How to Fix an Office Chair that Won’t Stay Up?

Does your office chair keep sinking and you get annoyed easily? Or after sitting, it won’t stay up, and you can’t concentrate on your work? If so, you have come to the right place because, in this article, I will tell you some of the best methods that will help you fix your chair that won’t stay up.

If the office chair and table are not comfortable, you will get disappointed very easily, and if the height of the chair and table is not accordingly, you will be disturbed and strained even before doing some work. If so! You don’t need to purchase a separate chair because I am going to help you fix it.

You can fix your sinking chair using two different manual methods, including using PVC or plaster spacer pipe and using a hose clamp. A gas cylinder is attached to the lower side of the chair, which helps raise your chair. There is a possibility of leakage in that cylinder, or the air-tight seal could have been broken, due to which the chair is unable to lift and keeps sinking.

How to Fix an Office Chair That Won’t Stay Up?

Manual Methods

Two manual methods can be used for fixing an office chair that won’t stay up; these methods are explained below.

Addition of Plastic Spacer Pipe (PVC)

This is the most common, temporary, and easy method to fix the height of your chair according to your desire. This pipe supports the weight as it goes around the piston and keeps it at that specific spot. Steps included in fixing your chair include:

Measurement

First, the basic step includes measuring the metal cylinder of your chair and estimating its diameter by holding the ruler in the horizontal direction. You can also measure the length comfortable for you, for which you will insert a PVC pipe in it. Make sure the diameter is slightly wider than the actual diameter as it will have its specific attribute, which will provide hindrance if the exact diameter is measured, as the height can be adjusted.

Also, check How to Make An Office Chair Higher.

Buying PVC Pipe

Usually, the length that goes for most of the office chairs is 3.8cm. This PVC pipe will cover over the pneumatic cylinder and fit perfectly if you will but according to the diameter.

You can insert the pipe in multiple pieces, but it will give an unprofessional look, so try using a single piece and fitting it. But it lacks durability as the weight of the body depends upon it.

Placing the Pipe on the Cylinder

There are two ways to place the pipe on the cylinder,

• Secure a pipe and put on a mask if you are allergic or want to avoid inhaling small particles of PVC. Use a backsaw or any other cutting tool and cut through the pipe lengthwise. Make sure to make a slit in a pipe, not divide it into two halves. Move the plastic skirt of the chair up and down so that the metal cylinder is revealed and comes in front. Then push the slitted side of the PVC pipe against the cylinder. It will snap around and will become fixed. It will not allow the sliding of the chair now.
• If you don’t want to slit the pipe or have no tool available, you can also remove the chair’s wheel and slide the pipe in after removing the piston. The pipe will become fixed and screw the wheels back, and voila! Your chair is ready.

• You can add a pipe if the length is not comfortable by adding a piece of plastic pipe so that you can attain the perfect height.

It is one of the temporary solutions but can give you support for a certain time and will make your sitting comfortable.

Addition of Hose Clamp

It is a straightforward DIY method that you can do, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. It is less durable than the PVC method but still provides stability to the chair for at least a few weeks. The steps involved in this method are as follows:

Also, check How To Fix A Sinking Office Chair

Sliding of Plastic Skirt

Almost every office chair has a plastic tube present over the cylinder; slide the plastic tube till you can see the metal cylinder under it. Adjust the seat’s height according to your desire and make sure it is at the perfect level because once you are done with this step, you won’t be able to adjust the height of the chair.

If the plastic skirt covers the cylinder at this height, remove the skirt by turning the chair upside down, remove the wheels, and then, after removing the skirt, put the wheel back on.

Placing Hose Clamp

Buy a 2cm hose clamp from any hardware store you have in your neighborhood. Take out the belt end from the hose clamp by loosening the screw. And start wrapping this hose clamp around the metallic cylinder. Make sure the clamp should be very tight to hold the chair properly at the certain height that you fixed.

If the cylinder is not clean, clean the dirt or grease off before placing the hose clamp. A better grip is provided to the clamp by wrapping a couple of layers of duct tape around the cylinder.

Tightening the Clamp

Once you are done fixing the hose clamp to the top of the cylinder, tighten up the clamp as much as possible, and screw it tight by rotating it well. Test the chair and check if it is working properly. If the clamp is still sliding off, then fasten it up with the help of a rubber strip or duct tape.

Other Methods for Fixing Chair

Apart from fixing the chair through DIY manual methods, you can also fix chairs through other methods like replacing the gas cylinder or installing a chair saver kit, using an automated chair riser, etc.

Gas Cylinder Replacement

Replacing the gas cylinder is one of the easiest ways to remove sinking chair issues, and you will feel the same after placing the new cylinder. If your chair is excellent in appearance, you don’t need to throw it out and buy a new cylinder; check the company name of your respective chair, and you can easily buy the gas cylinder for your chair from that company’s website or outlet. You can also buy a standard gas cylinder used for office chairs and use it as a replacement.

Chair functionality is easily gained by removing the old cylinder and placing this new cylinder from the wheelbase and then from the bottom of the seat. While removing, you will need to hit the center of the wheelbase with rubber malt to remove the old cylinder. Use medium strokes without damage; once the old cylinder is removed, insert the new one.

You can use a screwdriver to remove the cylinder under the base of the seat. Some gas cylinders have spring clips attached to them, and you have to remove them to remove old cylinders and then fix the new ones by using springs. Once the gas cylinder is inserted into the right position, check for the functioning; if it is functioning properly then adjust the seat accordingly, which means your seat is all set and good to go. A new gas cylinder can function properly for up to 6 years.

Chair Saver Kit

It is one of the least expensive options that you can get within no time. It is budget-friendly and comes with a 5-year warranty as well. This kit contains a series of rings that you can place easily on the piston of the gas cylinder. These rings are a universal fit and can easily be adjusted on any chair. You can add rings with it when you want to increase the height, and it can be adjusted according to the size required.

Chair Riser

Chair risers come in different shapes and sizes. They are bought according to the shape of the furniture legs, e.g., they can be square or circular, etc., it has a set of buttons with it, which is added to the lower section of your chair and helps increase the chairs to the desired height.

Talking about the chair knobs, Read: What Does The Knob Under The Chair Does?

Is there a way to fix the hydraulics on an office chair?

Yes, it is possible to fix the hydraulics on an office chair. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to resolve it yourself by lubricating the chair’s moving parts. If the issue is more serious, you may need to replace the chair’s hydraulic cylinder or piston. It is recommended that you take your chair to a professional for repair.

Why does my office chair keep dropping?

There are a few potential reasons why your office chair might be dropping. The most likely cause is that the gas lift inside the chair is no longer providing enough lift to support your weight. This could be due to a leak in the gas lift or because the gas lift needs to be replaced. Another potential cause is that the swivel base of the chair is loose or damaged, which can also cause the chair to drop. Finally, if the chair is no longer level, it could be due to worn-out glides or caster wheels.

Conclusion

Working on a sinking chair or the chair at the wrong height can seriously give you a headache and make your day unproductive. Apart from the replacement of chairs, the above-mentioned techniques are the easy options that help manage this problem and provide the best solution. I have mentioned the steps that could be taken to fix an office chair that won’t stay up. I am glad that you came across this article and learned about some easy Do it yourself (DIY) methods for fixing your office chair instead of buying a new one. I hope this article will help you find a solution for your sinking chair and now you will be able to work properly and attentively. Happy working.