How to Fix an Adjustable Office Chair

An office chair in good repair improves working conditions.

Office chairs are important pieces of equipment for anyone who spends more than an hour or two at a desk or computer. Not only are the ergonomic features important to overall health, but the comfort and stability of your adjustable office chair affects your overall work experience. A squeaky chair, loose armrest or sticky wheel can frustrate and distract you and others. Regular, basic attention to some of these issues will keep your chair comfortable and reduce the need for more serious repairs later. A few basic tools and a minimum of skill is needed to fix simple problems pertaining to your adjustable office chair.

Things You'll Need

• Can of compressed air
• Vacuum cleaner (optional)
• Can of WD-40
• Cleaner or soap and water
• Soft rag
• Phillips head or flat head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Move the chair back and forth, or have someone sit in it and move to identify any squeaks. You can also turn the chair over to access the bottom of the seat and the spring assembly or other movable parts. Jiggle the base of the upturned chair to find squeaks.

2. Spray with a canister of compressed air, or vacuum with the corner tool of a vacuum cleaner, to remove dust and debris from the bottom of the chair, focusing on any movable parts.

3. Spray the movable parts with WD-40, then retest to see if the squeaking has disappeared. If not, repeat the process until you've dealt with all the movable parts.

4. Turn the chair over to access the wheels if you are troubled by sticky wheels. Some wheels are removable, so pull them out and wash them in warm, soapy water, then dry and replace them. If they are permanently attached, just wash with them in place with soapy water and then dry them with a soft rag.

5. Spray the movable parts of the wheel with WD-40, if the wheel continues to stick.

6. Determine the type of screws holding your head or arm rest, if these are loose. The screws can usually just be tightened with either a Phillips head or flat head screwdriver. Sometimes plastic caps need to be removed before screws can be accessed.

Tips & Warnings

• Cans of compressed air can be found at most office supply stores.

• WD-40 is found at hardware or auto supply stores.

• In an older chair, screws may become stripped and tightening will not hold the arm or head rest in place. New screws, or even a new chair, are required.

• A wheel that continues to stick after cleaning may be worn and need to be replaced.

Resources

• Oregon.gov: Risk Management: Adjustable chairs as an Essential Tool for Office Work