Are you tired of your office chair sinking and refusing to stay up? You are not alone. Most of us have spent a considerable amount of money on office chairs, hoping for comfort and ergonomics for long work hours. After a few years of use, however, even though the chair looks almost brand new, it tends to sink, leaving us frustrated and annoyed. What should you do when faced with such a situation? Is it time to throw out the chair and buy a brand new one? Not necessarily. Before you decide to spend hundreds of dollars on a new chair, consider repairing it. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix a sinking office chair using three different methods.
One of the reasons why an office chair sinks is because the chair cylinder has lost its lift. The cylinder is the part of the chair that connects the base to the seat and allows us to adjust the chair up and down. Inside the chair cylinder is nitrogen gas that switches chambers inside the cylinder when you pull the chair lever, allowing it to move up and down. Over time and excessive use, the seal in the cylinder wears out and leaks, causing the chair to sink.
There are three options available for fixing a sinking office chair:
Option 1: Use a Hose Clamp & Duct Tape
This option does not 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. The hose clamp is placed around the cylinder piston at a desired height and acts as a stop. The duct tape is used to prevent the clamp from sliding. However, this is a temporary fix that will last only for a few days, and the chair will start sinking again. Additionally, it is not a professional solution for home or work offices.
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Option 2: Use a Plastic Spacer / PVC Pipe
This option involves using a plastic spacer or 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 you use an uncut spacer or PVC, you need to take apart the cylinder to slide it on. Like the hose clamp, this option only acts as a stop and does not allow any height adjustment. The plastic is also likely to crack or break from the stress of sitting in your chair. This option may not be suitable for a professional work environment.
Option 3: Replace the Cylinder (Recommended)
Replacing the cylinder is a permanent solution that allows you to adjust your chair to your desired height. We recommend replacing the cylinder, especially if you have invested in a high-budget office chair. A complete Chair Cylinder Replacement Kit includes a new cylinder, all required tools, instructions, and a six-year warranty. The majority of desk chairs are built the same, and swivel chair parts such as the chair cylinder, base, and caster wheels are easily replaceable. An industry-standard size chair cylinder will fit approximately 95% of office chairs.
So, if your swivel chair keeps sinking, the answer is simple. Replace your chair cylinder. This project is not difficult, and replacing the cylinder will have your office chair feeling brand new for another six years or more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you fix a chair that won’t stay up?
Here are five easy steps to get your office chair working like new again:
- Use a Hose Clamp – This is a common solution to fix an office chair. You’ll need to purchase a hose clamp and then follow the steps to adjust the chair height to your liking.
- Adjust the Chair to the Height You Want – Before you start tightening the hose clamp, make sure the chair is adjusted to your preferred height.
- Grab the Cylinder and Wrap the Hose Clamp Around It – Once the chair is at the right height, wrap the hose clamp around the cylinder, making sure it’s tight.
- Tighten the Hose Clamp – Once the clamp is wrapped around the cylinder, tighten it until it’s snug.
- Test the Chair – Finally, test the chair by sitting on it and making sure it stays at the desired height.
If your chair keeps sinking, the cylinder may no longer be working. This happens when the piston is moved further out of the chamber, causing the air inside the chamber to expand and allowing the seat to lower. In this case, the best solution is to replace the cylinder to fix the issue.
Why is my chair sinking?
If your chair keeps sinking, this means that the cylinder is no longer working. When the piston is moved further out of the chamber, the air inside the chamber expands, allowing the seat to lower. However, if the cylinder is no longer working, the seat will continue to sink. It’s time to replace the cylinder to restore the chair to its former glory.
