How to Fix Adjustable Office Chairs

Adjustable office chairs can often be fixed with minimum knowledge and tools.

Office chairs can develop a bevy of problems over time. For instance, these chairs can be wobbly, shaky or squeaky and even make adjustments on their own. Fortunately, with a basic set of hand tools and the owner's manual for your chair, you likely can fix many of the basic problems in your office chair.

Things You'll Need

• WD-40
• Allen wrench
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted)
• Wrench or socket set

Instructions

1. Tighten all the connections on your office chair. This should fix any wobble or unsteadiness in the chair, and it will make it feel more solid as you sit in it. The hardware should be located where the arms are attached to the chair, where the base joints the cylinder and where the cylinder is attached to the chair. Office chairs normally are put together with screws or bolts, the latter of which might use Allen wrenches or regular hand wrenches. Be sure you have both on hand.

2. Spray WD-40 lubricant into the joints and springs of your chair to eliminate squeaky noises. If the chair squeaks when you sit down or roll, try to identify the area that is squeaking. Carefully spray the affected mechanism so the liquid lubricant can eliminate the squeak.

3. Replace parts that can't be fixed. If you break an arm on the chair, if the back snaps or if a wheel breaks off, replace that part. Check your owner's manual to see how to remove the part, and order a new piece for your chair. Once the new piece arrives, install it on your chair with the original hardware, or with new hardware that comes with the piece.

References

• Swivel Chair Parts: How to Fix, Repair an Office Chair
• Essortment: Repairing Common Adjustable Office Chair Problems