How to Fix an Office Chair that Sinks- A quick and easy guide to fix a common problem with office chairs.
Checkout this video:
Inspect the gas lift
The first thing you want to do is inspect the gas lift. If it is damaged, then it will need to be replaced. If it is not damaged, then you can try to repair it. To do this, you will need to disassemble the chair and remove the gas lift. Once you have removed the gas lift, you can try to repair it by sanding down the surfaces that are damaged.
Check the base
If your office chair is sinking, the first thing you should check is the base. If the base is loose, tighten it with a wrench. If the base is cracked or broken, you will need to replace it.
Check the casters
If your chair has casters, the first thing you should do is check to see if they are all the same size. If they are not, then it is likely that one or more of the casters is not properly seated in the socket. To fix this, simply remove the offending caster and reinsert it until you hear a click. This will ensure that the caster is properly locked into place.
If your chair does not have casters, or if all of the casters are the same size, then the next step is to check the gas lift. The gas lift is what allows you to adjust the height of your chair, and over time, it can become worn down. This can cause your chair to sink slowly over time. To fix this, simply unscrew the gas lift and replace it with a new one.
Check the mechanism
If your chair has a gas lift mechanism, the first thing you should do is check to see if the gas cylinder is loose. To do this, unscrew the plastic or metal ring at the bottom of the chair and remove it. Then, try to wiggle the cylinder up and down. If it’s loose, tighten the screws that hold it in place.
If the gas cylinder is tight, the next thing to check is the pneumatic valve. This is a small black valve located at the top of the gas cylinder. To check it, unscrew the cap and press down on the valve with a pen or paperclip. If air hisses out, then the valve is working properly. If not, you may need to replace it.
Another potential problem is that the seat plate might be loose. This is the metal plate that connects the seat of your chair to the base. To check it, sit in your chair and try to wiggle back and forth. If there’s any movement, then you need to tighten the bolts that hold it in place.
Check the arms
One of the most common reasons for an office chair to sink is that the gas lift cylinder located in the base of the chair is not functioning properly. If your chair has arms, check to see if they are loose or if the gas lift cylinder is visible. If the arms are loose, you can try tightening them with a wrench. If the gas lift cylinder is exposed, you may be able to see if it is damaged.
