Office chairs are designed to be comfortable - they encourage good posture and provide much-needed support. Some have swivel capability and adjustable mechanisms. If you sit for long periods in your office chair, it may become uncomfortable. Maybe the wheels are no longer working, or the padding feels worn down. When this happens, it's time you give your humble chair some attention. Since the base is a critical part of the chair, you may need to replace it to breathe new life into your seat. All you need is a few tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on replacing the base of a rotating chair (with wheels) and a swivel office chair with no wheels.
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How to Remove a Rotating Office Chair Base (with Wheels)
You'll need a screwdriver, a rubber mallet, thick cardboard, and an old blanket. It's also recommended that you get a pipe wrench before implementing the following instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the work surface
The gas cylinder of the office chair can be greasy, so you should lay a damp cloth/paper on the floor. You don't want the surface to look messy.
Step 2: Assess the issue
Flip the office chair to detect any defects -make sure the base of the chair is visible. For better stability, the back should touch the floor. Maybe the base looks unscathed, or the castors feel hard on the floor surface. What is making the chair feel wobbly?
Step 3: Locate the holding clip
Normally, the holding clip is at the centre of the base. Use a flathead screwdriver or needle nose pliers to remove it. You can slide it off the piston or bend the clip open.
Step 4: Remove the wheels/castors
If the wheels are popped into the chair leg, you should pull them from the base. If they get stuck, use a screwdriver to remove them. You can also use an old towel or glove if you have trouble gripping the wheels.
Step 5: Remove the clip
Insert a flat-headed screwdriver in the loop of the clip. Apply some gentle pressure and then slide the outer sleeve of the shaft.
Step 6: Take out the washer
The washer looks like a small automobile tire located at the base of the piston. It should slide off the piston with ease.
Step 7: Hammer the gas cylinder
Use a rubber mallet to hammer the cylinder while holding the bottom. Next, place a pipe wrench at the base and lubricate with W-40. You must cover the surrounding surfaces with fabric to protect them. Now, you can give it a little twist and pull. If you don't have a pipe wrench, try to unscrew the main bolts at the bottom.
Step 8: Pull out the base
Turn the base counter-clockwise so the gas cylinder comes out as one piece. Be on the lookout for any grease coating at the base. If the base is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap the sides and pull it out.
Step 9: Install the new parts
You can now replace new parts by following the reverse instructions. After the installation, you may want to test the chair. Make sure it feels steady and secure.
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How to Remove the Base of a Swivel Office Chair with No Wheels
You'll need a workbench, an old blanket, a pipe wrench, a rubber mallet, and a screwdriver.
Step 1: Read the manufacturer's instructions
A quality swivel office chair comes with a manual. You should refer to the instructions to avoid incorrect disassembly.
Step 2: Lay the working surface
Lay the old blanket on the surface to protect the chair - make sure you have enough working surface. This prevents the cylinder from leaking the oils on your floor.
Step 3: Turn the chair
Turn over the chair upside down to ensure the base is accessible.
Step 4: Loosen the screws
Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the legs. If they are stuck, use needle-nozzle pliers. Keep the screws in a separate zip-lock bag - you'll need them later.
Step 5: Locate the clip
Gently rotate the chair to understand what the underside looks like. Use a flathead screwdriver to locate the clip at the base. Bend it slightly until you hear a clicking sound. Next, allow the clip to slide on the piston.
Step 6: Remove chair glides
Use a rubber hammer to tap the end side of the chisel under the glide. Once the glide rises to 1/16 inch, move to the other side. You can try removing the glide to the chisel while prying around the circumference. If it's already broken, use the pliers to grab the remaining part. Repeat the process for the other four legs.
Step 7: Remove the gas cylinder
Use a spindle or a pipe wrench to remove the cylinder - you can apply duct tape on the teeth to avoid scratching the cylinder. Next, twist the spindle until the chair releases the mechanism. Alternatively, you can unscrew the bottom of the seat and tap gently to remove the mechanism. If the cylinder is stuck, apply some grease.
Step 8: Find the washer
Locate the washer that resembles a mini automobile tire and slip it off the piston.
Step 9: Remove the base
Remove the base by tapping the sides with the rubber mallet. Turn it in a counterclockwise direction. Sometimes the base can come out with the gas cylinder. Be careful not to hammer yourself as you use the rubber mallet. If you don't have a hammer, an old wooden block will do the job.
Step 10: Replace the parts and test it
Now that you've already determined what is wrong with your office chair. It's time you replace the parts by following the reverse instructions. After you fix the base back, place the chair on a flat surface to ensure it's comfortable.
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Wrap up
If your office chair has a revolving star base, you can remove it by following a few easy steps. Typically, the base is fitted with nuts and bolts or clips at the centre. Whether your chair has wheels or not, the process is simple and doesn't require any special tools. All you need is to raise the gas cylinder to the highest position and pull the mechanism handle.
FAQs
- Prepare the work surface.
- Assess the issue by flipping the chair and checking the base.
- Locate and remove the holding clip at the center of the base.
- Remove the wheels/castors from the chair leg.
- Remove the clip by sliding the outer sleeve of the shaft.
- Take out the washer located at the base of the piston.
- Hammer the gas cylinder while holding the bottom and use a pipe wrench to unscrew it.
- Pull out the base by turning it counter-clockwise.
- Install the new parts in reverse order and test the chair's stability.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure correct disassembly.
- Lay a blanket on the working surface to protect the chair and prevent oil leakage.
- Turn the chair upside down to access the base.
- Loosen the screws holding the legs and remove them.
- Locate the clip at the base and slide it off the piston.
- Remove the chair glides using a rubber hammer or pliers.
- Remove the chair glides using a rubber hammer or pliers.
- Find and remove the washer from the piston.
- Tap the sides of the base with a rubber mallet to remove it.
- Replace the parts in reverse order and test the chair's comfort.
- Test the chair by sitting on it and checking for any wobbling or instability.
- Ensure all parts are securely fastened and tightened.
- Place the chair on a flat surface to verify its stability.
- Adjust any necessary settings, such as height and tilt, to achieve a comfortable seating position.