Is your office chair sinking lower and lower throughout the day? It's one of those common problems a lot of people face when working. The incessant need to adjust the height of the chair is, quite frankly, annoying. You can go through a number of ways to repair this-trust the quick hack you want or the more permanent fix. This guide will walk you through how to identify the cause and choose the best course of action to take in fixing your sinking chair.
Common Causes of a Sinking Office Chair
An office chair that sinks down may seem like a deeply involved problem, but the causes are relatively simple. The following are the leading causes of office chairs losing their height:
Worn Gas Lift Cylinder
The most common cause is a failing gas lift cylinder. This cylinder has compressed nitrogen within it, which controls the height of your chair. Over time, daily use wears down the parts inside the cylinder and the pressurized nitrogen gradually releases. If this happens, your chair will no longer remain at a height of your preference.
Damaged Internal Seals
The rubber seals inside the cylinder keep the pressurized gas in place. These seals can crack or dry out from regular movement, heat exposure, or impacts. Once the seals fail, the gas starts to escape, and the chair begins to sink.
Exceeding Weight Capacity
Each office chair has a weight limit. Exceeding that limit puts added pressure on the gas cylinder that can render it ineffective. The chair may work for the first few months but in time, it will begin to sag as the cylinder deteriorates. You should be able to find your chair's weight limit in the user's manual or on its sticker.
Natural Aging
Most gas lift cylinders last 3-5 years with regular use. As chairs get older, their parts will eventually wear out. Metal parts can rust, plastic pieces become brittle and seals lose their flexibility. These problems are especially common in chairs used every day for several years.
How to Check Your Sinking Chair
Before attempting to repair your chair, take a minute or two to assess those problem areas. These various easy checks may save expensive repairs by showing you:
Test Chair Stability
Sit on the chair and observe its movement. A functioning chair stays at the position you adjust to. Observe if it plunges immediately or at any time of the day. Also, observe whether the chair wobbles or squeals when you push up and down.
Look for Visible Damage
Inspect your chair base and cylinder for rust, cracks, or bent parts. Also, investigate where the cylinder meets both the base and seat. Generally, oil spots or darker shades in the area of the cylinder usually imply a gas leak of some sort. Check for any loose parts that could affect chair stability.
Check Weight Capacity
Check your chair's weight rating label, usually found underneath the seat or in the manual, against what actually sits on it, such as you and items you might place on the chair for keeping. Even being a little over sometimes causes it to sink.
Verify Warranty Coverage
Go find the date of purchase of your chair and any warranty information on it. Most office chairs come with a 1-5-year warranty on them, which may cover what you have been experiencing with the cylinder sinking. If within that time, contact the manufacturer first, as most of them will replace the part free or repair it.
Quick Temporary Solutions for a Sinking Chair
These are temporary solutions that will hold your chair in place until you are ready to permanently fix the problem. Below are three common methods that work well on most office chairs:
Use a PVC Pipe Sleeve
For this basic fix, you will want a PVC pipe-about 1.5 to 2 inches wide, a tape measure, and a saw. Measure the length of your chair's cylinder that is exposed. Using your measurements as a guide, cut the PVC pipe a little more than half inch short of that particular measurement. Merely slip the pipe over your chair's cylinder when it is at your desired height. The pipe will block the chair from sinking any further.
Add a Hose Clamp
Another temporary solution is to apply a hose clamp. You will need one adjustable hose clamp available at any hardware store and a screwdriver. Jack your chair up to the height you want it to be and slide the hose clamp onto the cylinder about an inch and a half below where the cylinder enters the base. Use your screwdriver to tighten the clamp down tightly. The clamp acts as a stop preventing the chair from sinking.
Install Height Extender Rings
The height extender rings are plastic or metal products specially targeted for office chairs. These rings snap around your chair's cylinder to hold its height in place. To install them, raise the chair to your preferred height, separate the ring halves, and place them around the cylinder just beneath the seat and snap into place. Some versions stack for further adjustments.
Long-Term Fixes for Your Office Chair
While temporary solutions work for a while, permanent fixes will solve your chair problems for good. Here are the main ways to fix your chair permanently:
Replace the Gas Cylinder
You can replace your chair's cylinder yourself with just a few things: a rubber mallet, a pipe wrench, and some protective gloves. First, turn your chair upside down and take off the base. Tap the cylinder free from the seat mechanism with your mallet, then completely remove it with your pipe wrench. Put the new cylinder in place and reattach the base, then test the chair gingerly before sitting down. Check that all parts are tight and that the height adjustment works smoothly.
Get Professional Repairs
Sometimes it's better to call in a professional, especially if one's chair is expensive or he's not comfortable with tools. Professional repair is best when:
- Your chair is still under warranty
- You can't remove the old cylinder
- The chair has multiple problems
Most repair services charge around $50-100 for a cylinder replacement. In finding a trustworthy repair service, check the reviews over the Internet or ask office supply stores, or you can call the manufacturer of your chair for authorized repair centers in your area.
How to Prevent Chair Sinking Problems
Regular maintenance can significantly extend your office chair's lifespan. Here are specific maintenance tasks and schedules to keep your chair working well:
Perform Regular Checks
Mark your calendar for monthly chair inspections. Tighten all visible screws and bolts. Listen for squeaking sounds when moving - they often signal parts that need lubrication. Wipe down the cylinder with a clean cloth and check that the height adjustment lever moves freely.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Clean your chair's moving parts every two weeks. Remove hair and debris from the wheels. Use compressed air to clean hard-to-reach areas around the cylinder. Apply a light lubricant to moving parts every three months to keep them working smoothly.
Practice Daily Care
End each day by returning your chair to its highest position - this reduces pressure on the cylinder overnight. When moving the chair, lift it rather than dragging it across the floor. Keep floor mats clean to prevent debris from getting into the chair's mechanisms.
Manage Working Conditions
Place your chair on a level surface to distribute weight evenly. Use a chair mat to protect both the chair and floor. Keep your workspace between 68-76°F (20-24°C) to preserve the cylinder's seals. Move your chair away from heating vents and air conditioners that can cause temperature fluctuations.
Take Action on Your Sinking Office Chair!
Don't let a sinking chair affect your workday. Check your chair first to find the problem. Choose a quick fix like a PVC pipe or hose clamp if you need an immediate solution, or go for a permanent fix by replacing the cylinder or getting professional help. Regular maintenance will help prevent future problems. The sooner you fix your chair, the more comfortable and productive your work hours will be.
