixation requires some effort.
Gas lift mounting
You can watch the video for more information about the process of installing the lift yourself.
It is recommended to carry out work on installing a gas elevator before the final installation (hanging) of the cabinet. This will allow you to apply markings more accurately and avoid distortions. It should be remembered that in order to ensure the correct operation of the fittings, it is recommended to install two lifts on cabinets, beds and sofas.
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:
- DIY feeder chair
- 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.
Installation
The main advantage of such fittings is its reliability, durability and aesthetics. These qualities explain why gas lifts for kitchens have become so popular lately. How to install it is well known to any furniture assembler. To do this you will need: a ruler, a screwdriver, a screwdriver and a drill. The gas lift lifting mechanism for the kitchen is attached using a spring bracket, which allows you to simply snap the mechanism or plates onto it, fastening to it using screws.
The upper end of the gas lift is fixed on the side wall of the inside of the cabinet at a distance of 29 mm from the bottom edge of the top shelf and 37 mm from the edge of the side wall. The length of the gas lift is determined by the dimensions of the furniture as follows: when the door is opened downwards, with the upper part reinforced as described above, the lower part is attached to the door at the following distance from its inner end:
- with an internal cabinet height of 190 mm - 50 mm;
- at a height of 264 mm - 84 mm;
- at a height of 365 mm - 128 mm.
- Thus, in the first case, the length of the entire bracket when open is 164, in the second - 244, in the third - 355 mm.
Main selection criteria
To choose the right gas elevator, you will need to determine:
- type of system;
- technical specifications;
- manufacturer.
Types of gas lifts. Their advantages and disadvantages
To assemble furniture we use:
- direct action lift;
- reverse action lift.
A direct-acting gas elevator operates on compression. This is the most popular version of the lifting system, as it is simple to manufacture, lower cost and easy to install.
Direct acting gas lifts
Reverse-action furniture lifts, on the contrary, work to extend the rod. Fittings are more complex to manufacture, as high precision is required during production, which primarily affects the cost of the equipment.
Reverse action furniture lifts
Gas elevators can also vary in how they open. There are models:
- with a step-by-step design, that is, manual opening. The cabinet door or other folding element in this situation is equipped with a handle that facilitates the process of controlling the lifting mechanism;
- with automatic design. In this case, the lift is equipped with an electric drive that drives the lifting mechanism.
Electric furniture lift
Automatic fittings are installed on cabinets located in a place inaccessible to standard opening (for example, high) or where manual control is difficult (for example, due to the heavy weight of the bed). It should be noted that the cost of such accessories is significantly higher.
Determination of technical parameters
In order for a pneumatic gas elevator to serve for a long time, you will need to determine:
- compression force;
- equipment dimensions.
When calculating independently, the compression force of the spring is determined taking into account:
- weight of the folding structure (facade, bed, rising part of the chair, etc.);
- the distance determined from the center of the axis of operation of the equipment to the middle of the lever (center of gravity);
- height between the center of the system axis and the equipment mounting location;
- number of installed lifting mechanisms.
Data and calculation method for gas lift for furniture
In order not to make complex calculations, you can use the recommendations of experts:
- It has been proven that when choosing cabinet lifts, a 1 kg load will require a lifting force of 10 Newtons. Manufacturers produce lifts of different strengths. The most popular devices for kitchen cabinets are 60 N - 140 N, and for sofas, beds, chairs - 1000 N;
- When choosing lifts for other pieces of furniture, the device classes are taken into account.
| Class | Maximum weight, kg |
| 1 | 80 |
| 2 | 100 |
| 3 | 150 |
| 4 | 200 |
If the lift class is selected incorrectly, this does not mean that the mechanism will not work. However, the service life of furniture fittings will be significantly reduced.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of the furniture lift. The length of the gas lift depends on the size of the cabinet door or other lifting device.
Popular manufacturers
When choosing furniture fittings, you also need to pay attention to the manufacturer, since the reliability and service life of the equipment depends on the manufacturing company. Currently, products manufactured by the following companies are popular:
Currently, products manufactured by the following companies are popular:
Vertical lifting mechanism
Vertical lift of the cabinet door
There is only one drawback of folding mechanisms - if you are below average height, you will have to, if not jump, then constantly stretch out in order to “hook” the high-thrown door and close it. Well, European manufacturers of premium-segment fittings have also provided for this: lifting the facade vertically along the body will be more convenient and practical for you.
Application
Initially, gas lift became an extremely useful solution in the automotive industry. Its installation was carried out on trunks and hoods. The driver himself does not hold the structure, since the elevator performs this function instead. The lifts lifted and held a certain weight, preventing sudden falls, damage, etc.
But today these elements have gone much further. The main areas of application include:
- furniture industry;
- construction;
- production of doors, frames and showcases;
- medical industry;
- production of office equipment;
- weapon;
- aerospace structures;
- robotics;
- household appliances and more.
Elevators can have different sizes, they differ in their design and structure, which allows you to find the optimal mechanism for each specific case.
But we are interested in gas lift as furniture fittings. If you look around furniture stores in St. Petersburg or Moscow, or look through the pages of catalogs in Hafele Shop Ru, you will find a huge number of variations and manufacturers of gas elevators.
Cautions
Installing kitchen furniture fittings is a responsible process. It's not just that improperly installed lifts will cause doors to open and close incorrectly and unevenly, kitchen cabinets store fragile and expensive items.
Incorrectly assembled furniture can lead to broken dishes and injury. A person unfamiliar with this work and without the necessary tools will have a hard time. That is why, to install and repair furniture in the kitchen, it is always better to use the services of specialists who have the necessary knowledge and skills in this field and own all the necessary tools.
Operating principle of gas lift
The classic gas spring has a smooth operating stroke.
When the door front opens at least 10 degrees, the gas spring, without your help, will further open the door to the full open position of 90 degrees.
The entire door opening process is controlled by a special hydraulic shock absorber to minimize noise and vibration of dishes in the cabinet.
The gas lift mechanism has so many advantages. What is the reason for this? The secret lies in the design of the device and the principle of its operation.
Let's consider the composition of the gas lift structure
:
- body, cylindrical;
- sleeve;
- piston;
- valve;
- rod, move freely around the body;
- valve to maintain medium pressure in the system;
- sliding bearings;
- stuffing box;
- to create a tightness - stuffing box,
- anther;
- piston seal.
The housing cavity is filled with nitrogen, which is the working medium
It is impossible to open the gas lift with your own hands, but attempts can lead to undesirable consequences. Which can simply lead to damage to the device.
Criteria for choosing a gas lift
:
- The main characteristic of a gas lift is the compression force, so before purchasing you must know exactly the weight of the door for which the gas lift will be intended. The greater the weight of the door, the greater the compression force of the mechanism.
- The second selection criterion is the length of the mechanism, which depends on the immediate size of the door that it will need to hold.
One of the significant advantages and at the same time a selection criterion are two types of door opening: automatic and step-by-step.
The step-by-step design is the design we are familiar with, with a handle on the door.
The automatic design is slightly different. With this mechanism, the door opens with one press, and after a while it automatically closes.
This advantage is very convenient and effective, because we are always in a hurry to get somewhere and often forget to close the cabinet doors. This mechanism is also convenient for those who, due to their height, simply cannot reach the door of a wall cabinet.
Modern technologies have made it possible to release completely new models with a more complex and high-tech lift. Kitchen furniture facades are equipped with an electric drive, which allows operation without human effort.
When buying a gas lift, it is not at all difficult to pay attention to these two small criteria, but very important. There will be no problems with the size of the cabinet and the length of the gas lift, but the compression force must be determined in advance.
Calculation of the required gas lift compression force
A load of one kilogram requires a force of 10 Newton. Knowing the weight of your kitchen door, you can easily calculate the amount of force required.
Modern manufacturers sell fixed-load mechanisms to the furniture market: 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 Newton.
Is it worth making kitchen facades without handles? Reviews, pros and cons
Facades that open when pressed are very fashionable and stylish. And it seems convenient - there are no protruding handles that you always cling to... But is this really so? Let's find out! How can you make kitchen facades without handles on upper cabinets and tables/pedestals, the pros and cons of each option.
3 ways to make kitchen doors without handles
Systems for opening kitchen facades without handles can be implemented in three ways:
- Using special push-up and tip-on fittings.
- Due to the shape of the facades (a recess is provided to grip the door).
- Due to the design of the box (a special Gola profile is attached to the box).
Strictly speaking, opening the door by pressing is an implementation of the first method. It can be done for an already installed kitchen, without preliminary preparation of the kitchen body or changing the facades.
Method 1. Kitchen facades without handles with opening by pressing, pros and cons
There are two series of fittings for implementing the “push-open” system - these are push-up (push-up) and tip-on (tip-on) from Blum and Hettich. In fact, there are much more mechanisms for making kitchen facades without handles, with different price categories and quality.
- The mechanism itself for pushing out the facade when pressed can be built into the loop on which the facade is hung.
- There are also options on sale where the electric drive is activated by pressing. This is a very expensive pleasure.
- But there is a more budget-friendly way. When push-up is installed separately. In this case, it is a capsule with a “pump” that pops out when pressed, which pushes out the façade.
Scope of gas lifts
Gas elevators have proven themselves in the automotive industry - initially they were installed on hoods and trunks, and also mounted in car doors. Lifts are needed to take on the weight of structures and protect them from damage.
Today, gas lifts, in addition to the automotive industry, are widely used in other areas:
- Furniture industry - first of all, we are talking about kitchen furniture. Gas lifts are ideal for cabinets that open upward. They prevent doors from closing spontaneously and allow you to save space in the kitchen. Also, furniture gas lifts are installed in office chairs, folding sofas, wardrobe beds;.
- Construction - used in the production of doors, window frames and glass display cases;
- Medical equipment - used in the manufacture of beds for the care of palliative patients, in the production of simulators for rehabilitation procedures and other equipment;
- Printing - gas shock absorbers are installed on the covers of copiers, scanners, MFPs and other devices;
- Weapons sphere - used for the manufacture of pneumatic weapons;
- Aerospace construction and others;
Below we will talk about the features of furniture gas lifts.
Recommendations for selection
If you decide to change gas lifts on purchased furniture, or assemble it yourself, you will need to purchase new fittings.
Before attaching the first shock absorbers you come across, I advise you to listen to a few fairly simple tips. But they will help you choose the right elements.
You should pay attention to the force with which the spring is compressed and the size of the furniture element where the new fittings will be installed. To withstand an approximate load of 1 kg, a compression force of 10 Newton is sufficient
Therefore, your task will be to measure the weight of the structure, which will allow you to easily calculate the required shock absorber parameters. Most gas lifts are offered with an already fixed load, which ranges from 60 to 140 Newton. There is no point in buying powerful GLs for light furniture. But you shouldn’t select an element that is on the edge of its capabilities.
The size of the door affects how long the gas lift you will need. The longer the spring, the thicker the housing will be.
Placing responsibility on just one elevator is not recommended. At least 2 elevators should be installed per door. Everything again depends on the size of the furniture. This will evenly distribute the load and reduce the wear rate of the fittings.
Conclusion
Now you know all the main features of gas lifts for kitchen cabinets, you can choose the optimal model for your furniture and install it correctly using the recommendations from this review. The video in the article will help you understand even better some of the important nuances raised above. If you still have any questions, write them in the comments.
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May 5, 2022
Accessories,Kitchen
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Procedure
Precise adherence to the procedure is the basis for proper installation. By following these steps step by step, you will be able to avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to the product and shorten its service life.
Preparation and assembly of MDF parts
A large number of bed parts are made of MDF. When starting installation, all elements are freed from the packaging film and inspected for damage. If at least one element has defects, replacement is required. A damaged bed frame will not be secure. The parts are laid out at the installation site so that the side with holes for fasteners is on top.
Installation of box and base
The main parts of the bed are the box and the base. First, the perimeter of the structure is assembled, which consists of three walls and a head back. To do this you need:
- connect the walls and the head back to each other using fixing elements;
- a base is placed on the constructed frame, which is usually made using wood and a metal frame;
- To securely fix all components, tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
In some types of beds, longitudinal strength elements may be provided. In particular, solid longitudinal ties, brackets and corners, fixed to the structure with screws, are common
Installing Corner Ties
The purpose of corner ties is to impart reliability to the assembled structure. The screed consists of several elements:
- a corner in the form of a metal plate bent in the central part at a right angle;
- bolts for fixing the plate to the frame;
- threaded bushings.
To connect the two walls of the bed with a corner tie, the plate is placed on the inside at their junction. Then the bushings are inserted and the bolts are tightened first on one wall, and then the connections are aligned and the fasteners are fixed on the adjacent wall. If desired, it is possible to replace the standard model of corner tie with a modern version, for example, confirmat or minifix, which are distinguished by more compact dimensions.
How to install the lifting mechanism
- Secure the furniture frame to the lifting mechanism. It is recommended to use screws for this. Before final fixation of the fasteners, it is necessary to level the gaps between the base and the frame.
- Determine the appropriate level of force to operate the mechanism. As a rule, this information is indicated in the attached documentation.
- Install the structure into the lifting mechanism with the cylinder facing up, using nuts with a locking ring and fluoroplastic washers.
- Tighten the fixing nuts to the limit, then loosen the fastening slightly, leaving minimal play. After this, you should check the functioning of the lifting mechanism by lowering and raising the structure several times.
Installation of the traverse
The traverse is a special element that performs the function of a screed. Using a traverse, the lower part of the bed frame is fixed. The element is placed along the structure parallel to the longitudinal tension parts. The use of a traverse helps strengthen the structure, ensures stability and durability, and also makes it possible to securely fasten small side elements that most often fail.
How to repair it yourself
If the crosspiece and permanent contact fail, you can repair these parts yourself, without resorting to the services of a service center. If the pneumatic cartridge, piaster or swing mechanism is broken, they must be replaced. The same goes for rollers. If repairing it yourself seems difficult, you can contact specialists; they will repair the furniture quickly and efficiently.
How to open a lock without a key
Damage to the cross and replacement of rollers
In the event of such a breakdown, it is very easy to repair an office chair with your own hands. If the rays of the cross are not connected firmly, the part begins to wobble and loses stability. To fix the problem, you need to insert a hollow plastic tube of smaller diameter inside the base. It must be firmly fixed in the center of the structure.
The pipe will play the role of a kind of rod on which the base rests
To replace worn rollers, you need to carefully remove them from their slots, without using physical effort, and install new ones. Anyone who has repaired a base knows: it’s not at all difficult.
We knock out the gas lift from the cross
Installing a new cross
Making videos
Inserting new videos
Breakage of piastres
This type of breakdown occurs frequently in office chairs. If the piastre fails, it must be carefully removed from the pneumatic chuck. These two parts are connected using the cone method. There are no threads, so no screwdriver is needed. To separate the gas lift and piastra, hit them forcefully with a mallet. As a rule, one hit is enough. Next, you should replace the piastra with the broken foot with a new one.
Separating the gas lift and piastra
We attach the new piastra to the seat
Destruction of the swing mechanism
In the event of such a breakdown, the metal structural element must be replaced. However, if you have a welding machine, you can eliminate the malfunction, and the swing mechanism will last for a long time. If a decision is made to replace a part, it must be dismantled. The mechanism is connected to the seat using four screws, so you will need a shaped screwdriver. For disassembly you need:
- unscrew the bolts connecting the mechanism to the seat of the chair;
- knock out the pneumatic cartridge from the mount;
- drill holes in the element and replace it.
If you don't have a drill at hand, you can use so-called adapter plates. It should be borne in mind that Russian-made swinging mechanisms are not suitable for Chinese office furniture. The difference in size is approximately 50 mm.
Unscrew the bolts
We knock out the pneumatic cartridge
Drill holes and tighten bolts
Connecting
Air chuck failure
An old, worn gas lift must be replaced. Some craftsmen repair it, but after repair the pneumatic cartridge still will not last long. It needs to be dismantled and replaced with a new one. To do this, disconnect the seat and use a hammer to knock the gas lift out of the crosspiece. The main thing is not to damage the base. After this, a new pneumatic cartridge is inserted. It is attached to old bolts. You can first watch a video on the topic “repairing a gas lift” or consult a service center.
Removing the seat
We knock out the gas lift from the cross
Insert a new pneumatic cartridge
Destruction of permanent contact
Breakage of permanent contact is a common occurrence. It is not necessary to purchase a new part; you can repair the old one. This type of DIY office chair repair will not take much time and effort. The main thing is to identify the cause of the malfunction.
If the thrust spring is deformed, it must be returned to its original shape. The same goes for brackets. However, if the screw fasteners are worn out, you will have to replace them with new ones. If the back of the chair is wobbly, the permanent contact connections need to be sealed and tightened.
Permanent contact
Varieties
Each manufacturer complements its products with different types of lifting mechanisms, which differ in design, cost and operating period. Also, each device differs in power. Taking into account how a gas elevator works, elevators are divided into the following groups:
- Manual mechanism. This type of gas lift is the simplest and most affordable. Despite the fact that a device of this type will function for a long time and properly, today they are rarely used to equip beds. This is due to the fact that great physical effort is required to lift the upper element. In addition, such products can cause damage to the bed frame.
- Spring type lift. A simple system that is very easy to use. It doesn't take much force to lift the bed frame. The disadvantage of this design is that its service life does not exceed 5 years, since after this time the springs stretch, causing the device to stop functioning.
- A mechanism based on a gas shock absorber. The design operates smoothly, does not emit extraneous noise, and is reliable. If you correctly calculate the load and use the device carefully, it will last more than ten years.
Of all types of devices, the most durable is considered to be a product that contains gas shock absorbers. Compared to other types, such a lift is more expensive. But the high cost is justified by comfort and safety.
Gas elevators themselves are automatic - their operation does not require physical effort or human attention. Or friction - the pressure in such cylinders is much less, which allows you to stop the structure in any position
Manual mechanism
Spring
Gas lift
Specifications
If the bed is equipped with a gas lift, the surface of the product can be easily raised and returned to its original position. Everything will go smoothly and without unnecessary noise. The main characteristics of such lifts are:
- The main substance that ensures the functionality of the structure is inert gas (most often the cylinders are filled with nitrogen).
- The chamber, rod and support tips are made of steel.
- The minimum thickness of the walls of the cylinder, which is filled with gas, must be 1 mm, otherwise it will be unsafe to use the structure.
- Any gas elevator can be compressed by applying force.
- For the device to function properly, the room temperature must vary between -30/+70 degrees.
It must be taken into account that the pressure in the cylinder is very high. That is why, if an element is deformed or another malfunction is discovered, it is strictly not recommended to disassemble it and try to repair it yourself. Below is a table showing the calculation of forces for vertical beds.
| Structure weight, kg | Lift force, N | Bed dimensions, cm |
| 50 | 800 | 90x200 |
| 60 | 1000 | 100x200 |
| 70 | 1400 | 120x200 |
| 80 | 1800 | 140x200 |
| 90 | 2000 | 160x200 |
| 100 | 2200 | 180x200 |
| Structure weight, kg | Lift force, N | Bed dimensions, cm |
| 40 | 400 | 600–800 |
| 50 | 500 | 600–800 |
| 60 | 600 | 800–900 |
| 70 | 700 | 800–900 |
| 80 | 800 | 900–1500 |
If a person does not know how much a bed weighs, one can be guided by average values. A single design weighs about 30 kg. The weight of an orthopedic mattress varies from 30 to 40 kg. Therefore, a single bed weighs on average about 60 kg.
Replacement of gas elevator
If the gas cartridge does not compress, and the device is required when using a chair, that is, fixing the device in one position is unacceptable, then a complete replacement of the mechanism is required.
To replace you need:
- prepare a certain set of tools and additional materials;
- familiarize yourself with the work flow chart.
Preparing to replace the gas lift
To replace the gas lift swing mechanism, you will need to prepare:
- new chair lift. You can purchase accessories in a specialized store. When choosing a gas elevator, you should take into account the dimensions of the equipment and the maximum load. If you can’t determine the parameters yourself, you can use the help of sales consultants;
- Phillips screwdriver for assembling and disassembling furniture;
- hammer. To ensure safety, it is better to use a hammer made of rubber. Such a tool will not damage the equipment during operation;
- ring punch;
Punch – a tool for pulling out (so-called “knocking out”) parts from holes
- vice. You can replace the gas lift without a vice, but using a bench tool will simplify the work;
- WD-40 liquid.
Sequence of replacement work
How to remove the old gas lift from the chair and install a new lift? The work is performed in the following sequence:
- treating all joints of stool elements with WD-40 liquid. This will make the disassembly process easier;
Lubricating units to facilitate disassembly
- seat detachment.
How to disassemble the chair? Using a Phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size, loosen the bolts securing the seat to the piastre.
Next, the chair is turned over and the seat and decorative casing are removed from the lift using rolling movements. The work can also be done by resting your feet on the crosspiece and using rolling movements to remove the chair;
Detaching the seat from the cross and gas lift
- disconnecting the lift from the piaster and crosspiece.
The work is done by knocking out the gas lift with a hammer with a rubber tip. To facilitate the process of disassembling the cross and the lift, you can also use a metal drift.
Before knocking out, remove the retaining ring - the pin located on the back side of the cross at the point where the gas cartridge is connected;
Removing the gas cartridge from the piastrum
- installation of a new gas cartridge. To do this, at the first stage it is necessary to insert the device into the crosspiece (until there is a click indicating the fixation of the element), applying some force, put on the protective and decorative casing and connect the half-assembled structure with the piaster;
- Assembling the computer chair in reverse order.
You can learn more about the independent process of replacing a gas elevator on a computer chair by watching the video.
Replacing a gas chair lift is not a complicated process, so even a novice craftsman can do the job on his own. If you have all the tools, a new lift and pre-processing, the work is completed within 15 - 20 minutes.
Precautionary measures
Repairing the product should be as careful as possible, because some of the expensive parts are protected by a thick layer of lubricant.
Replacing the crosspiece on an office chair while observing safety precautions will help the technician significantly reduce the repair time. Basic recommendations:
It is worth putting on fabric gloves with rubber coating on your hands and a protective mask on your face. The surface of the floor or table where repairs will be carried out must be covered with old newspaper or oilcloth. It is important to fix broken furniture firmly so that it does not wobble during repairs. A child or a fragile girl can even become an assistant. Knock out the steel bearing as carefully as possible so as not to damage its complex structure. It is safer to remove the cross from the chair using a rubber or wooden hammer
The vapors of the penetrating liquid are quite dangerous to human health. If it is used, the room must be ventilated for 20-30 minutes.
In order for the chair to last as long as possible after changing parts, it must be looked after regularly.
It is important to check the tightness of connections every six months, inspect bolts and nuts. It is imperative to take into account the maximum load of the furniture, do not sit on it abruptly to avoid breaking its elements
To summarize, we can say that removing the cross from a computer office chair is quite simple. To carry out the work, you only need a skilled man and simple available tools. Self-repair will not take much time, but will help extend the life of the product and avoid large expenses on new furniture.
