A Brief Guide on How to Fix a Sinking Office Chair?

The Anatomy of Your Office Chair

Before you go into fixing your chair, you must know how they function. Don’t worry, we won’t be going into deep technicalities – we’ll keep it simple for you. So, basically, there are two main types of fluid power technologies used by modern height-adjustable chairs – hydraulic and pneumatic.

Let’s put one thing out of the way; hydraulic or pneumatic, theoretically, all office chairs keep sinking over time.

While the former uses impressible liquid, the pneumatic chairs are based on the use of compressible gases. Hydraulics generate more power which is why we can also find large pieces of machinery using this technology. Pneumatic systems, on the other hand, can be found commonly in most computer chairs.

If you’re wondering “why my chair keeps sinking”, it is probably because it uses a pneumatic system. Since the pneumatic technology is used to manage moderate weights, there is a little to none chance of fluid leaks.

Whether you want to learn how to fix a hydraulic chair or need to learn more about the pneumatic system on your sinking computer seat, simply continue to read and we will address everything there is to provide you a clear bigger picture.

Now, let’s move onto the components being used in both types of chairs. This will give you a clearer answer to “why my computer chair keeps sinking” in the first place.

Components Of A Pneumatic Chair

• There are 3-5 wheels on these chairs
• A padded back support
• A lever on the right or left bottom of the chair which is used to adjust the height
• A small gas cylinder to store compressed air for height adjustment

Components Of A Hydraulic Chair

• A seat and a base chamber
• Two hollow chambers: one containing in compressible liquid while the other containing pressurized gas as well
• A hollow conduit that connects both the chambers
• A lever to control the height of the chair

Why Does My Office Chair Keeps Sinking?

Office chairs keep sinking regardless of how new or old they are. If you’ve bought a new piece and are wondering why it has sunk within the first month, you need not worry. There is a very basic reason why this can happen to chairs, even if they are brand new.

One thing’s for sure though, a sinking computer chair does not mean that it is worn out already. It simply means that the chair’s lifting functionality is not working anymore, which means that you need to fix the chair.

Wondering how to fix a sinking chair? Well, we’ve got it all laid out for you below. 

How to Fix a Sinking Office Chair?

We have listed several ways through which you can easily get your sinking computer chair fixed. All methods work effectively, so you can choose whichever suits you best.

Oil The Components

When it comes to the mechanical parts, the foremost thing you need to check if you can feel any type of friction acting through while using your chair or its lever. In an affirmative case, you should be glad as the reason why your office chair keeps sinking is that it lacks a lubricant. You can oil the joints of your chair and check if they smoothen up.

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Use a Jubilee Clamp

A jubilee clamp is basically a device that secures hose pipes on taps. You can get that jubilee clamp (from your nearest hardware store) to wrap it around the cylinder of your sinking office chair. You will also require a duct tape and a screwdriver for your hydraulic chair repair.

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1. Access the Metallic Cylinder

• Remove the protective plastic covering which is normally wrapped over the cylinder. Then slide it so the metallic cylinder becomes accessible.
• Adjust the height of your sinking chair
• Adjust the height of your chair as per your preference

2. Wrap The Jubilee Clamp

Undo the clamp screw and wrap the jubilee clamp around the previously accessed cylinder. Once done, use the duct tape to wrap the uppermost part of the cylinder. This will provide a firm grip for the clamp to prevent the chair from sinking.

3. Tighten The Clamp With A Screw

Recheck the height of your chair making sure it is precisely how you want it to be. Then slide the clamp back to its position (upwards towards the cylinder) and tighten it with the screw.

4. Test The Chair

Check to see if the chair still keeps sinking. If it goes below the clamp, you can adjust this height by repeating step 3.

Use A PVC Pipe

Another excellent way to fix sinking office chair is to use a PVC pipe whose diameter is slightly bigger than the metallic cylinder itself. For this method, you will also require a vice to secure the pipe, a tape for measurement, and a saw (or any other device to cut the PVC pipe).

1. Measure The Cylinder

Start by taking off the plastic covering from the cylinder, and estimate its diameter using the ruler. You can do that by horizontally placing the ruler across the cylinder. Now, measure the length of the cylinder after adjusting your sinking chair to the right height.

Note: You don’t need to have an accurate measurement here.

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2. Use The PVC Pipe

Make sure that the pipe fits perfectly over the cylinder of your office chair, covering it from the wheelbase to the seat. Your chair must be at a perfect height throughout this time.

3. Cut The PVC

Slit the pipe lengthwise with a vise (don’t cut it in half from the center!). You must have a protective mask to prevent inhaling particles while cutting the pipe.

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4. Place The PVC Pipe Onto The Cylinder

Access the cylinder, remove its plastic cover, and snap the (slit) pipe onto that cylinder. This may be slightly difficult. If placing on one long piece of pipe onto the cylinder is difficult, you can cut the pipe into several small pieces and snap them on.

5. Test The Chair

Now is the time to test your fixed office chair. Make sure that the chair is at a perfect height and in case it isn’t, you can snap on more pieced the PVC pipe lengthwise over the cylinder. Once the height is perfect, you’re good to go!

Replace the Pneumatic Cylinder

Yet another way of fixing an office chair that keeps sinking is by replacing its pneumatic cylinder as it tends to wear out over time. If it is the cause of your sinking office chair, then you would have to get it replaced by a professional. DIY is usually not recommended as installing a new pneumatic cylinder can be a tedious task.

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• What is standard desk height
• How to Tell If Furniture Is Laminate or Veneer

Conclusion

Office chairs keep sinking, but that doesn’t mean that you have to resort to those uncomfortable seating positions and make your day a struggle. Simply follow the multiple ways we’ve shared with you to fix an office chair that won’t stay up, and sit comfortably throughout the day.