Repairing Guides

how to repair an office chair gas cylinder

by Dr. Molly Wolf MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Step 1: Estimate your chair’s gas cylinder
  • Step 2: Estimate the gas cylinder’s stroke
  • Step 3: Buy a gas cylinder repair it
  • Step 4: Get rid of base from the cylinder
  • Step 5: Get rid of the old gas cylinder from mechanism
  • Step 5: Set up the replacement gas cylinder in the base
  • Step 6: Reattach the chair’s base and cylinder.

Part of a video titled How to Replace an Office Chair Cylinder - YouTube
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If 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.

Full Answer

How to remove an office chair gas lift cylinder?

Steps to Follow

  • Step-1: Firstly, you have to turn your chair upside down to get a better angle with your wrench. ...
  • Step-2: Secondly, if you have a wrench, secure the wrench near the top of the old cylinder tightly and start twisting it until it releases from the mechanism.
  • Step-3: Now, remove the seat from the chair using the rubber mallet. ...

More items...

How to replace the piston in an office chair?

  • Slide the plastic skirt off the cylinder. Most office chairs have a plastic tube over the extendable cylinder.
  • Set the chair to the preferred height.
  • Wrap a hose clamp around the cylinder.
  • Improve the grip of the clamp (recommended).
  • Tighten the clamp as far as possible.
  • Test the chair.

How to assemble your new office chair?

Typically, office chairs are assembled in the following steps:

  • Insert casters into the wheel base.
  • Insert the gas cylinder and sleeve on pneumatic-lift (adjustable-height) models over the wheel base.
  • Attach the seat and push down to engage.
  • Attach the chair back to the seat by sliding the neck into the seat sleeve and fastening.
  • Attach the arms using the provided hardware.

How to change cylinder in office chair?

  • WD-40
  • A screwdriver or wrench
  • An elastic head hammer

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Can you repair an office chair cylinder?

If the lift mechanism in your office chair needs repair but the upholstery portion is still in good shape, don't toss the chair. Fix it! You can replace an office chair gas cylinder yourself for about $40 (one source for office chair parts is swivel-chair-parts.com). Rebuilding the lift mechanism is a two-part process.

How do you fix a broken office chair cylinder?

0:113:37Sinking Chair Fix | How to Replace Office Chair Gas Cylinder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you look in the video description. Below put some links to the product. To this gas owner we'reMoreIf you look in the video description. Below put some links to the product. To this gas owner we're going to be using the video. So my chair when I sit on it at the sink. It used to be really annoying.

Why do office chair cylinders fail?

Office chairs use a pneumatic cylinder that controls the height of the chair through pressurized air. The cylinder on most chairs fails within a few years, typically because the seals are too damaged to maintain pressure.

How do you fix a pneumatic chair?

2:304:05Pneumatic chair "fix" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe two halves on and throw a couple of hose clamps around it to hold it on there and they held upMoreThe two halves on and throw a couple of hose clamps around it to hold it on there and they held up for the year to that I had them on there. So. I just figured I'd share that idea.

How do you fix an office chair that won't go up or down?

If you have an office chair that won't go up or down, this is the problem. Usually, the culprit is a faulty gas cylinder or lift mechanism. Instead of replacing the entire chair, you may attempt to get a new gas cylinder and replace it yourself. Alternatively, opt for a professional chair repair service.

Are all chair gas cylinders the same?

Five inch cylinders are standard for most chairs, but cylinders range from 4″-10″ depending on chair type. Most task chair manufacturers offer a choice between four, five, and six inch cylinders.

Why does my pneumatic chair keeps sinking?

A pneumatic office chair has a single-acting cylinder. 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.

Why does my gas lift chair keep going down?

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.

Are chair gas cylinders universal?

Our office chair cylinders are typically universal. The only difference between all standard cylinders is what height they make your seat.

Can hydraulics be fixed on office chair?

The preferred method to fix an office chair's hydraulics is to replace the gas lift altogether. Quick fixes are possible but not recommended since they don't offer long-term solutions. Office chairs usually sink because of old age and extended use.

Why does my office chair keep rising?

When a new cylinder is installed, or this set screw is not adjusted properly, a few things can occur: The set screw is significantly too tight – the cylinder is always activated. This results in the chair raising on it's own, and also lowering on it's own when weight is applied.

How do you fix a hydraulic 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.

Are chair gas cylinders universal?

Our office chair cylinders are typically universal. The only difference between all standard cylinders is what height they make your seat.

Why does my chair keep sinking?

The valve that your seat height lever controls is controlled by a piston that lets air in and out. When your chair keeps sinking, this means that valve, also known as a chair cylinder, is no longer working. In order to fix it, you will either have to replace the piston or get a new chair.

Office Chair Repair: Rebuilding the Lift Mechanism

Got a sinking office chair? Jam a needle-nose pliers into the spring clip and pull it off. Then lift the pedestal off the chair to begin office chair base replacement.

Replace a Caster

Slip the angled end of a flat bar under the caster and pop the caster out of its socket in one quick motion. If it doesn’t come out all the way, grab it again and pry it the rest of the way.

Required Tools for This Office Chair Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for This Office Chair Repair Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

How to replace cylinder on office chair?

Then, gently tap the base away from the chair with the removal tool that came along with your office chair cylinder replacement kit.

What is the first thing to go in an office chair?

One of the first things to go in an office chair is the pneumatic gas lift cylinder that keeps your seat adjusted to the right height.

How to adjust a chair seat?

Step 1: Adjust the protective plastic skirt up or down around the cylinder before setting the chair to your preferred height. It’s important to get this right because once this process is done, your seat will no longer be adjustable. Try to adjust your seat about level with your knees while standing.

How does a pneumatic lift cylinder work?

Here’s how the pneumatic gas lift cylinder works. Operating the height control function activates an internal seal which then activates an internal control valve, causing the height of the seat to rise or fall according to your preference. Over time and repeated use, that seal can get damaged, causing the seat to sink slowly under your bodyweight. ...

How to make a chair with PVC pipe?

First, use your saw or cutting tool to cut the PVC pipe lengthwise (it’s helpful to hold the pipe in place with your vice). Next, adjust the plastic skirt on your chair either up or down , whichever way reveals the cylinder. Then, snap the pipe over the cylinder by pushing the slit side over it.

How to make a chair with a cylinder?

Step 1 – Slide the covering plastic. Office chairs have a plastic covering over the cylinder. The cylinders can be extended, and so are the coverings. Try to slide the plastic either all the way up or down. After that, you will surely be able to see the metal cylinder, which is underneath that covering.

How to measure cylinder of chair?

The first step is to measure the cylinder of the chair. Pull down the plastic covering and get yourself a ruler or measuring tape. If you are using a ruler, hold it horizontally to know the diameter of the cylinder. You should measure the height of the cylinder too when it is placed at the perfect height.

How long does it take for an office chair to get damaged?

Most office chairs have a pneumatic cylinder that helps in adjusting the height of the chair according to your need. Even the best office chair have similar issues because the chair’s pneumatic cylinder gets damaged over a period of time. Sometimes after couple of years and sometimes just after few months of usage.

Why do you need to tighten the clamp on a chair?

This process is extremely important because it will fail to hold the chair at that convenient height if the clamp is not tight enough.

How does a pneumatic chair work?

This pneumatic cylinder of the chair works through pressurized air. This control becomes dysfunctional within a few years and sometimes within few months. Sometimes, it happens because the seals of the cylinder become damaged. The air pressure is a lot to maintain, and the seals could not function well for a long time.

How big is a PVC pipe for an office chair?

If you cannot find the exact size, go for a slightly larger one. Usually, PVC pipes with 3.8 cm diameter suit most of the office chairs. You must get a straight pipe that will be extending from the chair’s seat to its wheelbase.

Can sitting on an office chair cause neck pain?

But no matter how common it is, you need to fix this. Some serious damage can be caused by sitting on an broken or unfitted office chair. It will hamper your posture’s alignment and contribute to severe injuries on your spine and neck.

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