When it comes to an office chair, we do not want to compromise while making a purchase, as the comfort factor is significant. Moreover, office chairs are not cheap and are like an investment. But if you see that your office chair is not lifting or lowering, does it mean you need to replace the entire chair? Definitely not. You can try replacing the gas lift instead.
Knowing how to remove gas lift from office chair can be handy in such scenarios as you can fix it yourself without hassle. When your office chair sinks, you may notice that the chair is suddenly going all the way to the bottom, which can be very frustrating. Nobody wants an office chair if it does not offer them the proper support and comfort.
But before removing the gas lift, it is recommended to test it thoroughly first. It is a crucial step to ensure you are not throwing away a good gas cylinder.
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How to test the gas lift in an office chair?
If you sit on the office chair and notice that the gas cylinder is thinking to the bottom, you can try adjusting the lever or test the locks to check if there is an issue. It might be possible that the lever is too tight and can press on the lock even when you are not touching it.
If this is not happening, you can try tightening the screws on the gas cylinder in case you missed a loose one. If there are any loose screws, it will not let the required pressure stay inside the cylinder.
If you are facing any issue of the cylinder not sinking on pressing the lever, it is essential to check if the lever is functioning as expected. While checking on it, do not forget the lock on the cylinder head so you can be sure it is also working.
If you are still facing issues after testing the gas cylinder, it is now time to remove it and get it replaced.
Tools required to remove the gas lift from an office chair.
The process of removing an office chair gas lift to get it replaced needs a few necessary tools. These tools are pretty accessible, and you will easily find them at any hardware store.
Rubber Mallet– this is a lightweight tool that resembles a hammer, and the head is made of hard plastic or molded rubber. This tool helps remove the base of the chair.
Adjustable wrench– An adjustable wrench is open-ended with a moveable jaw. It helps get a grip on the nuts and bolts to fasten them out and will help take out the old gas lift.
Screwdriver– This tool consists of a metal rod with a cross-shaped or flat end, which can fit easily on the top of any screw. A screwdriver will help get out any additional locks.
Replacement gas cylinder– Once you remove the faulty gas life, you’ll need a replacement to compensate for it and get the chair functioning again.
How to remove the gas lift from the office chair?
Removing a gas lift from your office chair is simple, and you only need a handful of efficient tools. Here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1- Remove the casters and wheels.
The first and foremost step is to remove the casters or wheels from the base of your chair. Even though this step is unnecessary, it is still recommended to do it because the process becomes much safer. You can pull out each of the wheels using your hands. However, if you notice that they are stuck, you can use a rubber mallet to tap the wheels downward gently until they come off.
Step 2- Unscrew the bolts.
The second step is to unscrew the four bolts connecting the chair’s top to the mechanism beneath it. It can be somewhat tricky, but you can flip the chair upside down to get better access and use your wrench to make the job easier.
However, ensure that you do this step on a smooth and flat surface, as the chair cushions can get scratched up otherwise. You can use a newspaper at the base or use a rug instead. After unscrewing all the bolts, remove the chair’s top part and keep it aside.
Step 3- Remove the base of the chair from the cylinder.
Next, hold the cylinder upright with one hand. Now, take the help of a rubber mallet and use your other hand to tap the base down word gently. It might not come off immediately with just a few taps. The trick is to go around the entire base and tap it as close to the gas lift as possible. The bottom will come off after a while, and then you can proceed with the next step.
If you face difficulty in this step, you can use a pipe wrench to clamp it tightly on the top and twist it. You can also use a regular wrench, which will require more strength, and the process will be even more challenging.
Step 4- Remove the mechanism from the cylinder.
This step is similar to the previous one, where you removed the base. Hold the cylinder with one hand and flip it upside down. Now, with the help of your free hand, tap the mechanism downward using your rubber mallet.
This step is usually a bit more complex than removing the base. And if you notice that the mechanism is stuck, you can try applying heat or any kind of lubrication before continuing the process of tapping with your rubber mallet.
When using heat, you can hold it over a stovetop or use a torch. If you are still unable to remove the mechanism, another alternative is to use our removal tool that you usually get when you purchase replacement gas cylinders.
Step 5- Attach the replacement cylinder.
Installing the gas left back or replacing it is much easier than removing the old one. You have to remove all protective wrappings from it so that they do not stick when you reassemble the chair back together. Before replacing the gas lift, ensure the mechanism is clean and has no dirt.
You can insert the new gas lift into the socket of your office chair by giving it a firm push. You can also use a rubber mallet and use full force to ensure it is secure and tight in its place. But your body weight will push it down further anyway when you sit on the chair.
You can then insert the base on the gas lift with the help of a rubber mallet again, lift the chair back to its position again and sit on it.
That’s it! You have successfully removed the faulty gas lift from your office chair and replaced it with a new one. But you cannot just select any random gas cylinder for the chair. So how to choose the best suitable one?
Choosing the correct gas cylinder replacement.
Usually, finding the accurate gas lift for your office chair should not be challenging because most chairs use a standard gas cylinder. But there are three essential factors you need to consider before making a purchase.
Diameter of gas spring.
The gas spring of your office chair refers to the top portion of the gas cylinder. The release button is located right at the tip of this particular spring. Usually, the standard measurement of a gas spring is 1.1 inches, approximately in diameter. However, it is better to be sure that your replacement gas cylinder fits perfectly.
Diameter of the column.
It is the next thing you need to measure before purchasing a replacement gas cylinder. The column refers to the bottom part of the gas lift and usually protrudes slightly from the base of the chair. The standard measurement is typically 2 inches in diameter. If you notice that yours has a different size, there is no need to worry as you can easily find one suitable for your chair.
Gas cylinder stroke.
It is the final measurement you need to take care of. The gas cylinder stroke refers to the distance between the highest and the lowest position your chair can move. For example, you can adjust the chair up to 5 inches from its lowest position if it has a 5-inch stroke gas cylinder.
Focus on getting a good quality gas lift to last you a long time and offer the right kind of support you are looking for.
Tips for maintaining an office chair.
Here are some tips to ensure that your office chair stays in good condition for a long time.
- Clean your chair every once in a while, and use of vacuum cleaner on the low setting to do that.
- If soap and water do not work to keep the chair clean, try using a strong cleaning solution. However, test it in a small area at first.
- Lubricate the casters and wheels to keep them rolling smoothly.
- Turn the chair to the side to remove all unnecessary dirt.
- Keep checking the screws and bolts regularly to ensure they are not loose.
Conclusion.
Hopefully, this article has been of help to you, and you are clear on how to remove the gas lift from the office chair. The process is not very difficult with the help of the necessary tools, and you can easily do it yourself. The steps mentioned in the article will guide you through the process effortlessly without any hassle.
