It’s frustrating when your office chair won’t go up! Or stay up (that #sinkingfeeling). What to look for when that happens:

1. Identify the Likely Cause:

• Faulty Gas Lift Cylinder: This is the most common culprit. The pneumatic cylinder loses pressure over time and can no longer hold or adjust the chair’s height.
• Damaged Mechanism: The Mechanism or lever lever that activates the gas lift might be loose, disconnected, or broken. It is mild steel and can break/tear when abused (rocking on the chair, leaning back further that the chair’s natural motion will allow, etc)
• Obstructions: Less likely, dirt, debris, or other items might be blocking the smooth movement of the cylinder or lever.

2. Initial Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check the Lever: Ensure the height adjustment lever is properly connected to the gas lift cylinder. Tighten any loose screws or bolts. If parts are broken, they’ll need replacement.
• Look for Obstructions: Turn the chair upside down and inspect the cylinder and surrounding mechanisms for anything that might be stuck. Clean away any dirt or debris.
• Try Lubrication: Applying a small amount of lubricant (like a silicone spray) to the moving parts of the lever mechanism and the top of the cylinder might help if there’s some stiffness.

3. Fixing a Faulty Gas Lift Cylinder (Most Likely Solution):

Unfortunately, you generally can’t repair a faulty gas lift cylinder. The best solution is usually to replace it. Here’s how:

• Purchase a Replacement:
  • Measure the diameter and extended/compressed length of your current cylinder. The best is to whatsapp a picture of the uderside of the chair to Elmien on 0834145042 and she will advise the correct action/part.
• Remove the Old Cylinder:
  1. Turn the chair upside down.
  2. Remove the chair base.
  3. Use a pipe wrench to firmly grip the metal shaft of the old cylinder near the base.
  4. Twist and pull firmly until the cylinder comes loose from the base. This might require some force. You can try using a rubber mallet to tap the bottom of the cylinder to help dislodge it.
  5. To remove the cylinder from the seat mechanism, you might need to use a hammer or rubber mallet to tap it out from the bottom.
• Install the New Cylinder:
  1. Insert the new gas cylinder into the chair’s seat base, ensuring it’s secure.
  2. Reattach the wheelbase to the bottom of the new cylinder.
  3. Sit on the chair to apply pressure and ensure the cylinder is firmly seated in both the base and the seat mechanism.
  4. Test the height adjustment lever.

4. Temporary Fixes (Risky at best and you will still have to get it done properly):

These are not permanent solutions but can provide a temporary fix:

• Hose Clamp:
  1. Slide the plastic skirt covering the cylinder upwards to expose the metal cylinder.
  2. Adjust the chair to your desired height.
  3. Wrap a hose clamp tightly around the metal cylinder at that height to prevent it from sliding down. You might want to add some rubber or duct tape under the clamp for better grip.
• PVC Pipe or Spacer:
  1. Measure the exposed part of the cylinder when the chair is at the desired height.
  2. Cut a piece of PVC pipe or find a sturdy spacer that fits around the cylinder and will prevent the seat from going lower. You might need to remove the chair’s wheels to slide the pipe on.

Or save yourself time and money, and call 0834145042, and say “I’ve got that sinking feeling!

• Replacing the gas lift cylinder is usually the most effective way to fix an office chair that won’t go up, or sinks down on its own, whether immediately or over time.