Repairing Guides

how to repair a sinking office chair

by Kelsie Walker III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Method 1. Replace the Pneumatic Gas Cylinder. If you want that your desk chair doesn’t sink, then replace the cylinder is a recommended option, and it’s a permanent solution.
  • Method 2. Use Wd-40 to fix sinking office chair. It is essential to always check for friction while sitting on the chair. ...
  • Method 3. Use PVC Pipe to stop chair’s sinking. The easiest solution to fix a sinking office chair is to use PVC pipes, it is the most cost-efficient and easy ...
  • Method 4. Using Jubilee Clamp. The jubilee clamp is a simple device that secures hose pipes taps, and it’s perfect for wrapping around the cylinder of your sinking chair.

Full Answer

How do you stop an office chair from sinking?

What to do when your seat starts sinking?

  • Oiling. Pay attention to functioning. ...
  • PVC Pipe. Slide the plastic tube from the extendable cylinder, so that you can see the metal cylinder underneath.
  • A Hose Clamp. Slide the plastic tube from the extendable cylinder, so that you can see the metal cylinder underneath.
  • Replace the Pneumatic Cylinder. ...

How do you keep your office chair from sinking?

  • After determining the diameter, head over to your local store and purchase enough PVC pipe that will fit the measured length of the cylinder.
  • Next, cut the pipe lengthwise with a saw, but only on one side.
  • Attach the slit pipe into the cylinder, by gently opening it at the cut and pressing it onto the cylinder. ...
  • Next, try to adjust the seat height. ...

Why does my office chair keep sinking?

Why Does My Office Chair Keep Sinking? The common cause of sinking office chairs is not using the chair correctly and sitting on it incorrectly. When sitting on a hollow office chair, you should compress your back and shoulders, and your spine should form an arch. The best way to use a sinking office chair is to adjust the seat’s tilt until ...

How to fix an office chair that won't stay up?

How to Fix an Office Chair That Won’t Stay Up (5 Steps)

  • Step One: Prepare the Chair. In many cases, office chairs have a piece of plastic covering the metal part of the chair that holds it up.
  • Step Two: Adjust the Height. ...
  • Step Three: Apply the Hose Clamp. ...
  • Step Four: Tighten the Clamp. ...
  • Step Five: Test the Chair. ...

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Can you fix a sinking office chair?

There are two methods you can use when it comes to fixing this problem. You might have to root around your garage or take a trip to a DIY store for the key tools. Firstly, you can use a hose clamp to prevent the chair's cylinder from moving. Secondly, you can use PVC pipe to also stop the cylinder from sliding down.

Why is my office chair sinking?

This is a spring that has been filled with air. When the piston is moved further out of the chamber, the air inside the chamber expands, allowing the seat to lower. If your chair keeps sinking, this means that the cylinder is no longer working.

How do you fix hydraulics in an office chair?

2:003:37Sinking Chair Fix | How to Replace Office Chair Gas Cylinder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the last step of repairs is to reinstall the goddess the gas cylinder. So you can do that by justMoreSo the last step of repairs is to reinstall the goddess the gas cylinder. So you can do that by just starting it into the base gives it a press fit.

How do you fix a office chair that won't stay up?

5 Steps on How to Fix an Office Chair that Won't Stay upUse a Hose Clamp. One of the most common solutions to fix an office chair is to use a hose clamp. ... Adjust the Chair to the Height You Want. ... Grab the Cylinder and Wrap the Hose Clamp Around It. ... Tighten the Hose Clamp. ... Test the Chair.

How do I stop my pneumatic chair from sinking?

Another DIY office chair hack is using a plastic spacer or piece of PVC to prevent the cylinder from sinking. If the plastic spacer is cut down the center it can be wrapped around the cylinder piston. If using an uncut spacer or PVC some extra work is involved (taking apart the cylinder to slide on the spacer).

How do you fix a cylinder on an office chair?

0:522:00How to Replace an Office Chair Cylinder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you don't have a pipe wrench remove the mechanism from the chair by unscrewing the main bolts atMoreIf you don't have a pipe wrench remove the mechanism from the chair by unscrewing the main bolts at the bottom of the seat. Then using your rubber mallet gently tap the mechanism off the cylinder.

Can you refill hydraulic chair?

CAN YOU REFILL THE GAS CYLINDER IN YOUR CHAIR? It isn't possible to refill the gas cylinder in a pneumatic chair, however, if your it's in good condition and it is a design of chair that you enjoy using then you can choose to replace the gas cylinder itself.

How do I stop my computer chair from going down?

Snap the pipe onto the chair cylinder. Pull the chair's plastic skirt up or down to reveal the metal cylinder. Push the slit side of the PVC pipe against the cylinder to snap it around the cylinder. It should now hold the chair in place, preventing it from sliding down.

Why does my gaming chair keep sinking?

Oil The Components. The easiest way of treating the problem where the gaming chair goes down by itself is to oil the components. This is a very simple way of treating the issue because the problem is often in the lever where it is not letting you adjust the height due to excessive friction.

Why does my chair lean back?

An office chair may start to lean back because of broken or damaged casters, a change in the chair's tilt tension, or a bent or loose seat plate. To fix these issues: replace damaged casters, adjust the tilt tension, or.

Why Is My Office Chair Sinking?

Your office chair sinking doesn’t mean that you no longer have use for it. An office chair sinks when its cylinder loses its lift.

Where is the gas leak in an office chair?

Gas within your office chair’s cylinder can leak out via the outer valve seal at the top of the support shaft seals at the bottom.

What is the cylinder on an office chair?

As seen, most office chairs feature a pneumatic cylinder containing pressurized air.

Why does my car sink?

As seen, sinking is primarily due to inadequate pressure to keep your seat at the desired height. While replacing the cylinder tackles the issue, it is expensive. Placing a PVC pipe is more affordable and less challenging to do.

How to set office chair height?

To set your office chair to your preferred height, lay it on the side, then get it to your desired height.

How to determine the height of a chair?

To easily determine your chair’s height, establish the distance from the ground to your knees when you are standing. This height is suitable for working without tiring your legs, even if you sit in the office for extended sessions.

Why does my chair lower?

In most cases, your chair gradually lowering its height is due to your seal lubricant getting rubbed away or drying out.

How to fix a sinking desk chair?

To fix a sinking desk chair, start by sliding the plastic cylinder on the extendable part of the chair up or down so you can see the metal underneath. Then, set the chair to your preferred height, laying it on its side if you need to so it stays in place.

How to remove a cylinder from an office chair?

Slide the plastic skirt off the cylinder. Most office chairs have a plastic tube over the extendable cylinder. Slide this all the way down or up, until you can see the metal cylinder underneath.

How to remove wheel base from chair?

In most cases, you can remove the wheel base by pressing a retaining clip on the underside with a screwdriver. Snap the pipe onto the chair cylinder. Pull the chair's plastic skirt up or down to reveal the metal cylinder. Push the slit side of the PVC pipe against the cylinder to snap it around the cylinder.

How to measure a chair?

Measure your chair's cylinder. Pull down the plastic skirt cover the extendable, metal cylinder. Estimate the diameter of the cylinder by holding a ruler across it horizontally. Also measure the length of the cylinder when the chair is at the perfect height.

What to do if clamp slides off?

If the clamp slides off, fasten it over a strip of rubber to improve the grip, or try the PVC pipe method below.

How big is a chair pipe?

It should be about the same size as the cylinder diameter, or slightly larger. Pipe 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter works well for most models. Buy enough straight pipe to extend from the wheel base of your chair to the seat, when the chair is at the preferred height. The pipe does not have to be in one piece.

Why does my chair cylinder fail?

The cylinder on most chairs fails within a few years, typically because the seals are too damaged to maintain pressure. You can buy a replacement cylinder to restore full function to your chair, but this is nearly as expensive as buying a replacement.

Why Is My Office Chair Sinking?

Learning how to fix a sinking office chair starts with understanding why office chairs sink in the first place. While there are several root causes, they all point back to a single part: the gas cylinder.

Important Terminology

Before we look at how to fix a sinking office chair, it’s important to understand a few terms and what they’re referring to.

How To Fix a Sinking Office Chair

I’ve listed five methods for learning how to fix a sinking office chair. Each technique on this list becomes progressively more difficult but results in a more resilient fix.

How To Prevent Further Sinkage

Once you’ve fixed up your ergonomic office chair, the last thing you want to do is go through all the hassle a second time. Even though every part wears out with time, there are a few easy precautions you can take to prevent or delay sinkage:

Why does my office chair sink?

The common cause of sinking office chairs is not using the chair correctly and sitting on it incorrectly. When sitting on a hollow office chair, you should compress your back and shoulders, and your spine should form an arch. The best way to use a sinking office chair is to adjust the seat’s tilt until you achieve the appropriate posture.

How much does it cost to replace an office chair cushion?

It is important to note that you should never repair this yourself, as office chair cushions are very expensive. Replacement costs are usually over $150 for even the cheapest models, so purchase a new one rather than self-replacing it.

How to finish up a PVC chair?

To finish up, once you have the pipe glued in place and can stick perfectly to the bottom of your office chair legs, then you’ll want to trim down any excess length on the PVC pipe. Again, you can use a hacksaw or something similar to do this task. However, ensure that you get a smooth cut so that you can create a sleek look.

How to secure office chair frame?

1) Tighten all the bolts holding your office chair’s frame together with an Allen wrench. It will ensure that everything is secure and won’t come apart at any time during use.

Why do you need to take your chair to a professional?

We recommend taking your chair to a professional for this procedure because you don’t want any accidents happening with yourself or anyone around you when working on antique furniture like yours.

Can you put glass between office chairs?

Don’t forget that if you want your office chair to look nice and clean, you can add some glass pieces between the legs of your office chair and the PVC pipe. It is easy, and you’ll need a drill gun with a sixteenth drill bit and some glass pieces.

Can you remove a cylinder from a chair?

Replacing the cylinder or spring can be an effortless job, but removing it is a different story. There are several ways that these cylinders attach to chairs, and each has its difficulty level. Removing one of these can also pose safety risks as they contain pressurized air, which could violently release from the chair if not done properly!

How to fix a sinking office chair?

One of the more common DIY quick fix or hack is to use a hose clamp and some duct tape. This option does not actually repair the office chair, but can stop your chair from temporarily sinking. In order for this method to work, the hose clamp must be size 20 or 13/16"-1-3/4" diameter.

What to do if your computer chair keeps sinking?

So, if your computer chair keeps sinking, the answer is simple... Replace your chair cylinder.

Why do office chairs sink?

A sinking office chair doesn't mean the entire chair is bad. There is actually a very simple reason for why this happens. The office chair cylinder has lost its lift.

How to stop a chair from sliding?

The hose clamp is placed around the cylinder piston at a desired height and acts as a stop. The duct tape is used to help the clamp from sliding. However, this may only work for a few days and will eventually slide. So before you know it, your chair will be dropping again. This is also not a very professional look in your home or work office.

Why does my chair sink?

Over time and after excessive use of your chair, the seal in the cylinder starts to wear out and leak. So, it is the cylinder causing the chair to sink.

What happened to Jack in the office chair?

As soon as he sat down in his office chair, he sank to the bottom. With the chair at the lowest height, it felt like he was in a kid-sized chair and could barely reach his keyboard. So he stood up, pulled on the chair lift lever, and nothing happened. The chair was stuck at the lowest setting. Jack was annoyed and frustrated, and wondered if there was anything he could do about this? Or did he have to buy a brand new chair?

What gas is used to adjust a chair?

And it is what allows us to adjust the chair up and down. Inside the chair cylinder is Nitrogen gas. So when you pull the chair lever, the nitrogen gas is switching chambers inside the cylinder, allowing it to move up and down. More technical specifics about gas springs can be found here.

How to Fix a Sinking Office Chair?

We have listed several ways through which you can easily get your sinking computer chair fixed. All methods work effectively, so you can choose whichever suits you best.

Why does my chair keep sinking?

If you’re wondering “why my chair keeps sinking”, it is probably because it uses a pneumatic system. Since the pneumatic technology is used to manage moderate weights, there is a little to none chance of fluid leaks. Whether you want to learn how to fix a hydraulic chair or need to learn more about the pneumatic system on your sinking computer ...

What does it mean when a computer chair sinks?

It simply means that the chair’s lifting functionality is not working anymore, which means that you need to fix the chair.

How to measure the size of a sinking chair?

1. Measure The Cylinder. Start by taking off the plastic covering from the cylinder, and estimate its diameter using the ruler. You can do that by horizontally placing the ruler across the cylinder. Now, measure the length of the cylinder after adjusting your sinking chair to the right height.

How to make a jubilee chair?

1. Access the Metallic Cylinder. Remove the protective plastic covering which is normally wrapped over the cylinder. Then slide it so the metallic cylinder becomes accessible. Adjust the height of your sinking chair. Adjust the height of your chair as per your preference. 2. Wrap The Jubilee Clamp.

What is the lever on the right or left bottom of a chair?

A lever on the right or left bottom of the chair which is used to adjust the height

What type of power do height adjustable chairs use?

So, basically, there are two main types of fluid power technologies used by modern height-adjustable chairs – hydraulic and pneumatic. Let’s put one thing out of the way; hydraulic or pneumatic, theoretically, all office chairs keep sinking over time.

Slide The Plastic Skirt Off The Cylinder

Before you even think about tightening the cylinder, slide the plastic skirt off it (the skirt is located on the bottom of the chair).

Set The Chair To The Preferred Height

Once the skirt is slid off, set your office chair to your preferred height at its highest point. You might have to push down on the seat or reach under it to get it to your desired size if you can’t move it by hand.

Wrap A Hose Clamp Around The Cylinder

After setting the chair to your preferred height, wrap a hose clamp around the cylinder and give it a few good tugs, but don’t tighten it just yet.

Tighten The Clamp As Far As Possible

Once you put the plastic skirt back on, you should be able to move your office chair around with ease and avoid any discomfort. If it still sinks in even more after that, then tighten the hose clamp until there is no further wobble in the chair and it feels stable enough to sit on.

Saw Through The PVC Pipe Lengthwise

For this method, you will need a PVC pipe or siphon tubing that has the same diameter as your cylinder (20mm). Once you get your materials together, cut through it lengthwise and fit it over your cylindrical parts of your office chair (the part where the seat sits on).

Snap The Pipe Onto The Chair Cylinder

Once you have glued your PVC pipe to the chair cylinder, snap it on there so that it wraps around your cylinder and seals any gaps.

Add More Pipe To Adjust The Height Of The Chair

Now that you have made your PVC pipe fit around your chair’s cylinder, then you will need to find a way to get the right height for your office chair so that it will sit comfortably for you.

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