For some people, sitting down all day is a necessary part of their job. But for others, sitting all day is actually making their chair more likely to sink. This is due to the way that office chairs are designed, and the way that people use them.
If your non-adjustable office chair is sinking, you know it! When the chair moves down, it will pop into the back of your legs, and it’s not comfortable. It’s like there is a constant disconnect between the chair and your body.
There are a few different things that can cause this problem. I’ll talk about two of them today. First is the difference between a typical office chair and an ergonomic office chair. Next is what you can do about this sinking problem.
A sagging office chair can be uncomfortable. And if your once-reliable office chair starts sagging every time you sit down, you need to get it fixed immediately. It is not uncommon for office chairs to sag if you have been using them for several years.
It’s really annoying. Therefore, you need to fix the problem immediately. If you don’t mind working with the lowest seat height. Today we will help you solve this problem. We will also explain why this happened to your once reliable office chair.
Why your office chair is sagging
If your chair begins to lose its buoyancy and starts to sink, there is only one main problem: a faulty gas cylinder. The cylinder is attached to the seat with its base. This detail makes it easy to adjust the height of the chair.
How does it work? The cylinder contains nitrogen gas. When you push the lever, the gas is released, which raises the seat. The switchable chambers allow you to lower and raise the seat to the desired height.
This problem often occurs with old office chairs. The cylinder wears out and loses its stroke mechanism.
Repair of a seat that has lost its buoyancy
We have described some simple ways to stop a leaky stool. Decorate your old office chair and give it the boost it needs. These repairs can easily be done with your own hands. So just choose the best options that suit you best.
Replacement of gas cylinder
This is probably the best option. When a gas cylinder is worn out, it must be replaced. It’s more of a permanent solution than a band-aid.
Although not all office chairs have the same wiring, 95% of office chairs are manufactured with the same mechanisms. So if you don’t have a Herman Miller or Steelcase chair, you can easily tinker and craft.
And here you can see how to reassemble the lifting mechanism.
- This method is for those who prefer DIY repairs. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can find it easily.
- It is also ideal if the upholstery of your chair is still in perfect condition. So instead of buying a new chair, this can be very practical.
- We need a pair of pliers and a pair of long-handled pipe wrenches. And an assistant is also very handy.
- Turn the chair upside down. Then, using a pair of needle-nose pliers, pull apart the retaining clip on the bottom of the base.
- This weakens the connection. Then remove the bollard and the column from the chair. Also remove screws, washers and other connectors. Set them aside for easy assembly later. You must first disassemble the chair to measure the cylinder.
- Don’t forget to remove the telescopic skirt. Then use a pipe wrench to remove the cylinder. You can also ask for help at this stage.
- Measure the length of the cylinder from bottom to top. And measure the width of the cylinder at its widest point. Then buy a replacement cylinder with these dimensions.
Use clamp and tape
If you don’t want to replace a valve or cylinder gas now, this is the option for you. Remember, this is more like a Band-Aid. And it won’t make your office chair look professional.
A hose clamp and tape will not solve the problem. Instead, the lowering of your office chair is stopped for a moment. Also, you can only use one seat height. This way, your tea can no longer be misadjusted.
Therefore, this option should not be your last decision. It’s more of a quick fix if you can’t buy a replacement yet. Here’s how.
- Prepare the material. We need a size 20 or 13/16″-1-3/4″ clamp and duct tape.
- Adjust the office chair to the desired height. It may be easy, but sometimes a chair that has been used frequently for years just doesn’t hold up anymore, even if no one is sitting on it. So you have to move the chair to the side. This prevents the seat from sagging.
- If the chair has a plastic skirt, it must first be removed in order to lift it.
- After adjusting the seat height, wrap the collar around the cylinder, but do not tighten it yet.
- Take some tape and wrap it around the area under the clip. This improves the grip of the pliers. A tighter clamp will prevent it from sinking. However, reinforcement with adhesive tape helps to strengthen the attachment. You can also wipe the cylinder clean to remove any grease that may cause the clamp to slip.
- Tighten the hose clamp as tight as possible. You can tighten them by turning the screw.
- Sit in a chair to see if it holds. To adjust the height, simply slide the clip up or down.
- Note, however, that this method can only prevent the chair from sinking for a few days.
Use of plastic spacers for PVC pipes
If method number two doesn’t work for you, maybe this method will. But it’s also a temporary solution that doesn’t look very professional.
- Have the necessary tools and materials ready. We need a ruler, PVC pipe or plastic spacers and a saw. Although not all office chairs have the same cylinder diameter, most models accept a PVC tube with a diameter of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches).
- However, you can also measure the diameter of the cylinder to make sure you have the right size. If the chair has a skirt covering the flap, remove it. Then take a ruler and use it to determine the diameter of the cylinder. However, it does not have to be an exact measurement.
- How long do you have to buy? The tube should run from the base of the chair to the wheels. You have the option of buying a straight tube or multiple stackable tubes. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. A straight pipe is more stable, but more difficult to install. Coarse pipes are easier to install, but may not be as sturdy as straight pipes. It is also easier to adjust the height by inserting more PVC pipe or removing the pipe from the cylinder. So you choose poison. Whichever option you choose, make sure it is long enough to cover the ground up to the wheels.
- When you have the right length, cut the pipe at one end. So we’re just going to make a cut and we don’t want to cut it in half. So make sure you don’t cut all the way through to the other side of the pipe. Wear a mask before cutting the groove to avoid inhaling metal dust particles.
- It is now time to install the PVC pipe(s). Push the slot through the cylinder. If you use stackable hoses, add them to the gas bottle until you reach the desired height.
Buy a new chair!
For some office chairs this may be the best option, why? A pneumatic cylinder can cost almost as much as a new chair. Besides, not everyone has the courage to do a replacement themselves.
In addition, some high-end office chairs, such as. B. of Herman Miller, does not recommend do-it-yourself replacements. Rather leave the repairs to a professional. Or find out if it’s under warranty.
Concluding remarks
A slouching chair can really hurt your back. So never sacrifice your health and comfort by settling for a sagging chair. We also offer emergency solutions to save you time while you are looking for a replacement cylinder. But replacement is the ultimate solution.
Besides, what good is an ergonomic chair if it sags all the time? So go ahead, fix that leaky chair or reward yourself with a new one!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my office chair from sinking?
If your office chair is sinking, it may be because the chair’s casters are not properly aligned. To fix this, you can adjust the caster wheels so that they are parallel to the ground.
Why does my office chair keep sinking?
The chair may be too heavy for the wheels to support.
Can the hydraulics in an office chair be fixed?
Yes, the hydraulics in an office chair can be fixed.
