Office chairs take a beating and often need repairs. From worn out wheels and torn fabric to broken arms and failing gas lifts, office chairs can develop many common problems over time. Thankfully, most office chair repairs are relatively easy DIY jobs that anyone can tackle with the right tools and a bit of know-how. So whether you want to save money on professional repair costs or just like fixing things yourself, learning how to repair an office chair is a useful skill. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the most common office chair repairs so you can get your chair rolling again in no time.
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Assessing the Damage
Before you can fix your office chair, you need to identify exactly what is wrong with it. Start by taking a close look at each component and testing its function. Here are some of the most common office chair repairs you may need to make:
Worn Out Wheels
Do the wheels slide instead of roll smoothly? This likely means the wheels are worn out. Wheels can become flat spotted from use over time. Flip the chair over and inspect each wheel for wear and tear.
Torn or Stained Fabric
Are there rips, holes, fraying, or stains in the chair’s fabric? Damage to the upholstery not only looks unprofessional but can also lead to exposed foam or coils. Carefully examine the seat, back, and armrests for any fabric defects.
Loose or Broken Arms
Grab each armrest and give it a shake. Does it wiggle or seem unstable? This indicates loose mounting hardware. Also check to see if the arms lift as intended or if any components are cracked or broken.
Gas Lift Failure
Does the chair no longer raise or lower when you pull the lever? The gas cylinder may need to be replaced if it no longer supports height adjustments.
Tilting or Reclining Issues
Do the tilting or reclining mechanisms feel stiff or stick in certain positions? The springs, levers, or tension adjustments may need repair.
General Looseness
Does the chair creak, wobble, or feel unstable when you move around in it? Look for any loose or failing joints that need to be tightened or replaced.
Once you’ve identified any issues, it’s time to make the necessary repairs.
Repairing Wheels
Worn out wheels are one of the most common reasons office chairs get sent out for repair. Thankfully, wheel replacement is an easy fix you can do yourself. Here’s how:
Supplies Needed
– Replacement wheels specific to your chair model
– Pliers or flathead screwdriver
Instructions
1. Flip the chair upside down to access the wheels.
2. Pry off the plastic hubcaps in the center of each wheel (if applicable) to access the mounting screws. You can use a flathead screwdriver or pliers. Be careful not to crack the plastic.
3. Remove the mounting screws and detach the worn wheels. Note that the wheels may be threaded or push-in style rather than using screws.
4. Install the replacement wheels by reversing the removal process. Make sure they spin true without wobbling.
5. Snap the hubcaps back on, if applicable. Flip the chair right side up and give it a test roll.
With a simple wheel swap, your chair will roll like new again. This repair typically costs $5-$20 per wheel depending on the quality. It’s well worth fixing wobbly wheels yourself rather than paying for professional service.
Patching Torn Upholstery
It’s common for office chair fabric to become ripped or frayed over time. But you don’t necessarily need to reupholster the entire chair. Simple upholstery repairs can patch tears and restore the look of worn fabric. Here’s what to do:
Supplies Needed
– Upholstery thread in matching color
– Curved upholstery needle
– Fabric scraps or patch material
– Scissors
– Fabric glue or seam sealant
Instructions
1. Clean the damaged area to remove any dirt or debris. Use scissors to trim any loose threads.
2. Cut a fabric patch slightly larger than the hole or tear. Round the corners to prevent further tearing.
3. Align the patch over the damage and pin it in place. Use fabric glue to adhered the back side if needed.
4. Thread the upholstery needle and stitch around the edges of the patch using a whip stitch. Keep stitches close together.
5. Tie off neatly on the back side and add glue or seam sealant for durability.
6. Use leftover fabric scraps to patch any small holes, rips, or worn areas.
With some simple mending, you can make those upholstery tears disappear. Watch an online tutorial if you need help learning the basic sewing skills.
Tightening Loose Arms
It’s very common for office chair arms to become loose and wiggly over time. Luckily, the fix is as simple as tightening a few screws. Here’s the process:
Supplies Needed
– Phillips head screwdriver
– Replacement screws (if stripped)
Instructions
1. Locate the screws beneath each armrest that mount it to the chair. There are often 2-3 on the main mounts.
2. Tighten down each screw securely using your screwdriver. Don’t overtighten.
3. If the arm still feels loose, the screws may be worn out. Replace them with new screws of the same size.
4. Some arms have additional adjustment screws underneath. Tighten these as needed to stabilize the fit.
5. Check any pivoting joints on adjustable arms. Tighten the tension knob if the joint is too loose.
With the ideal arm tightness restored, you can work comfortably without having to worry about wobbly arms. Keep an eye out for recurrent looseness which may indicate worn out mounting holes.
Replacing a Faulty Gas Lift
Over time, the gas cylinder that allows your office chair to raise and lower can begin to fail. Typical signs of gas lift failure include sinking, bouncing, or an inability to hold a set height. Replacing the gas lift is an more advanced repair that restores the chair’s adjustment function. Here’s how it’s done:
Supplies Needed
– Replacement gas lift cylinder
– Adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
– Rags
Instructions
1. Remove any plastic covers to expose the gas lift collar underneath the chair.
2. Use a rag or towel to cover the exposed gas lift so it does not eject forcibly when disconnected.
3. Use an adjustable wrench or pipe wrench to loosen and unthread the gas lift collar counter-clockwise.
4. Hold the chair frame up while pressing the release lever to eject the old gas lift cylinder.
5. Insert the new gas lift and thread the collar back on clockwise. Tighten securely but do not overtighten.
6. Pump the lever up and down to test the motion. The chair should easily raise and lower.
7. Replace any plastic covers once complete.
With some care and the right tools, swapping out a blown gas lift is totally doable at home. Just be sure to purchase the correct replacement based on your chair model.
Fixing Reclining and Tilting
Over time, office chair reclining and tilting mechanisms can start to feel stiff, sticky, or get stuck in certain positions. The problem usually comes down to worn out tension springs or loose fasteners. Here’s how to get that smooth motion back:
Supplies Needed
– Phillips screwdriver
– Replacement springs or fasteners
– Lubricating oil
Instructions
1. Identify the specific joint or hinge that is not working properly. This may take some investigation on your particular chair model.
2. Examine any visible tension springs and replace if cracked or fatigued. Stronger springs can also be installed to increase tension.
3. Tighten any loose screws, nuts, and bolts on tilting mechanisms or reclining joints. Be careful not to overtighten.
4. Lubricate pivoting joints if sticky. Use a light oil like WD-40.
5. Adjust any knobs or levers that modify the recline or tilt tension. Increase tension if too loose.
6. Test all adjustments and ensure smooth motion without sticking.
Don’t force the mechanisms if they feel stuck. By carefully inspecting the joints and making selective repairs, you can often get that smooth motion back without fully disassembling the chair.
Tightening a Wobbly Chair
A general looseness or wobbliness in an office chair often comes down to loose fasteners. If your chair creaks, tilts or seems unstable, it likely just needs some tightened screws and bolts. Here’s where to check:
– Joints between the seat, back, and armrests
– Caster mounts underneath the base
– Rear tilt mechanism underneath the seat
– Seat plate attachment and swivel joints
– Arms adjustment and pivot points
Take the time to methodically examine every moving joint on the chair. Tighten any loose fastener you find with a screwdriver. Typically 4-6 turns will tighten enough without overdoing it. You may also need to replace stripped or damaged screws. Just be sure to use the same size and style during replacement.
It takes patience to locate all the loose spots, but tightening the common trouble areas will renew the stability and function of your office chair. As a preventive measure, periodically check for loose hardware and retighten every few months before wobbliness sets in.
When To Call A Professional
While DIY repairs can solve many common office chair problems, some issues are better left to the experts:
– Major gas lift problems requiring full cylinder replacement
– Upholstery repairs across large areas or full reupholstering
– Structural repairs like broken frames, casters, or bases
– Electrical issues with powered chairs
– Major disassembly required to access parts
Don’t try to force repairs if you don’t have the right tools, skills, or replacement parts. Attempting chair repairs incorrectly can result in safety issues or further damage. Contact an office furniture pro when repairs are beyond your abilities.
Maintenance Tips To Prevent Damage
Repairing an office chair takes time and effort that can be avoided with proper preventive maintenance:
– Inspect the chair routinely for signs of wear and loose parts. Tighten hardware before it fails.
– Clean the upholstery regularly using mild soap and water to prevent stains.
– Avoid rolling over rough surfaces that can wear wheels. Use a mat under the chair.
– Limit adjustment to necessary height changes to avoid wearing out the gas lift.
– Redistribute filling if seat becomes uneven or sinks in spots.
– Lubricate tilt and swivel joints every 6-12 months.
– Ensure the chair is assembled correctly according to instructions.
A well-maintained chair can last over a decade. But neglecting maintenance often leads to premature failure. Get in the habit of inspecting and caring for your office chair to maximize its usable life.
Conclusion
Knowing how to repair an office chair will save you from having to replace it at the first sign of trouble. Many common issues like loose wheels, torn fabric, wobbly arms, faulty gas lifts, sticky tilting mechanisms, and general looseness can be fixed yourself with basic DIY skills. Investing a little time and effort into office chair maintenance and repair can add years of life to your existing chair. But some complex issues are still best handled by a professional. Become knowledgeable about your chair and don’t be afraid to try your hand at repairs. With the right approach, you can keep your office chair rolling smoothly for the long run.