- 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.
- Buy a length of PVC pipe. This pipe will fit over the pneumatic cylinder of the chair. ...
- Saw through the PVC pipe lengthwise. Secure the pipe in a vise. ...
- Snap the pipe onto the chair cylinder. Pull the chair's plastic skirt up or down to reveal the metal cylinder.
- Add more pipe to adjust the height of the chair. If the chair is still too low, raise it and snap on another piece of pipe.
Full Answer
How to replace office chair gas cylinder?
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.
How do you fix an office chair that keeps sinking down?
Essentially there are 3 ways to fix your chair that keeps sinking down. Degreaser or cleaning product. (Optional) 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.
How does a pneumatic office chair work?
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 bent office chair clamp?
If the chair is at the wrong height, move the clamp higher or lower on the cylinder. If the clamp slides off, fasten it over a strip of rubber to improve the grip, or try the PVC pipe method below. Measure your chair's cylinder. Pull down the plastic skirt cover the extendable, metal cylinder.
How do you fix a pneumatic 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. We're gonna reinstall a little sleep.
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 pneumatic 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 you take apart an office chair cylinder?
1:312:32How To Remove and Replace Office Chair Cylinder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStand back so the cylinder doesn't hit your feet use a rubber mallet to dislodge the cylinder fromMoreStand back so the cylinder doesn't hit your feet use a rubber mallet to dislodge the cylinder from the base if the rubber mallet doesn't work use a hammer instead.
Can you fix the hydraulics on an office chair?
Can you fix the hydraulics of an office chair? It's typically not cost or time effective to repair the broken gas cylinder, so we recommend purchasing a replacement kit and simply replacing the entire cylinder.
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!
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 won't my office chair go up?
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.
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.
Are gas 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. In addition, another distinctive difference exists in the stroke and body length of the cylinder.
How do I stop my hydraulic chair from sinking?
Option 1: Use a Hose Clamp & Duct Tape 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.
Why does my office chair keep 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.
Can you fix an office chair that won't stay up?
Hose Clamp or Duct Tape Instead of chair riser kits or PVC spacers, duct tape can help to fix an office chair that won't stay up. You only need to use this method once to fix a sinking office chair.
How do you fix an office chair that won't go 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 ).
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.