How to disassemble an office chair yourself (instructions with video)

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Any furniture, even the highest quality, tends to break. It is not always possible to contact a specialist, and professional repairs are expensive. Repairing an office chair with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. The main thing is to find out the cause of the breakdown and act according to plan.

Structural elements and common breakdowns

You should not purchase furniture for your home or office if the manufacturer provides a warranty of less than one and a half years. Experience shows that such products quickly fail. If, after the expiration of the warranty period, the furniture begins to poorly perform its basic functions, you must first find out the causes of the malfunction. They may be different. The most common problems are described in the table below. When you know what's broken, it's easier to plan and carry out repairs.

The main structural elements of the product: seat, backrest and crosspiece with rollers. If at least one part of the general mechanism fails, the chair cannot be used until the fault is completely eliminated. Repairs may require additional parts to replace broken or worn parts. They can be found in service centers or ordered in an online store from a furniture manufacturer. There you can also learn how to repair a chair with your own hands at minimal cost.

To make DIY repairs easier, it is recommended to choose domestically produced office furniture. Chairs from foreign manufacturers are of good quality and have a long service life, but in the event of a malfunction, it is very difficult to obtain spare parts. Not all European furniture companies have official representatives in Russia.

Structural elements

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:

1. 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.
2. Gently pull the backrest up, rocking it left and right.
3. Separate the cross and gas lift.
4. 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, you shouldn’t make any physical efforts: the 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.

These manipulations should be done by weight, so as not to break the fragile plastic fragments. If everything is done correctly, the part will lower smoothly.

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:

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

To connect the seat to the backrest, the so-called permanent contact is used. Almost all chair models are equipped with armrests.

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.

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:

1. Helps to choose the appropriate office chair height according to a person’s height.
2. Provides rotation of the chair around its axis.
3. 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.

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.

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 is 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

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.

It is not possible to repair an office chair gas lift at home. This is a completely sealed design. Gas is pumped into it using factory equipment and, even in the event of a breakdown, does not come out. Therefore, at home you can replace this mechanism with a new one or fix the lifting device in one position.

crosshead screwdriver

Rubber hammer

Ring punch

Plastic

The sequence of actions includes the following steps:

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the bolts that secure the seat to the piastre.
2. 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.
3. Turn the cross over, remove the decorative plug and the pin that secures the gas lift.
4. Knock the gas lift out of the chair using gentle movements of a rubber hammer, helping with a drift if necessary.
5. Replace the broken mechanism.
6. Reassemble the chair in reverse order.

The new gas lift for the chair must be inserted into the crosspiece, applying force, until a characteristic click is heard. Then put on the casing and only then connect it to the piaster.

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.

Regardless of whether metal or plastic is used for the base, all movements must be careful. You should tap the hammer in different places, distributing them evenly over the entire surface of the structure. This will ensure a smooth exit of the gas elevator.

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.

Stages of making a chair for a PVC boat with your own hands, installation nuances

Unscrew the fasteners and pull the seat towards you

Use weak blows to knock the gas lift out of its base.

Ready

Tips for use

An office chair, especially a refurbished one, is a rather fragile and vulnerable structure. During operation, it is recommended to strictly adhere to the instructions. If you ignore existing rules, the shelf life of the product will be significantly reduced. To ensure that your office furniture lasts a long time, you need to keep the following points in mind:

1. It is not recommended to use chairs in rooms with high air humidity.
2. If furniture is brought into an office or apartment from the cold, you cannot immediately begin assembly, because fragile plastic parts are very sensitive to temperature changes. It is better to start installation at least a day later.
3. Do not put pressure on the bolts during assembly, otherwise the nut may fall under the upholstery and you will have to dismantle the seat in search of a fastener.
4. Do not exceed the permissible load on the rollers and crosspiece.

Two people cannot sit on the chair, otherwise the base of the product may break. For heavy-weight employees, it is recommended to choose chairs with a metal cross: it is stronger and more reliable than plastic ones. It is strictly forbidden to fall onto the seat.

You should be aware of the fragility of the armrests. Under no circumstances should you sit on them. Experts recommend tightening all fastening bolts once a quarter so that they do not become loose over time. You should not use the seat to transport heavy objects, as this will quickly deteriorate the upholstery and damage the mechanisms. You cannot carry a chair on the floor if it is covered with tiles: when the rollers get into the joints between its fragments, this leads to rapid wear.

The fabric of computer chairs is quite vulnerable to external influences. The seat and backrest should be vacuumed weekly to prevent dust from accumulating on them. In case of stubborn stains, you can use only the products recommended in the operating instructions. It is strictly forbidden to use traditional methods.

Children should not be allowed to play on an office chair for fun. This quickly wears out the rollers and the crosspiece, and it also reduces the service life of the swing mechanism.

In order for the chair to serve for a long time and not break, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the operating requirements. If the warranty on a piece of furniture has already expired, you can carry out simple repair work yourself. The success of the repair depends on the complexity of the breakdown, as well as on the quality of the spare parts chosen to fix the problem.

Operating rules