If an office chair sags under you, then the so-called gas lift - a mechanism responsible for lifting and fixing the chair. A new part costs 600-800 rubles, plus something will need to be paid for the work of the master. But the gas lift doesn’t have to be changed, but simply fixed once and for all in one thing – convenient for us! - position.
The work really takes two minutes - you need to remove the cross with the gas lift, use the pedal to push it up all the way and put something on the rod that will prevent it from going down. A piece of rubber hose is best suited (the landing on the chair will feel softer), but it can easily be replaced with a metal, polypropylene tube, or even a set of washers.
Here is an excellent video with instructions, I made my chair using it, and everything worked out:
Design features
It’s only at first glance that all office chairs are twin brothers. In fact, there are major differences in design.
This type of furniture is more susceptible to wear and tear than the same Soviet wooden chairs.
Let's look at what you should pay attention to.
- Executive chair. Five-beam cylindrical base, multi-block for adjusting the position of the back, roll level and seat depth.
- Chair for employees. Multi-block adjustment of seat height, backrest angle, armrest height. The model is lightweight.
- Guest chair. Four legs, soft seat, backrest at a comfortable height.
And yet, despite the diversity of the model range, there are components that are present in most chairs. In particular these include:
- Five-pointed cross. This is the support of the entire structure; it can be made of metal or plastic.
- Rollers. Attached to the edges of the base. Made from polymer materials or metal. The maximum number is five. A distinctive feature is the presence of a hinge and metal fasteners.
- A gas lift (also called a gas shock absorber) is the leg of the chair, which is responsible for the elasticity of the entire structure.
- Rocking mechanism. Thanks to it, the chair takes a comfortable angle and fixes the selected position. Due to the fact that the axis is mixed, smooth swinging is ensured.
- Piastra is a metal platform with a lever. Thanks to it, the height of the seat changes in relation to the cross.
- Permanent contact. A unit that connects the backrest to the seat and is responsible for changing its position.
If your office chair drops down, or the position adjustment mechanism does not work, and the chair is stuck, the gas lift may be the cause of the problem.
Features of repair work
To begin with, I will tell you about the most typical causes of breakdowns, then you will find out what is needed for the work and how to properly organize the work process of replacing a failed element.
Causes of breakdowns
The gas lift does not fail so often, however, the problem occurs from time to time, and in order to reduce the likelihood of malfunctions, you need to know how they most often occur:
- Spruce trees often sit on the chair due to plaque . You cannot lower yourself into the seat very sharply, this creates overloads inside the gas cartridge, and over time the valve may fail - it will simply be squeezed out, and the system will lose its functionality. Sit down carefully and smoothly, and this problem will bypass you.
- Elements wear out from long-term use . Manufacturers recommend lubricating the elements with oil from time to time. This minimizes friction and significantly reduces wear, ensuring a long service life. To do this, the casing is lifted and lubricant is applied to the cylinder.
- The structure is subject to overload . If a person weighing 110 kg or more constantly sits on a chair designed for 100 kg, then the likelihood of system failure increases significantly. You need to select furniture with a margin of safety. You cannot sit together, as this also creates overload.
- Manufacturing defects . Products are produced in large quantities, and the company does not always have appropriate quality control. This is especially true for chairs from the budget segment, where the likelihood of defects is much higher.
If a malfunction occurs during the warranty period, the seller will replace the damaged part at his own expense.
How difficult is DIY repair?
If you know how to do minimal repairs with your own hands and are comfortable with a hammer, screwdrivers and other hand tools, then you can handle this job without any problems. You need to prepare the following:
| Illustration | Description |
| A chair with a failed gas lift . It is best to carry out work in a free room so that nothing interferes with your work. If you have a workshop, this will be the best solution that will ensure maximum ease of repair. | |
| Screwdriver Set . In general, it should be at hand for anyone who does at least some work with their own hands. This allows you not to worry that you will not have the tool of the required configuration in a given situation, because the shape and size of fasteners on different types of furniture vary significantly. As for chairs, the Phillips screwdriver PH2 is most often used. | |
| Rubber hammer . Used to knock elements out of their seats. It is best to have a medium-sized version on hand; a large mallet will not be very convenient to work with. |
If there is no rubber option, no problem, you can get by with an ordinary hammer, but you will have to work carefully so as not to damage the parts or spoil parts of the structure.
Gas lift replacement process
I'll tell you how to repair a chair and replace a gas lift with your own hands:
| Punch . It may be necessary when knocking out the gas cartridge from the crosspiece of the chair. It is not necessary to purchase a specialized option; you can adapt what you have at hand - a piece of pipe or a wooden stick of a suitable diameter will do just fine and will help you get the job done without any problems. | |
| New gas lift . You can purchase this part at any furniture fittings store or in places where office chairs are sold. It doesn't cost much, so repairs won't cost you too much. | |
| Bench vice . This item is not mandatory, but if it is available, the work process will be much easier, since you will be able to fix the parts to remove the old gas cartridge. |
| Illustration | Description |
| The chair is being prepared for repair. I recommend removing the armrests from it in advance so that they do not interfere with the repair of the structure. | |
| The chair turns over so that you have free access to the bottom of the cross . If the floor is dirty, cover it with cardboard or rags. | |
| Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the retaining ring . It is located outside and will not be difficult to find. | |
| Carefully remove the lower part from the cross . After removing the retaining ring, this will not be difficult, just pull the element towards you. | |
| The gas lift housing remains on the bottom of the seat ; it should be removed first. | |
| Place the structure horizontally to ensure good access to the bottom . The easiest way is to place the seat on the table; it will be located at a comfortable height. | |
| Hold the gas lift with your left hand, and take a hammer with your right . You need to hit the body of the piastra as close as possible to the element being removed. It is held in place by a cone, so it can be removed easily. | |
| Gently but accurately hit the body once or twice . The gas lift will pop out and remain in your hand. | |
| Now we take the cross . The gas cartridge body remains on it, but first you need to remove the protective plastic casing, which simply snaps off. | |
| Remove the legs or wheels . They are held on by clips, so they are easy to remove: you need to pull forcefully towards yourself to pull the element out of its seat. | |
| Removes the plastic covers from the crosspiece so as not to damage them . To do this, use a flat screwdriver to unclip the latches near the center console and simply pull off the decorative elements. | |
| What remains is the metal frame . There is a housing inside, it protrudes 5 mm above the surface, and it will not be difficult for you to knock it out of its seat. | |
| Treat the joint between the gas cartridge and the cross body with WD-40 lubricant . Leave the part for a few minutes to allow the compound to penetrate deeper. | |
| The crosspiece is taken in the hand or placed so that the gas lift body does not rest . The hammer is taken flat and a clear and sharp blow is applied, usually this is enough for the elements to fall out. | |
| Decorative overlays are put on the crosspiece . They snap neatly into place. Then the legs or wheels are installed; they also just need to be pushed into the mounting hole until they click. | |
| The new gas lift is being unpacked . It is assembled, that is, the casing and the inner part are connected. First of all, the plastic casing is put on. | |
| The gas cartridge is inserted into the crosspiece . Since it is held in place by its conical shape, there is no need to fix it in any way; it will be fixed immediately after you sit in the chair. | |
| A seat is placed on the upper part. Align the mounting hole with the top of the gas lift and put it on, pressing it with your hand. Or you can just sit on a chair so that all the parts are tightly connected. | |
| The operation of the system must be checked . To do this, press the lever - the gas lift should raise the chair to the highest position. If everything is fine, the work is completed successfully. |
Failure options
A computer chair is a complex mechanism, and breakdowns, alas, are an inevitable reality.
You can save money by repairing the chair, or replacing broken parts yourself.
Professionals identify several of the most common faults.
- Broken crosspiece. This is a fairly common problem with plastic crosses. If your model has a crosspiece made of metal, you have nothing to fear; they break extremely rarely. The intersection of the beams is in the risk zone of the plastic cross.
- Deformation of the rocking mechanism. Because of this problem, you are unable to rest against the vertical and elastic backrest. If the backrest falls back, this indicates a malfunction of the position locks.
- Gas lift failure. In this case, the office chair does not maintain the specified height. Most often we are talking about deformation of the pneumatic cartridge. This part has a two-chamber structure, and each chamber is filled with air or gas. And if, when you press the lever, the mechanism does not operate and does not lower, then most likely the piston, seal or other element of the system is faulty.
If you are replacing a gas lift in the cold season, do not use it right away.
What you need and how to properly adjust an office chair with your own hands
Knowing how to adjust an office chair yourself can make your workplace more comfortable. Your back will thank you. Most modern computer chairs have several adjustments, with which you can adjust them to suit you.
The most variable from this point of view are the expensive models, which can often be seen in the executive cabin. But some adjustments are also available in budget options.
Adjusting the chair is an important matter.
First of all, we pay attention to the height of the chair, as well as the position of the backrest. Additionally, you can change the angle of the armrests and the depth of the seat.
Armrest tilt
This option is usually available in the mid to high price range. The controls are on the side. These can be special buttons or, in simpler versions, screws that are turned using a screwdriver.
Armrests that are too high lead to problems with the shoulder joints.
A comfortable location of the armrests is very important when working, especially at the computer.
- When sitting, the bend of the arm should form at least an angle of 90°.
- The elbows barely touch the armrest and move freely along it.
- The wrist should be in line with the elbow joint. This can prevent the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, which often affects office workers.
The position of the armrests can be adjusted with screws or a screwdriver.
High armrests can interfere with work and cause tension in the shoulders, causing posture problems.
Height change
We customize the office chair to suit your height and table height.
The chair should be selected based on height, weight and duration of work.
A seat that is too low or high causes back problems, causes you to slouch or, conversely, overextend your neck and throw your head back. In the future, this will lead to pain and manifestations of osteochondrosis.
To properly set up a computer chair, you need to sit at the table as close as possible and place your hands on its surface.
- When you stand, the seat should be below your knee.
- Sit down, put your hands on the table. Your limbs should now be bent at a 90° angle.
- If the palms are below the elbows, the chair must be lowered, and if higher, the chair must be raised.
- The distance between the back of the leg above the knee and the seat should not be more than 2 cm. Otherwise, the seat must be raised.
Adjusting the height of a computer chair is quite simple. This setting is available even in the most budget options.
Use the dedicated key to adjust the height.
The lever is responsible for this; it is located under the seat. If you need to make it higher, stand up and lift the lever up; when the desired position is reached, release it. You can lower the seat using similar actions, without getting up, it will lower due to your weight.
The height of the seat will depend on who is purchasing the chair.
Backrest tilt
A comfortable backrest is very important for back health. When a person sits, his spine experiences a lot of stress, especially the lumbar region. If the torso is tilted forward, the negative impact increases.
The height of the back of the chair provides back support and lumbar deflection.
It is important to sit at the table with a straight back. To do this, the chair must have a comfortable backrest with a suitable angle of inclination. Its tight fit to the spine will provide support to the torso and relieve some of the load. Most chairs have an adjustable backrest.
A chair for teenagers must be adjustable.
Either a screw located at the bottom at the back, or a special lever is responsible for changing the inclination. There are models in which the backrests provide continuous contact with the spine, in which case there is no need for adjustment.
In addition to the height, you need to set the correct backrest angle.
Chair seat depth
Adequate seat depth is equally important for proper body posture.
Adjusting the chair is easy and only takes a few minutes.
Adjust this feature comfortably while sitting:
- You need to keep your back straight and your feet on the floor.
- The distance from the edge of the chair to the shin should be approximately 5 cm.
If the seat is close to the knees, it means it is too deep, in which case we move the backrest a little forward. In the opposite situation, we move it back. The seat depth should be adjusted using a special lever or screw; they are located under the seat.
An uncomfortable position in a chair will cause the person sitting to slouch and lean forward.
Sometimes this function is missing, then special pads on the back and pillows come to the rescue. They will also help maintain the natural curves of your back.
Definition of failure
If you do not consider yourself a professional, and you cannot figure out what exactly the problem is, adhere to the following rules:
- If it is not possible to raise or lower the seat, the tip of the gas lift lever is faulty;
- The chair is difficult to move even on a flat surface - the wheel hub is broken or the locking ring is missing;
- The chair tilts to one side - insufficient fixation of fasteners, manufacturer defects, excessive wear of the backrest mechanism;
- The back of the chair is too mobile - the permanent contact is worn out;
- The structure has lost stability - the gas lift or the swing mechanism is faulty.
Almost all chair failures are associated with gas lift.
Less significant, but requiring attention, faults are as follows:
- Damage to upholstery;
- Subsidence of the foam filler;
- Wheel breakdown;
- Piastra deformation.
Do not repair plastic parts using glue or a soldering iron.
These problems can only be solved by completely replacing the deformed elements.
Depth
The correct seat depth allows a person not to slouch and helps minimize the load on the back.
To determine the appropriate chair depth, you need to sit with your back straight and feet flat on the floor. Then measure the distance from the front edge of the seat to the back of the shin. The ideal length of the space is about 5 cm. If the distance is less, then the chair is too deep and the backrest should be moved forward. If the length is longer, move it back.
Most chair models allow you to adjust the depth using a special lever. If this is not possible, use a special backrest or orthopedic pillow.
Do-it-yourself troubleshooting
Making a high-quality repair of a computer chair is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Some skills, as well as special tools, will allow you to solve the problem even at home.
If you are racking your brain over the question: your office chair doesn’t hold its height, what should you do? The answer is simple, you need to change the gas lift. This is one of the few parts that cannot be repaired.
The procedure is as follows:
- Remove all external elements;
- Remove the outer casing;
- Remove the spring fastener from its seat;
- Remove bearings and all fixing elements;
- Remove the crosspiece and protective cover;
- Remove the faulty gas lift.
Gas lift is responsible for the elasticity of the stool.
After replacing the gas lift, all elements are assembled, but in the reverse order. If you are afraid that you will forget which element was taken from where, you can record each action on camera.
Features of repair work
To begin with, I will tell you about the most typical causes of breakdowns, then you will find out what is needed for the work and how to properly organize the work process of replacing a failed element.
Causes of breakdowns
The gas lift does not fail so often, however, the problem occurs from time to time, and in order to reduce the likelihood of malfunctions, you need to know how they most often occur:
- Spruce trees often sit on the chair due to plaque . You cannot lower yourself into the seat very sharply, this creates overloads inside the gas cartridge, and over time the valve may fail - it will simply be squeezed out, and the system will lose its functionality. Sit down carefully and smoothly, and this problem will bypass you.
- Elements wear out from long-term use . Manufacturers recommend lubricating the elements with oil from time to time. This minimizes friction and significantly reduces wear, ensuring a long service life. To do this, the casing is lifted and lubricant is applied to the cylinder.
- The structure is subject to overload . If a person weighing 110 kg or more constantly sits on a chair designed for 100 kg, then the likelihood of system failure increases significantly. You need to select furniture with a margin of safety. You cannot sit together, as this also creates overload.
- Manufacturing defects . Products are produced in large quantities, and the company does not always have appropriate quality control. This is especially true for chairs from the budget segment, where the likelihood of defects is much higher.
If a malfunction occurs during the warranty period, the seller will replace the damaged part at his own expense.
How difficult is DIY repair?
If you know how to do minimal repairs with your own hands and are comfortable with a hammer, screwdrivers and other hand tools, then you can handle this job without any problems. You need to prepare the following:
| Illustration | Description |
| A chair with a failed gas lift . It is best to carry out work in a free room so that nothing interferes with your work. If you have a workshop, this will be the best solution that will ensure maximum ease of repair. | |
| Screwdriver Set . In general, it should be at hand for anyone who does at least some work with their own hands. This allows you not to worry that you will not have the tool of the required configuration in a given situation, because the shape and size of fasteners on different types of furniture vary significantly. As for chairs, the Phillips screwdriver PH2 is most often used. | |
| Rubber hammer . Used to knock elements out of their seats. It is best to have a medium-sized version on hand; a large mallet will not be very convenient to work with. |
If there is no rubber option, no problem, you can get by with an ordinary hammer, but you will have to work carefully so as not to damage the parts or spoil parts of the structure.
Gas lift replacement process
I'll tell you how to repair a chair and replace a gas lift with your own hands:
| Punch . It may be necessary when knocking out the gas cartridge from the crosspiece of the chair. It is not necessary to purchase a specialized option; you can adapt what you have at hand - a piece of pipe or a wooden stick of a suitable diameter will do just fine and will help you get the job done without any problems. | |
| New gas lift . You can purchase this part at any furniture fittings store or in places where office chairs are sold. It doesn't cost much, so repairs won't cost you too much. | |
| Bench vice . This item is not mandatory, but if it is available, the work process will be much easier, since you will be able to fix the parts to remove the old gas cartridge. |
| Illustration | Description |
| The chair is being prepared for repair. I recommend removing the armrests from it in advance so that they do not interfere with the repair of the structure. | |
| The chair turns over so that you have free access to the bottom of the cross . If the floor is dirty, cover it with cardboard or rags. | |
| Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the retaining ring . It is located outside and will not be difficult to find. | |
| Carefully remove the lower part from the cross . After removing the retaining ring, this will not be difficult, just pull the element towards you. | |
| The gas lift housing remains on the bottom of the seat ; it should be removed first. | |
| Place the structure horizontally to ensure good access to the bottom . The easiest way is to place the seat on the table; it will be located at a comfortable height. | |
| Hold the gas lift with your left hand, and take a hammer with your right . You need to hit the body of the piastra as close as possible to the element being removed. It is held in place by a cone, so it can be removed easily. | |
| Gently but accurately hit the body once or twice . The gas lift will pop out and remain in your hand. | |
| Now we take the cross . The gas cartridge body remains on it, but first you need to remove the protective plastic casing, which simply snaps off. | |
| Remove the legs or wheels . They are held on by clips, so they are easy to remove: you need to pull forcefully towards yourself to pull the element out of its seat. | |
| Removes the plastic covers from the crosspiece so as not to damage them . To do this, use a flat screwdriver to unclip the latches near the center console and simply pull off the decorative elements. | |
| What remains is the metal frame . There is a housing inside, it protrudes 5 mm above the surface, and it will not be difficult for you to knock it out of its seat. | |
| Treat the joint between the gas cartridge and the cross body with WD-40 lubricant . Leave the part for a few minutes to allow the compound to penetrate deeper. | |
| The crosspiece is taken in the hand or placed so that the gas lift body does not rest . The hammer is taken flat and a clear and sharp blow is applied, usually this is enough for the elements to fall out. | |
| Decorative overlays are put on the crosspiece . They snap neatly into place. Then the legs or wheels are installed; they also just need to be pushed into the mounting hole until they click. | |
| The new gas lift is being unpacked . It is assembled, that is, the casing and the inner part are connected. First of all, the plastic casing is put on. | |
| The gas cartridge is inserted into the crosspiece . Since it is held in place by its conical shape, there is no need to fix it in any way; it will be fixed immediately after you sit in the chair. | |
| A seat is placed on the upper part. Align the mounting hole with the top of the gas lift and put it on, pressing it with your hand. Or you can just sit on a chair so that all the parts are tightly connected. | |
| The operation of the system must be checked . To do this, press the lever - the gas lift should raise the chair to the highest position. If everything is fine, the work is completed successfully. |
Rules for using office chairs
In order for the chair to serve for a long time and not cause inconvenience due to breakdowns, it is recommended to follow the following simple rules:
- The chair should be located in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- If for some reason the chair was in a low temperature zone (for example, it was transported in winter), it cannot be used immediately; it must be given time to adapt. Minimum time is 24 hours.
- During the assembly process, be very careful and careful, especially with regard to screw-on parts - do not strip the threads.
- Make sure that the load on the cross is not excessive.
Handle your office chair with care.
Experts remind that one chair is designed for use by one person. If a huge number of people use it, it will have sad consequences. You need to sit down on an office chair very carefully, avoiding sudden movements.
If the damage is minor and does not require complete replacement, a welding machine is required for repairs.
The armrests also need to be treated with care. You should not press on them, much less sit down. For overweight people, it is better to purchase designs with metal elements.
In the event of a complete breakdown, you need to buy a ready-made part.
You can repair an office chair yourself without resorting to the services of a professional technician. And if you follow the operating requirements, it will serve you faithfully for many years.
