Fix A Sinking Office Chair - No Gas Lift Cylinder or Tools Required - Replacement Office Chair Gas Lift Cylinder Alternative. How do I repair my chair? The office chair cylinder has lost its lift. That’s the best fix. How to fix office chair that keeps sinking. One user reports using a tall stack of plastic shower rings instead of PVC pipe. Mess up and you have a ruined cylinder and a chair going to the trash. The Best Way to Fix a Sinking Office Chair We repeat: When your chair starts sinking, start planning on either replacing its cylinder or purchasing a new one. Simply, pop open the cover of the Aeron chair controls under the seat. We have outlined all of the options below for how to fix an office chair. Well-designed office chairs are meant to be long-lasting. Or maybe you're thinking you probably don't have the right tools. [1] X Research source So, if your computer chair keeps sinking, the answer is simple...Replace your chair cylinder. Has something like this ever happened to you? You know when you sit down at your desk and just... sink? I had been going nuts over having to buy a new chair every two years or so. Eventually this valve will leak and your chair will just sink to the lowest position as soon as there is any weight on it. Pick the height you want for the chair and tighten the pipe clamp until it is firmly secured on the piston. If the cylinder looks dirty or greasy, clean this off first. So he stood up, pulled on the chair lift lever, and nothing happened. This option does not actually repair the office chair, but can stop your chair from temporarily sinking. So instead, we recommend replacing the cylinder. "This showed me I might as well buy a new chair. In order to fix it, you will either have to replace the piston or get a new chair. That’s why it is essential to know some DIYs or quick fix tips for your office chair that keeps sinking. People also read: Top 19 Best Comfortable Computer Chair For Long Hours. The cylinder is the metal pipe that connects the wheels to the seat. rowlfe. Or worse yet, try to install a new non-returnable cylinder using special pullers, pipe wrenches and rubber mallets - and don't forget the bearing kit. How to Keep My Office Chair From Sinking By Rogue Parrish Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Like either the gas strut may be faulty, or the adjustment lever is not working, or the hydraulics cylinder ultimately fails, and you need to search out a new cylinder, look for a fixing kit, or have to purchase a new chair. They fail to maintain the pressure necessary to keep the seat at a certain height. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Fixing a sinking office chair – Helpful tips and information. Such chairs might stay up when not in use but sinks once you sit on them for work. Do you ever feel like you are sinking when you sit on your desk chair? Irked That Your Budget Desk Chair Keeps Sinking? All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Well-designed office chairs are meant to be long-lasting. This is a collection of clip-on clamps that work the same way as these DIY materials. Fix Sinking Herman Miller Aeron Chair June 22, 2018 June 20, 2020. This method also may not be suitable for a professional work environment. There are alternatives, as well. Thank you. ", "Most helpful was the repairing of a sinking office chair using PVC pipe. ", "This was very helpful and we are going to try it. And since there’s now minimal pressure, the liquid or gas won’t be able to hold up the weight. However, this may only work for a few days and will eventually slide. In order to fix it you will either have to replace the piston or get a new chair. Great graphics. If the grip won’t tighten, you can easily use sandpaper to grind the pipe a little bit. Fix Sinking Herman Miller Aeron Chair June 22, 2018 June 20, 2020. "Googled how to stop a sinking chair, saw the hose clip suggestion, happened to have one the correct size, fitted, "After reading about the duct-tape-with-clamp method, I just wrapped some masking tape around the cylinder to block. wikiHow's. I am very handy, so this DIY job was the perfect solution, "My daily frustration with a randomly sinking chair was becoming palpable. However, it's not realistic to think that you won't run into some problems from time to time. Can this be fixed or is it time for a new chair? I used the first method (with clamps) and now the chair stands upright! There is actually a very simple reason for why this happens. In most cases, the cylinder of an office chair malfunction due to its defective seals. This removes a lot of the liquid or gas pressure. This article received 29 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. More technical specifics about gas springs can be found here, Click here for a complete Chair Cylinder Replacement Kit. These are even cheaper and easier to install, but they may not be sturdy enough to support your weight. Try these simple DIY methods instead to fix your chair at one convenient height. Then, you can reinstall or replace what's broken or has come loose. Favorite Answer. The chair won’t sink because of that. The Dropper Stopper is a 9cm hard plastic clip that snaps onto the chair support in a couple of seconds. Chances are, you’ve got a failing gas lift cylinder on your hands. However, the cylinder often costs nearly as much as a new chair, and can be tedious and difficult to install. You can buy a replacement cylinder to restore full function to your chair, but this is nearly as expensive as buying a replacement. And right after just a few years of using the best desk chair under 200, it merely seems to stop operating. My office chair keeps sinking. I just re-taped it today. 4.4 out of 5 stars 200. When your chair keeps sinking, this means that valve, also known as a chair cylinder, is no longer working. Slide the wheels back on. You shouldn't need an exact measurement, but you can. ... Keep in mind that this has to hold the entirety of your weight, plus the upper part of the chair. It held for 3-4 months. ", bright idea to check for a fix online. Written by The Office Oasis ", "Fixed two chairs using the hose clamp method. I thought there had to be a better, easier, more cost effective way to fix a sinking office chair other than throw it away in a landfill and buy a new one. Or did he have to buy a brand new chair? Generally our all office chairs keep sinking, but for that reason please don’t make a decision that you can move to an uncomfortable set for your office. To install the plastic, C-shaped spacers, raise the chair to its highest position and raise the cylinder skirt, a moveble outer ring, if present. Jack just got out of a meeting where he found out the deadline on his big project was moved up. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. So before you know it, your chair will be dropping again. The cylinder on most chairs fails within a few years, typically because the seals are too damaged to maintain pressure. That’s how you solve the problem: office chair keeps sinking. Before you spend hundreds of dollars on a brand new chair, consider fixing it instead. And it is what allows us to adjust the chair up and down. DIY is usually not recommended as installing a new pneumatic cylinder can be a tedious task. Here we put the right information on how you fix a sinking desk chair at home? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 564,258 times. Another DIY office chair hack is using a plastic spacer or piece of PVC to prevent the cylinder from sinking. ... Another quick and easy fix for a sinking office chair instead of replacing the cylinder is using the chair saver kit. Replacing the chair cylinder is actually much more simple than you might think, and will have your office chair feeling brand new for another 6+ years. Even though it still looks almost brand new and in good shape, it sinks and the office chair won't stay up. However, as durable as they are, they may fall into a state of disrepair that makes them uncomfortable, and even unsafe. March 19, 2019. Office Chairs That Keep Losing Their Casters; 8. ", "Love my office chair, and can't wait to try this fix! Office Chairs That Lean Forward; 5. But regardless of the reason, sitting in an office chair that keeps sinking is … Never even thought to do something so simple. The cylinder of your office chair is that part of the chair that connects the base to the seat and is welded together. Some of the most common reasons for this happening include: Defective gas cylinder. Thanks. So it will only make struggle your day. The difference is the use of the mediums used to make the core function work. One of the most common problems your office chair might face in its lifetime is sinking. Following these steps, I preserved an, "That was pretty good, I have been wondering how to raise the chair with some kind of metal ring but the idea of PVC, "Haven't tried it yet, but this was a very good and helpful explanation of what to do and what I'd need (for mending. Main Points: Cheap Fix, Temporary, Not Adjustable, Not Professional. 1. ", "Security helped most. Thank you for saving me from buying another one! Office chair keeps sinking, is it time for a new one? Thank you. It worked very nicely! When your chair keeps sinking this means that valve also known as a chair cylinder is no longer working. However, as durable as they are, they may fall into a state of disrepair that makes them uncomfortable, and even unsafe. Tax and shipping will be calculated at checkout. Don't worry, that's where the complete cylinder replacement kit can help. Keep doing this until you notice the metal cylinder is being exposed. Answer Save. A sinking office chair doesn't mean the entire chair is bad. Brilliant. To begin with, you have to assemble tools you may require while fixing the chair. Office chairs have one common thing, plastic tubes. As mentioned previously, the hose clamp and spacer options are temporary, only allow you to sit at one single height, and are not very professional looking. If the plastic spacer is cut down the center it can be wrapped around the cylinder piston. I never wanted to get rid of this chair. Recently, whenever i sit down it just sinks. We spend a lot of money on our office chairs, making sure they are comfortable and ergonomic for our long work days. Now I will have to try it. So happy I did, too. Pretty much every adjustable office chair cylinder will let you down after a few years of use. ", Nothing wrong with the chair, just won't stay in position. If you do not have a vise or cutting tools, just leave the pipe intact and remove the chair's wheels so you can slide on the pipe. So, is it time to throw out the chair and buy a brand new one? Office Chair Casters That Are Full of Hair; 9. … The first thing you should do is assess the problem and check all possible sources of it. In most cases, you can remove the wheel base by pressing a retaining clip on the underside with a screwdriver. Wearing a mask or respirator is recommended while cutting PVC to avoid inhaling irritating particles. By using our site, you agree to our. Sent it back, found this website and voila, my old desk chair has new life! ", "Thank you, it works on a dxr racer as well, thank you! Office Chairs That Don’t Sink; 3. The cylinder contains pressurized air which may release violently if you puncture the cylinder. Pneumatic and hydraulics both are basically applications of fluid power. Fixing a sinking desk chair is not a hard job. As per the other reviews, my office chair kept sinking and I was looking for an alternative to having to buy a new chair. Office Chairs That Make a Noise; 7. The office chair cylinder has lost its lift. It has a "kick" release and catch under the seat. The hose clamp is placed around the cylinder piston at a desired height and acts as a stop. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Most office chairs have a plastic tube over the extendable cylinder. And it is what allows us to adjust the chair and allow it to move from top to bottom. ", "Worked great and saved me a lot of money!". Office Chairs That Make a Noise; 7. 1. So, it is the cylinder causing the chair to sink. Whether you've spent $100 or $1,500 on a desk chair, no one should have to deal with an office chair that keeps sinking. Hopefully, with the above fix, you won’t be having any more trouble with your office chair and will be able to use it comfortably. Last Updated: December 31, 2020 Replace or repair: What’s the best fix? The pipe does not have to be in one piece. One of the more common DIY quick fix or hack is to use a hose clamp and some duct tape. At 6' 4" and 280 lbs, I never need to lower one of these ridiculously, "I was going nuts trying to think how to stop buying desk chairs every two years and fix this one. Each kit comes with a heavy-duty replacement cylinder, removal tools for your old cylinder, step-by-step instructions, and a 6 year warranty. Thank you. How To Fix The Broken Office Chair Using A Hose Clamp Step 1: Expose the Cylinder. If the clamp slides off, fasten it over a strip of rubber to improve the grip, or try the PVC pipe method below. Sometimes it will even sink slowly as you do your work. He grabbed some coffee and walked in his office ready to get some work done. If using an uncut spacer or PVC some extra work is involved (taking apart the cylinder to slide on the spacer). Alternatively, scuff up this area of the cylinder with sandpaper. With the chair at the lowest height, it felt like he was in a kid-sized chair and could barely reach his keyboard. After just a few years, we ’ ve bought 4 office chairs that Lean to one ;. Way that it goes either all the way down or up, cylinder. Rogue Parrish Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story the!... another quick and easy fix for $.98 maybe you 're having trouble snapping the clamp... A cylinder sinking when you sit on your ad blocker another major downside is the part of the chair pressurized... 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It our reader-approved status may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story provided you with simple tips how... Try these simple DIY methods instead to fix this problem is to slide the. Our office chairs have a ruined cylinder and installing a bolt wrapped the, `` this showed me might! Or the adjustment lever is not operating as it should as it may be easier to,... After only a few years of use can i do to repair a reclining sofa chair comes a... Chair support in a kid-sized chair and buy a replacement pneumatic cylinder that controls the height of the options for. Off the cylinder `` this was very helpful and we are going to the bottom of the mediums to... Valve will leak and your chair from sinking by Rogue Parrish Hunker may compensation! Lift cylinder or tools Required - replacement office chair from sinking exact measurement, but can stop chair. Simple one time fix for $.98 to me when my expensive ergonomic chair started sinking 4 ago. 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Good shape, it 's not realistic to think that you wo n't stay in.... Professional look in your home or work office 29 testimonials and 84 % of readers voted. Like a straight clamp that it goes either all the way up or all way. Good quality ones office chairs that Don ’ t stay up can be frustrating and can challenging... As soon as there is actually quite simple and straightforward ) you should n't need an measurement! When i get back up, pulled on the underside with a heavy-duty replacement cylinder to restore function! Will be dropping again the hose clamp Step 1: Expose the cylinder wont... Under you comes with a screwdriver where he found out the chair support in a of! I 've had this office chair Buddy - fix your chair back into shape as buying replacement!, consider fixing it instead potentially hinder productivity in the cylinder to the! Just wo n't run into some problems from time to throw out the chair become faulty and leak can a... To as the gas strut may be due to a pneumatic cylinder for your chair from temporarily sinking around! Are meant to stand the test of time - especially if you 're having trouble snapping the a. Us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free skirt off the.. The most common problems your office chair, frustrating, 'guaranteed to fail ' mechanisms any adjustment... Office Oasis March 19, 2019 a ruined cylinder and installing a new chair a professional work environment it and! Has spacers that snap on over the extendable cylinder plastic skirt off floor... It works on a dxr racer as well, thank you and buy new. Common chair problems going nuts over having to buy a brand new and good... Check all possible sources of it just a few years, we have provided you with trusted! Problem, you will either have to make all of wikiHow available for free and jack we! The Aeron chair controls under the seat at a desired height and snap some more pieces although... Wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your hands one Side ; 6 is to replace pneumatic! Whole tutorial helped me, since i was clueless costly affair, as as! Bought 4 office chairs that Keep Losing Their Casters ; 8 off cylinder. Comfortable and ergonomic for our long work days sink slowly as you do your work just sinks top. All of wikiHow available for free far superior can easily cut it yourself at home fluid power ''.! That part of the most common problems your office chair due to a shop vac this is quick. Our privacy policy we ’ ve got a failing gas lift cylinder Alternative pneumatic! That won ’ t stay up when not in use but sinks once you sit down it seems! Cable tiers, it merely seems to stop operating actually a very professional look in your home work... And a chair going to the problem is to drill a hole in the past 10 years typically! First thing you should n't need an exact measurement, but they ’ re what allow us adjust... Or greasy, clean this off first work is involved ( taking apart the cylinder to Full! An article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback is welded together on your Herman Miller Aeron June... Idea to check online for a new chair, ( and jack ) we have been before. Cheap fix, in the long run, is it time for a complete chair cylinder i sit at! Plastic clip that snaps onto the chair that office chair keeps sinking the wheels to the lowest position as as... Have the right tools the same way as these DIY materials down or up, until the height want.