How to Fix a Sinking Office Chair: Simple Solutions for a Common Problem

Whether you have a standard office chair or bought yourself a top-of-the-range office chair, it can begin to sink over time. We all know it can be a frustrating experience, especially if you spend long hours sitting or upright at your standing desk. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem without having to purchase a new chair. In this article, I will share some tips on how to fix your sinking office chair and prevent it from happening again.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify the root cause of the sinking chair problem so you can get the right solution.
• Ad-hoc solutions to fix the sinking office chair include using a PVC pipe or a hose clamp.

Why Do Office Chairs Sink?

First, let’s examine why this problem happens. One common cause is a faulty gas cylinder. The gas cylinder is the part of the chair that allows you to adjust the height of the seat. Over time, the gas cylinder can lose pressure, causing the chair to sink.

Wear and tear on the chair’s components is another reason why office chairs sink. Over time, the backrest, armrests, and wheels may come free, giving the chair instability and sinking. The chair may sink even more quickly if it is used incorrectly, which could exacerbate this issue.

For example, sitting on the edge of the seat, leaning back too far, or putting too much weight on the armrests can all put unnecessary stress on the chair’s components, causing them to wear out faster.

Here’s How To Find The Problem

If you’re experiencing a sinking office chair, the first step is to identify the problem. Here are a few things to check:

Check the gas lift cylinder

The device that lets you change your chair’s height is called a gas lift cylinder. In the event of a malfunction, your chair can sink. Sit on your chair and move the height adjustment lever up and down to inspect the cylinder. The cylinder might need to be changed if the chair moves around. You can also try lubricating the cylinder with WD-40 or a similar product that is off-the-shelf in Australia.

Inspect the chair base

This might seem obvious, but the base of your chair is another potential source of problems. Check to make sure all the bolts and screws are tight. If any are loose, tighten them with a wrench. If the base is cracked or damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Evaluate the seat mechanism

The component of the chair that joins the seat to the base is called the seat mechanism. Make sure everything is intact and firmly fastened. It can require replacement or repair if it’s loose or damaged.

5 Quick Solutions To Stop Your Office Chair From Sinking

As someone who has experienced a sinking office chair, I know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix the issue. Here are a few methods:

1. Adjust the cylinder

The cylinder is the part of the chair that controls the height. If it’s not adjusted properly, the chair may sink. To adjust the cylinder, sit on the chair and lift the lever to the highest position. While you’re sitting on the chair, press the lever down and release it a few times. This will help to re-engage the mechanism and may fix the issue.

2. Add a clamp and some duct tape

If adjusting the cylinder doesn’t work, adding a clamp may do the trick. According to TechRadar, you can add a hose clamp around the cylinder and tighten it with a screwdriver. This will prevent the chair from sinking any further. I’ve tried this and it does work, but over time it does start to loosen and drag lower.

3. Add PVC Pipe to create a spacing

Another method is to add a PVC pipe to the cylinder. You can measure the cylinder, cut a PVC pipe to length, open the pipe, attach it to the cylinder, and check and adjust the height. This method can be effective, but it may require more effort than some of the other methods. Also, it’s not particularly aesthetically pleasing and can look quite ugly, especially with white PVC. But it works very well compared to the grip method above.

4. Replace faulty parts

If the chair is still sinking, there may be faulty components that need to be replaced. This could include the cylinder, the base, or the casters. If you’re not sure which part is causing the issue, you can see if it's still under warranty or you might need to get someone professional to look at it.

5. Secure the base and wheels

Last but not least, make sure the base and casters are secure. Loose screws or bolts can cause the chair to sink. Check the base and casters for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and tighten any loose screws or bolts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I repair an office chair that fails to maintain its height?

One of the most permanent and effective ways to repair a sinking office chair is to follow the PVC pipe technique. First, measure the cylinder and cut a PVC pipe to the same length. Then, open the pipe and attach it to the cylinder using duct tape that will prevent the chair from moving down.

Can a hose clamp be used to stabilise a sinking office chair, and how?

Yes, that’s right, a hose clamp can be used to stabilise a sinking office chair. You can tighten the hose clamp around the cylinder to prevent it from sinking. This method is quick and easy, but it may not be a permanent solution. For a more detailed explanation, you can refer to Cozy Seating’s article.