Most office chairs are easy to disassemble and reassemble, making them perfect for moving or storing. In most cases, taking apart an office chair is relatively simple and can be done within minutes. With just a few tools, you can have your chair taken apart and ready for transport or cleaning in no time.
However, there are a few things to consider and steps you need to follow to ensure that you do it correctly. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to disassemble an office chair so that you can get the job done quickly and easily.
Reasons for disassembling an office chair
There are five main reasons you might need to take your office chair apart:
1. Moving – If you’re moving house or office, it’s likely that you’ll need to take your furniture with you. This includes your office chair. By taking it apart, you can make it much easier to transport.
2. Storing – If you don’t have space for your office chair in its current form, you can take it apart and store it in a smaller space.
3. Cleaning – Office chairs can get dirty very quickly, especially if you have children or pets. By taking it apart, you can clean every nook and cranny easily.
4. Repairing – If your office chair is damaged, you might need to take it apart in order to fix it.
5. Return – Another reason you might need to take your office chair apart is if you’re returning it to the store. If you’re returning an office chair to the store, you’ll need to take disassemble it first.
Whether you need to move it to a new office or simply want to take it apart for cleaning, this can be a helpful process.
Things to consider before disassembling an office chair
Before you start the process ofdisassembling an office chair it is important to consider and keep some important things in mind so the chances of breaking something and hurting yourself are reduced:
1. Know what you can & can’t disassemble
When it comes to disassembling and office chairs, it is not necessary to disassemble every part of the chair. In many cases, you can simply remove the seat and backrest or the backrest and cylinder.
Some chairs have screws that hold these components together while others use a plastic clip system. And we have a lot of office chairs that came with an armrest that built into the frame, so in that case, it is not possible to remove it.
Therefore, take a look at the manufacturer’s instructions to see which parts can and cannot be taken apart.
2. Disassembly order
Another thing to consider before disassembling an office chair is the order in which you take it apart.
This is important because some parts of the chair are likely to be more fragile than others. So, if you take it apart in the wrong order, you could damage the chair.
The best way to do it is to follow the instructions that came with your chair or watch one of our helpful disassembly videos.
3. Beware of sharp edges
When you’re taking an office chair apart, there is a risk of coming into contact with sharp edges. This is especially true for the screws and other metal components. So, be careful when handling these parts and use gloves if necessary.
4. Use the right tools
Finally, make sure you have the right tools to take your office chair apart. In most cases, you’ll need a screwdriver, a wrench, and/or pliers.
However, some chairs have special screws that require a specific tool to remove them. So, make sure you have the right tools before you start disassembling your chair.
5. Don’t lose any screws or bolts
Be careful not to lose any screws or bolts when taking the chair apart This is especially important if you’re taking the chair apart for the first time.
It can be easy to lose track of the screws and bolts when they’re small and hidden among all the other parts of the chair.
6. Take assistance
It’s best to have two people working together when disassembling an office chair so that one can help stabilize the chair while the other is taking it apart.
7. Keep small parts in a sealed bag
It is important to keep all the small parts of the chair like screws in a sealed bag when taking it apart. This will help prevent you from losing any screws or bolts and make it easier to put the chair back together.
8. Protect the surface
When taking an office chair apart, it’s important to protect the surface you’re working on. This can be done by using a blanket or some other type of covering.
This will help prevent any damage to the surface and make it easier to clean up any messes that are made.
9. Applying tape to the teeth of your wrench
Of course, you will need a pipe wrench, especially when removing the cylinder from the base of the chair. Before doing that tape the teeth of the wrench. That way, the wrench will not damage the cylinder when you apply force.
1. Office chair screws – Many office chairs have screws that hold the different parts of the chair together. Make sure you know where these screws are and what type of screwdriver is needed to remove them.
What tools do you need?
Make sure you have all of the necessary tools before getting started – including a screwdriver, and Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Rubber Mallet
- Gloves
Step By Step Guide to Disassemble an Office Chair
In this step-by-step guide, we will start from the headrest and work our way down.
1. How to Remove the headrest
First of all, remove any screws that hold the headrest in place. There may be one or two screws, depending on the model of the chair.
Then, disconnect the headrest from the frame of the chair by pulling it straight up.
Don’t forget to put those screws or bolts in a small bag so you don’t lose them.
2. How to Disassemble the Backrest
After removing the headrest, you can then start disassembling the backrest. Again, this will vary depending on the model of the chair. But generally, you will need to disconnect the backrest from the frame and remove any screws or bolts that hold it in place.
Some office chairs come up with a backrest that is attached to the frame so in that case, you will not be able to remove it.
3. How to Detach Armrests
In most cases, armrests can be detached by unscrewing them from the frame of the chair. However, some armrests may be attached with bolts. If this is the case, you will need to remove the bolts before detaching the armrests.
In rare cases, we get to see some armrests that can be removed easily just by pulling the armrest out of the slot beneath the chair with simple pressure.
4. How to Detach the Cylinder from the seat
This is the most important and difficult step when disassembling an office chair. To detach the cylinder from the seat, you will need a pipe wrench (a large one is recommended) as it will be used to loosen and remove the cylinder from the seat.
As we told you above that it is important to cover the teeth of the wrench in order to avoid scratches at the smooth surface of the cylinder.
First of all open the mouth of the wrench to some extent that it can grab the cylinder and once you did it, tight it and rotate the wrench in a clockwise direction and boom it will become loose.
5. How to Disassemble the Casters
This is probably the easiest part of disassembling an office chair. All you have to do is remove the screws that hold the casters in place and they will come right off.
6. How Detach Cylinder from the base
Finally, the last step is to remove the cylinder from the base. To do this, you will need a rubber mallet.
First of all, keep the chair base on a table while turning the base upside down, and then, start tapping millet on the top of it lightly. Do this until the cylinder becomes loose and comes out from the base.
Remember, if the cylinder is still stuck, then tap the sides of the cylinder lightly for a while and then again tap on top of it.
Be careful not to hit your feet while doing this.
Congratulations, you have now successfully disassembled your office chair.
Conclusion
Office chairs can be expensive to replace, so it’s important to take your time and disassemble them correctly.
First, take a close look at the chair and identify all of the different parts. Then, begin unscrewing or unbolting the different pieces. Once everything is loose, carefully remove each piece from the chair until it’s completely disassembled.
Finally, put all of the pieces in a safe place so you can reassemble the chair later if needed. This process may seem daunting, but with a little patience and attention to detail, it can be easily done.
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- How to Make Sitting More Comfortable
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FAQs
Can an office chair be disassembled? ›
Some office chairs come in multiple pieces, which means you can most likely disassemble the chair in the opposite order of assembly. Other chairs arrive only needing to add the cylinder to the base, and the chair onto the cylinder and base.
Can you remove rollers of office chair? ›Almost every desk chair with wheels has the ability for you to remove the wheels. You can flip the chair on its side or back and pop off the wheels. They can sometimes be stuck on, so finding a few different angles to pull from is sometimes needed.
What are the levers under an office chair? ›Well, the 'tension' feature is a knob which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the force needed to tilt. So, a tension tilt feature essentially allows you to decide how much you want to recline on a chair, and how much force is needed to do so.
What are the three levers for in an office chair? ›- Lever 1 – adjusts the seat height.
- Lever 2 – adjusts the seat tilt/angle.
- Lever 3 – adjusts the back tilt/angle.
Almost every rolling office chair has wheels that can easily be removed and replaced.
How many wheels do office chairs have? ›Nowadays you will find that most chairs found in the modern day office, especially executive office chairs, have wheels, usually five wheels in total. The reason for these five wheels is because this provides a firm foundation for the chair to sit on, and gives better balance whilst working.
How do you remove an old spline chair? ›Note: If you have trouble removing the spline, it's possible it was installed with hide glue. Mix a solution of 1/2 pint warm water and 1/2 pint distilled white vinegar and pour on the spline. Let the spline soak until it's loosened. (Be sure tocheck that the solution won't harm the finish on the piece.
How do you shift an office chair? ›There should be a knob on the back of the chair allowing the backrest to move up and down. Since it is easier to lower the backrest than to raise it while sitting, start by raising it all the way up while standing. Then sit in the chair and adjust the backrest down until it fits in the small of your back.
Do office chairs have wheels or rollers? ›Having wheels is more than a common office chair, but that's not the only thing you get. With a wheeled office chair, you get a perk of better adjustability. Most office chairs that come with wheels allow you to adjust seat height, seat tilt, armrests and headrests.
Can you open office chair wheels? ›On most home office chairs, the wheels easily pull off. However, some may require a screwdriver to unscrew the wheels. Never toss them in water before cleaning them.
Are all office chair cylinders the same? ›
If your chair is unable to adjust up and down, you may need to have the Gas Lift Cylinder replaced. All office chairs have an unique universal size and compatible with all office chairs sold in the USA/Canada. Outer cylinder has 2" in diameter, and the inner cylinder has 1.1" in diameter.
Can you replace the hydraulic cylinder in an office chair? ›Replacing your cylinder is the easy part. Set the base upright on the floor. Place the new cylinder into the base. Simply pick up your chair and align it to the hole in the mechanism.
What is the base of an office chair called? ›Modern office chairs typically use a single, distinctive load bearing leg (often called a gas lift), which is positioned underneath the chair seat. Near the floor this leg spreads out into several smaller feet, which are often wheeled and called casters.
What is a chair slider? ›A seat slider on an office chair is a lever which allows you to adjust the distance between your seat and the back of the office chair.
What is a ratchet chair? ›Introduction: Ratchet Strap Chair
This chair is made from a 1/2 sheet of plywood, uses no glue or fasteners, and is held together by a single ratchet strap.
1. Seat height adjustment: Lift lever (1) to raise and lower seat height. 2. Seat and Back angle adjustment: Lift lever (2) to alter chair positions, push lever down to lock in desired position.
What is the arm on the office chair for? ›Office chair armrests provide place for you to rest your forearms and relieve strain on your shoulders and wrists. Perhaps what is even more important is what armrest are not meant to be.
What lever is a office punch? ›Two Hole Paper Punch
A common piece of office equipment used to punch holes in paper so that they can be held in a Ring Binder or Filofax type organiser. The mechanism is a good example of a Class 2 Lever.
There's no need to worry if you need to move your bulky recliner sofa through a tight space. Most reclining sofas can be easily disassembled for stress-free transport. Many models have detachable seat backs, which are secured by locking levers.
How do you deep clean a massage chair? ›Start by vacuuming your body massage chair or wiping it down with a microfiber cloth. Spray fabric with upholstery cleaner and gently clean it off. You can also use a mixture with 1/4 cup of vinegar, 3/4 cup of warm water, and a tablespoon of dish soap. For leather surfaces, apply a cleaner, then gently wipe it off.
How are chair lifts attached? ›
A chair lift is made up of two stations, one departure and one arrival, as well as pylons, a load-bearing cable, and chairs. Each chair is equipped with a “grip” that pinches the cable. Then, when the lift is in operation, the cable is pulled along by the motor in the station and the chairs are moved along the line.
How do office chairs lift? ›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.
What is the cylinder on an office chair? ›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.