How To Fix A Sinking Office Chair: A Step-By-Step Guide
How to fix a sinking office chair? If your office chair feels like it’s sinking, don’t panic! This is a common issue that can be easily fixed. There are a few simple steps you can take to fix the problem and get your chair back to its original state. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to fixing a sinking office chair.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify the problem (hint: it has to do with your gas cylinder) and walks you through five different ways for solving it. By the end of this, your chair should be as good as new. Let’s get started!
Contents
Why does my office chair sink?
If your office chair is sinking, it’s likely due to a faulty pneumatic cylinder. Pneumatic cylinders are used to adjust the height of office chairs, and when they’re not working properly, the chair can sink.
There are a few things that can cause a pneumatic cylinder to fail.
- One is simply age – over time, the seals in the cylinder can wear out, allowing air to escape.
- Another possibility is that the cylinder was damaged when the chair was moved or assembled.
To fix the problem, continue reading.
Things you should know when fixing a sinking office chair
When it comes to office chairs, there are many different parts that make up the whole. One of the most important parts is the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder is responsible for providing the chair with height adjustability. Without it, you would be stuck at one height!

- The gas cylinder is made up of three main parts: the cylinder base, the inner cylinder, and the actuator.
- The cylinder base sits in the chair’s 5-star wheelbase and houses the inner cylinder when it’s not extended.
- The inner cylinder sits within the cylinder base and attaches underneath the seat. This is where the pressurized chamber and piston are located.
- The actuator is a small button at the top of the inner cylinder, next to the chair’s height mechanism. This is what activates the cylinder when pressed.
- Finally, there is the retaining clip. This sits at the bottom of the cylinder base and helps to keep everything in place.
If you’re ever having trouble with your chair, gas cylinders are a good place to start troubleshooting. With a little bit of know-how, you can easily replace them yourself.
How to fix a sinking office chair
If your chair is sinking, there are a few things you can do to fix it. With a little bit of effort, you can easily get your chair back to its original height.
Before going through all five methods you can test the WD-40 idea. To better understand, see the video below:
See Also: 9 Most Effective Ways to Stop Your Desk Chair From Rolling
Here are the 5 simple ways to fix a sinking office chair:
1. Lubricating the chair’s joints
Sinking chairs are a common problem, but there is an easy fix! By lubricating the chair’s joints, you can get your chair back to its original height in no time.
There are some pros and cons to this method.
On the plus side, it is a quick and easy fix. It is also relatively inexpensive since you probably already have the supplies you need on hand.
On the downside, this method isn’t permanent, so you may have to repeat the process quite often.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- WD-40 or another lubricant
- A rag or paper towel
The process:
To lubricate the joints, simply squirt a generous amount of lubricant onto the rag or paper towel. Wipe down all of the chair’s joints, moving the parts back and forth to work the lubricant in. You may need to reapply the lubricant a few times to get the desired results.
2. Using a hose clamp

If your chair is sinking, you can use a hose clamp to fix it. This is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
There are a few pros and cons to this method.
On the plus side, it’s relatively simple and doesn’t require a lot of supplies.
On the downside, the chair may still wobble if the screws are not tight enough.
Here’s what you’ll need:
First, you’ll need to gather the supplies you’ll need. In addition to a hose clamp, you’ll need a drill and some screws. You’ll also need a bit of padding to put under the chair’s legs. This will help to prevent the chair from sinking in again.
The process:
Once you have the supplies, the next step is to drill holes into the base of the chair. Be careful not to make the holes too big. You want the screws to be snug so that the chair doesn’t wobble.
Next, screw the hose clamp into the holes. Make sure that the clamp is tight so that the chair doesn’t come loose.
Finally, put the padding under the chair’s legs. This will help to keep the chair from sinking in again.
If you’re looking for a quick fix for a sinking office chair, a hose clamp is a good option. Just be sure to have the right supplies and tighten the screws properly.
3. Using a plastic spacer

If your chair is starting to sink, you may be able to fix it by using a plastic spacer. This method has both pros and cons, so be sure to weigh your options before deciding if it’s the right solution for you.
On the plus side:
- Using a plastic spacer is a relatively cheap and easy way to fix a sinking office chair
- It can be a temporary fix until you are able to afford a new chair
On the downside:
- The plastic spacer may not be a permanent solution and your chair may continue to sink over time
- You may need to replace the plastic spacer frequently
- The plastic spacer may not provide the same level of support as a new chair
The Process:
Here’s what you’ll need to do if you decide to use a plastic spacer to fix your chair:
- Measure the width of the space between the seat of your chair and the floor.
- Cut a piece of plastic (a soda bottle or milk jug works well) to fit the space.
- Place the plastic spacer under the seat of your chair.
- Sit in your chair and see if it feels more supportive. If so, you’re all set! If not, you may need to add more spacers or try a different method.
4. Replacing the gas cylinder [Recommended]

If your chair is starting to feel a little bit like it’s sinking, it’s probably time to replace the cylinder. This is a pretty easy process and can be done with just a few tools and supplies.
On the plus side:
- Replacing the cylinder is a relatively inexpensive fix
- It’s a pretty easy fix that most people can do on their own
- You can probably find all the supplies you need at your local hardware store
On the downside:
- You will need to have a new cylinder that is the same size as the old one
- The process is a bit messy and you will need to be careful not to damage the chair
- You may need to ask someone for help if you’re not sure how to do it
Here’s what you’ll need to replace the cylinder:
- A new cylinder
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Hammer
- Towel or rag
Here’s the process:
- First, you will need to remove the old cylinder. There are usually two screws that hold it in place. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove these.
- Next, use the flathead screwdriver to pry the old cylinder out of the chair. You may need to use the hammer to help loosen it.
- Once the old cylinder is out, you can put the new one in place. Again, you may need to use the hammer to help get it started.
- Finally, screw the new cylinder into place. Make sure it is tight so that it doesn’t come loose.
That’s it! You’ve now successfully replaced the cylinder on your chair.
5. Call the professionals
I have shown you the best and easy methods to fix a sinking office chair, but if you find that none of these methods work, you may need to call a professional. Or you can go to the nearest chair repair shop to fix your problem
The new office chair keeps sinking – How to fix it?
If you’re struggling with a new office chair that keeps sinking, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. First, check to see if the chair is adjustable. If it is, try raising or lowering the seat until it’s at a comfortable height. If that doesn’t work, try adjusting the tension knob.
This knob is usually located under the seat and allows you to control how much force is needed to tilt the chair.
Finally, if none of those solutions work, you may need to replace the gas lift. This part is located under the seat and is what allows the chair to go up and down. If you’re still having trouble, feel free to contact the chair’s manufacturer for assistance.
How to fix an office chair that won’t stay up: Step-by-step
If your office chair won’t stay up, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to fix it.
First, check to see if the chair’s gas lift is working. If it is, then the problem is probably with the chair’s base or wheels. To fix this, try tightening the screws on the base, or replacing the wheels.
If the gas lift isn’t working, then the problem is probably with the chair’s mechanism. To fix this, you’ll need to disassemble the chair and lubricate the parts. Once you’ve done that, reassemble the chair and it should be good as new!
How to stop chairs from sinking in the future?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your chair. But did you know that proper maintenance can help prevent further chair sinkage?
Here are some tips to keep your chair in tip-top shape:
- Regularly inspect your chair for any signs of wear and tear.
- If you notice any sagging or drooping, tighten the screws or bolts that hold the chair together.
- If your chair has adjustable legs, make sure that they are all the same length. This will help prevent uneven wear and tear.
- If your chair has casters, check them regularly to make sure they are clean and free of debris.
- Finally, if you notice any unusual noise coming from your chair, take it to a professional for a check-up.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent further office chair sinkage and extend the life of your chair. So don’t neglect your chair – give it the care it deserves!
Final thoughts
How to fix a sinking office chair – If you have a chair that’s sinking, the best way to fix it is to replace the cylinder. This is a relatively easy process, and it’s the most effective way to stop the chair from sinking.
To replace the cylinder, first, remove the old one by unscrewing it from the chair base. Then, insert the new cylinder into the base and screw it in place. Once the new cylinder is in place, your chair should be good as new!
To prevent chairs from sinking in the future, make sure to use a high-quality cylinder that’s designed for office chairs. Also, be sure to screw the cylinder in place securely, so it can’t come loose over time.
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