Are you struggling to dismantle your office chair, specifically the office chair base? The removal of other parts may seem simple as it only requires unscrewing. However, removing the base or gas cylinder spindle from rolling office chairs can prove to be a real challenge. We understand your predicament and are here to assist you.
One may ask, what constitutes a comfortable office chair? A comfortable office chair should possess a height-adjustable mechanism, including swiveling mobility, to increase comfort and productivity.
Now that you have been utilizing the chair regularly, it undergoes wear and tear on a daily basis. Therefore, it is advisable to disassemble the chair periodically and install new parts for those that require replacement. Time and time again, the office base requires attention, cleaning, and replacements.
Fortunately, it is easy to remove and replace the base of an office chair in the comfort of your own home without the use of a plethora of tools. In this article, we will provide you with three simple methods on how to remove the office chair base.
Office Chair Base
Each product is designed to fulfill the user’s needs and perform the functions of the work executed.
An office chair is one such product. As it pertains to office chairs, there are four vital components of the chair, namely
- the seat,
- back,
- arm,
- and base.
The amalgamation of these four components transforms a standard, ordinary chair into a rolling office chair, providing the user with maximum comfort and productivity. In this article, our primary focus will be on the office chair base.
What is the base of the office chair made of?
When it comes to chair bases, they are available in an array of materials, including various finishes. Some of these materials include
- plastic,
- stainless steel,
- aluminum,
- and wood.
Furthermore, the modern office chair base is a star (or 5-star) swivel that is obtainable in materials such as nylon and metal.
While we have several options regarding chair base materials, we are also presented with various types of office chair bases in the market.
Three ways to disassemble the office chair base
Let us delve into the intricate and complex world of office chair bases and uncover the mystifying methods for removing them. Brace yourself for a journey of perplexity and burstiness as we explore the three distinct methods for removing the base of your office chair.
Method 1
Method 1 – The Star (or 5-Star) Base Removal From The Rolling Office Chair: To embark on this daunting endeavor, you must arm yourself with the necessary tools, including
- a workbench or
- an old blanket or even
- thick cardboard,
- a screwdriver,
- and a rubber mallet.
Once you have the required equipment, we may proceed.
step 1
Firstly, you must lay the chair upside down on the corner of your workbench or place the blanket or cardboard on the floor or table and then flip the chair over.
step 2
Removing the casters is a relatively simple task as they are merely popped into the chair leg. You can extract them by effortlessly pulling them up, causing them to pop out of the starbase.
If the casters are obstinately stuck, employ a screwdriver to pry underneath and pull them away from the starbase.
step 3
The next step is to use the rubber mallet to gingerly hammer the gas cylinder while being mindful of the holding clip at the bottom of the cylinder. If the starbase proves to be stubbornly stuck, tap the sides of the cylinder with the mallet and then tug it out.
Note: it is crucial not to remove the casters from your chair unless you desire to replace or return them.If you need to remove the star base of your office chair, except for the casters, skip step 2.
With this knowledge, you are now equipped to take on the perplexing task of removing your office chair’s base. Good luck on your journey of discovery!
Method 2
In the realm of office chair disassembly, there exists a second method, one that involves the removal of the gas cylinder base. In contrast to the previous method we explored, which entailed disassembling the chair’s star and casters, this alternative approach starts by dislodging the gas cylinder before proceeding with the remaining components.
To undertake this method, one must first gather the following implements:
- a workbench or table,
- an old blanket or cardboard,
- a screwdriver,
- a rubber mallet,
- a pipe wrench or vice grip,
- and WD-40 (which is optional).
step 1
The initial step involves flipping the chair onto its side, ensuring the placement of a protective covering – be it the aforementioned blanket or cardboard – over the surface of the workbench or table.
step 2
Once that has been done, the 5-star base of the office chair must be removed, following the same prescribed procedure outlined in the prior method.
step 3
Now, with the base extracted, the focus shifts to the gas cylinder. The first step in this process requires a firm and secure grasp on the cylinder or spindle’s top via the pipe wrench. This provides the necessary grip for twisting the spindle, which, in turn, liberates the cylinder from the chair mechanism, allowing for easy extraction.
Alternatively, in the event that a pipe wrench is unavailable, the bottom of the seat must be unscrewed, and a rubber mallet employed to gently tap the cylinder until it dislodges from the chair mechanism.
However, if the chair is old or the component parts stubbornly adhere, it may be necessary to apply a layer of grease to facilitate separation – this can be achieved with the application of WD-40. A few sprays of the substance onto the affected joints, once it has settled, may allow for successful base removal.
It is important to exercise caution while using WD-40, taking care not to overspray the chair surfaces and avoiding contact with any other parts of the chair.
By following these steps, one can successfully remove the gas cylinder base from their office chair.
Method 3
With regard to a possible approach for eliminating the office chair base, an alternative method involves taking off the holding clip located at the center of the cylinder base by sliding it off.
The following items are necessary for this endeavor:
- A table
- and a pre-loved blanket Either
- a flathead screwdriver
- or a knife
The step-by-step process is as follows:
step 1
On the table corner, position the chair upside down and place the pre-loved blanket on top of it.
Once you have accomplished the first step, you may commence looking for the clip situated in the cylinder base’s center.
step 2
After pinpointing the aforementioned clip, take the flathead screwdriver or knife and cautiously bend the holding clip to a slight degree until a distinctive CLICK noise is produced. Following the creation of the CLICK sound, let it slide away from the piston.
step 3
A washer resembling a miniature automobile tire will become visible after the piston has been slipped off. By simply sliding it off, it can be removed. To extract the base, execute a simultaneous pull and counter-clockwise turn.
step 4
The gas cylinder is located inside the base, and both will come out together as a unified entity. Having completed the removal of the base using any of the aforementioned methods, it is now possible to replace the parts with brand-new ones.
Removing a stubborn gas cylinder
Removing a stubborn gas cylinder from the base of an office chair can be a challenge, one that requires a significant amount of physical exertion.
Fear not, however, for by following the steps outlined below, you will be able to liberate your immobilized cylinder from its base with ease.
Before embarking on this endeavor, it is imperative that you procure the necessary tools for the job.
These include
- a pair of channel locks pliers,
- a container of oil or lubricant,
- and a rubber mallet.
Once you have assembled your arsenal, proceed as follows:
step 1
Begin by lubricating the uppermost section of the cylinder with a small amount of oil. This will help to reduce friction and facilitate the removal process.
step 2
Next, employ your channel locks pliers to exert pressure on the cylinder and twist it back and forth until it begins to loosen from its mooring in the seat mechanism.
step 3
Simultaneously, use your trusty rubber mallet to gently tap the cylinder and encourage it to relinquish its hold on the base.
step 4
Finally, summon all of your might and employ your strength to forcefully remove the cylinder from the chair mechanism.
Important Tips Before You Start Dismantling Your Office Chair Base
If you’re considering disassembling an office chair base in the future, there are a few crucial tips you should keep in mind to ensure a seamless and stress-free process. These tips include:
Remember How The Chair Came
When considering the disassembly of your office chair, it’s important to first ponder how the chair arrived in its present state. The complexity of the assembly process can vary significantly, with some chairs arriving in multiple pieces, while others only require the addition of the cylinder to the base and the chair to the cylinder and base.
If your chair arrived in its fully assembled state, it’s crucial to identify which parts can and cannot be removed without causing harm to the chair. Some manufacturers may offer disassembly instructions, which can be immensely helpful when attempting to deconstruct your chair.
Try Not To Disassemble What’s Not Necessary
It’s critical to exercise caution when disassembling your office chair, taking care not to dismantle any parts that are not necessary. Indeed, the fewer parts you remove, the better. With certain chairs, it may not be necessary to remove the backrest or even detach it from the cylinder.
To avoid damaging your chair, it’s always best to contact the manufacturer to determine which parts should be removed for disassembly. You should also avoid disassembling any parts that are located inside the mechanism, as this can be challenging and risky.
For example, if you need to increase the height of your office chair, there are ways to do it without dismantling the office chair.
How Things Connect and Disconnect
When it comes to identifying which parts of your chair can be detached, examining how things are connected and disconnected is key. Parts that are secured with screws can be removed more easily, such as the headrest, backrest, or armrests. However, parts that are connected to the mechanism without screws can be more challenging to remove, particularly the cylinder.
If your chair has been in use for an extended period of time, releasing the tension that connects the cylinder to the mechanism may prove to be a daunting task. It’s worth noting that certain office chairs, such as the Herman Miller Aeron and most other Herman Miller models, should not be disassembled at the cylinder.
Things You Can’t Or Shouldn’t Remove
When it comes to office chairs, there are certain parts that you absolutely should not remove, either because it’s impossible or because it could result in damage. For instance, if you own a Steelcase Leap chair, the back and arms are built into the frame, so they cannot be removed.
Additionally, the mechanism of your chair is something you should not even attempt to remove, as it could cause it to malfunction.
Similarly, there are office chairs that you should not remove the cylinder from, like the Herman Miller Aeron. If your chair came fully assembled, it is likely for a reason, and removing parts from it could result in permanent damage. In fact, removing the cylinder can be particularly tricky, especially if you’ve been sitting in your chair for a while.
The cylinder is typically set into the base when the chair is assembled and is held in place with tension. Breaking this tension can be difficult and requires tools like a pipe wrench, which can actually damage the cylinder if you’re not careful.
Ruining The Cylinder: Is It Worth It?
Even if you manage to remove the cylinder from the mechanism, you may still need to remove it from the base, which can also result in damage. To avoid this, you need to use a rubber hammer to hit the cylinder out from the bottom of the base and ensure that you have a soft place for the cylinder to land so that it doesn’t get damaged.
Ultimately, the question you need to ask yourself is whether it’s worth removing the cylinder if you’re just going to ruin it in the process. While there are protective measures you can take, it’s often not worth the risk of causing more harm than good.
If you do need to replace the cylinder, then removing it is a necessary step, but if not, it’s best to leave it in place to avoid any potential damage.
When it comes to disassembling your office chair, it’s essential to have the right tools at your disposal. The tools required for disassembling your chair will vary depending on the parts you plan on removing. If your aim is to remove the cylinder, you’ll need a large pipe wrench and a rubber mallet.
FAQ
Q: Why would I need to disassemble my office chair?
A: There are several reasons why you might need to disassemble your office chair. For example, you may need to move it to a new location and want to make it easier to transport, or you may need to replace a broken part and need to access the interior of the chair.
Q: What tools do I need to disassemble an office chair?
A: The tools you need will depend on the specific chair you have, but in general, you may need a screwdriver, pliers, an Allen wrench, and possibly a hammer or rubber mallet.
Q: How do I disassemble an office chair with a gas cylinder?
A: To disassemble an office chair with a gas cylinder, you will need to remove the base from the cylinder. First, flip the chair over and locate the retaining clip or ring that holds the base to the cylinder. Use pliers or a screwdriver to remove the clip or ring, then pull the base off the cylinder. You can then remove the cylinder from the chair.
Q: How do I disassemble an office chair with a tilt mechanism?
A: To disassemble an office chair with a tilt mechanism, first flip the chair over and locate the screws that hold the mechanism in place. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, then lift the mechanism out of the chair. You may need to detach any cables or levers that connect the mechanism to the seat and backrest.
Q: Is it difficult to disassemble an office chair?
A: The difficulty level of disassembling an office chair will depend on the specific chair you have and your level of experience with furniture assembly. However, with the right tools and instructions, it should be a relatively straightforward process.
Q: Can I disassemble an office chair myself or should I hire a professional?
A: It is possible to disassemble an office chair yourself, but if you are not comfortable with tools or have limited experience with furniture assembly, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to do it for you. This can help ensure that the chair is properly disassembled and reassembled without damage.
