
Use a pipe wrench to loosen the press-fit office chair gas cylinder (there are no threads). Then lift the cylinder out of the tilt mechanism for office chair gas cylinder replacement. 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!
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. ...
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

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 replace a gas lift cylinder on a office chair?
1:011:48How to Remove and Replace a Chair's Gas Cylinder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis way when you twist it it'll actually grip the pipe or in this case the cylinder. And twist itMoreThis way when you twist it it'll actually grip the pipe or in this case the cylinder. And twist it out of there. So you just want to brace. It. Twist it and it'll come right. Out.
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.
Are all gas cylinders for office chairs the same?
Our office chair cylinders are typically universal. The only difference between all standard cylinders is what height they make your seat. So, whether you want to keep it simple or get technical, we're here to help!
Can you replace the gas in an office 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 you fix an office chair that won't go 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.
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.
Why does my desk chair keeps 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.
How do you fix hydraulics on a chair?
0:414:41DIY: How to Fix Sinking Chair (In under 5 minutes!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce they bottom out against the top rank. Begin tightening them down about one turn per boltMoreOnce they bottom out against the top rank. Begin tightening them down about one turn per bolt alternating back and forth.
How long do chair gas cylinders last?
Age of the gas cylinder. You may have a chair for more than 10 years, and suddenly the gas cylinder begins sinking. At that point, the gas cylinders have reached the end of their life, and if you love your chair, inquire about ordering a replacement gas cylinder and installing the new one.
Are chair cylinders universal?
Yes, almost all the office chair gas cylinders are universal, having a diameter of around 2 inches and a height of about 10 inches. The difference between standard chair gas cylinders is how high the chair seat can rise.
How do you remove a stuck gas lift?
1:154:13How to: Remove gas cylinder using a pipe wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTaking some wd-40 after I put the newspaper. Down like that I'm going to squirt it in the joint.MoreTaking some wd-40 after I put the newspaper. Down like that I'm going to squirt it in the joint. Come on just one squirt of billet.
How do you measure a gas lift cylinder?
2:104:49How to Measure a chair Gas Cylinder for replacement install/removeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd remove this telescope cover it just just pull it straight up it has a small opening over hereMoreAnd remove this telescope cover it just just pull it straight up it has a small opening over here which fits over this gas cylinder going to measure the gas cylinder.
How does a chair lift mechanism work?
Gas cylinders, or pneumatic cylinders, are devices that take the pressured power of compressed gas and force it through a chamber which then moves a piston in the required location. This movement and force enable the office chairs' seats to rise or lower down.
How does an office chair piston work?
An office chair cylinder is the part of the chair that connects the base to the seat. 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.
How to reassemble a cylinder chair?
To reassemble, just push the tapered end of the cylinder into the chair seat and install the telescoping trim bezel. Slide on the rubber bumper. Then lubricate the bearing with grease and install it back on the piston rod with the original washers. Next, slide the pedestal base and column over the rod and secure the piston rod with the washer and spring clip. Finish the job by turning the chair right side up and bouncing on it a few times. Your weight will drive the tapered gas cylinder into the seat retainer. Then raise the lift mechanism to the proper height and get back to work.
How to get caster out of 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.
How to get casters back from dead?
Sometimes you can bring casters back from the dead by cleaning and lubricating them. So try that first. Just spray household degreaser/cleaner right onto the roller axles. Then spin the wheels to loosen them up. If that helps, rinse off the cleaner, blow them dry with compressed air, and then lubricate them. If cleaning doesn’t help, you’ll have to replace them. Here’s how.
How long does it take to rebuild a lift mechanism?
You’ll need a needlenose pliers, a pipe wrench with a long handle, and a helper. Disassembly takes about a half hour. Then you just reassemble when the part arrives. That only takes 15 minutes, and you can do it without a helper.
How to replace a sinking office chair?
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.
How to measure office chair gas cylinder?
Measure the length of the office chair gas cylinder from the bottom of the taper to the top. Don’t include the piston rod in the measurement. Then measure the cylinder width at the widest part. Order the replacement from an office chair repair parts Web site.
How much does it cost to replace a chair gas cylinder?
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 ).
Office Chair Gas Lift Repair
If your office chair sinks every time you sit in it and need an office chair gas lift repair, we can help you get a replacement. If you're not sure which replacement shock you need, please tilt your chair on its side and snap a pic of the lower half of the chair and send it to us at [email protected].
Fix Office Chair Gas Cylinder
If you bought your chair at Staples, OfficeMax, Costco, Office Depot, Sam's Club, BJ's, Target or any other big box chain store, these chairs typically have the same specs, so our Universal Office Chair Replacement Spring will likely work and you can have it in your office in a jiff. We carry these in stock!
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 long should a PVC pipe be for a chair?
It’s important in this next step to have a PVC pipe that is a bit larger than the cylinder on your chair, just enough so that it will easily fit over the cylinder. It should also be long enough to reach from seat level to your chair’s wheelbase, at the height at which you like your seat adjusted.
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 many DIY fixes are there?
There are two quick and easy DIY fixes:
Where to secure wrench on cylinder?
The next step is to tightly secure the wrench near the top of the old cylinder and twist it until it releases from the mechanism.
Why does my seat sink?
Over time and repeated use, that seal can get damaged, causing the seat to sink slowly under your bodyweight.
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.
What is the cylinder on an office chair?
As seen, most office chairs feature a pneumatic cylinder containing pressurized air.
What is pneumatic lift cylinder?
A pneumatic lift cylinder employs the principle of double-sided pistons and intensely pressurized gas that moves between the ends of the cylinder. There is a valve that secures the piston in position.
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 do hydraulic and pneumatic systems work?
Hydraulic systems work using a liquid, while pneumatic systems operate using compressible gases like nitrogen.
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.
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.
What is the best way to fix a sinking chair?
Using a PVC pipe is actually a more convenient method to fix sinking chair. The process and tools are mentioned below.
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.
What to do if a cylinder is greasy?
If you discover that the cylinder is appearing greasy, use a degreaser or a cleaning product first.
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.
