Why My Office Chair Keeps Sinking [And How To Fix That]

To get the best from your business, studies, or whatever you do at your desk, you need to be comfortable in your office chair. A faulty chair is one of those typical, seemingly minute issues that can quickly impact your productivity level. If your office chair keeps sinking each time you sit on it, don’t worry. We have some carefully-researched solutions that we’re sure will fix your chair.

If your office chair keeps sinking, that may be due to a problem with the lifting functionality. Here are three easy fixes:

1. Lubricate the joints and other vital mechanical components. 
2. Your chair’s cylinder could be loose. If it is, secure it using a jubilee clamp.
3. Wrap a PVC pipe around the chair’s metallic cylinder. 

These are three solutions you can try if you’re familiar with the tools and the processes involved. If you’re not, keep reading for an in-depth explanation of each answer. We hope it works out for you!

How Do You Stop A Swivel Chair From Sinking?

Sinking is a common problem in most office chairs. It often occurs when you use your chair frequently – typically on a day to day basis. If your chair has this problem and you prefer not to risk altering your office décor idea by replacing it, try out these handy tips to restore its functionality:

Method 1: Lubricate The Components

Lubrication is often a go-to solution for squeaky chairs, but it can also work for sinking office chairs. It’s an excellent way to maintain your chair and extend its lifespan. 

Since moving parts are the main components of office chairs, the frequent usage may have worn out these parts. Start by checking if the lever that controls the height of the chair fails to maintain your preferred height.

If you sit on the chair and it stays put as the chair sinks, that’s a sign that it needs to be oiled. 

The cause of the sinking may be due to rust. Air conditioners and moisture in the air are two of the significant reasons for rust in an office chair. The best way to counter this problem is by spraying some WD-40 on your chair.

Click here to view this product on Amazon. 

Apply some lubricating oil on all the bolts, screws, and nuts to loosen any tight joints. You can alternatively spray oil on a soft material, and then rub the oil onto the cylinder, lever, or any point where there are any bolts and screws. 

Apply oil regularly to prevent your chair from sinking or producing squeaky noises. 

Method 2. Fasten The Cylinder Using A Jubilee Clamp

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

1. Jubilee clamp
2. Duct tape
3. Screwdriver. 

Jubilee clamps are devices used to secure hose pipes to taps. Luckily, it can serve more than just one purpose. Follow these steps and learn how to use a jubilee clamp to fix your sinking office chair:

Step 1: Flip Your Chair To Access the Metallic Cylinder

Turn your chair over to make it easier to get to the metallic cylinder. You’ll see a protective plastic covering (often black) wrapped around the barrel. Remove it and slide it down to expose the metallic cylinder.

Watch this video to know how to move and replace the cylinder: 

Next, adjust your chair’s height until it gets to your desired height. 

Step 2: Install the Jubilee Clamp Around the Cylinder

Grab your clamp screw, unscrew the tiny bolt, and wrap it around the metallic cylinder. Once you have it around the cylinder, position it in the middle section. Don’t replace the bolt just yet.

Next, take the duct tape and wrap a good portion of it all around the top part of the cylinder. It should be directly above the clamp. Doing so helps in providing a firm grip for the newly-installed clamp. This will help a lot in preventing your chair from sinking. 

Click here to view this tape on Amazon: 

Step 3: Fasten the Clamp Screw

Before restoring the screw, check the height of your chair and make sure you’re satisfied with it. Finalize the whole process by sliding the clamp upwards towards the top of the cylinder, and fasten the screw as tightly as possible.

Step 4: Test Your Chair

It may look okay, but is it? Find out if the sinking is gone by gently sitting on the chair. If it’s okay, good for you! If you notice that the chair is still moving below the clamp, adjust the height by redoing step three.

Here is a brief and practical summary of the steps above: 

Method 3: Wrap a PVC Pipe Around the Chair’s Cylinder’s Metallic Cylinder

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Bench vise
2. Tape measure
3. Saw (or another suitable cutting device)

Another excellent way to get rid of the ‘sinking chair syndrome’ is by using a high-quality PVC pipe. The diameter of the pipe should be a tad bigger than your chair’s metallic cylinder. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Step 1: Measure Your Chair’s Cylinder

Take off the plastic covering from your cylinder. Next, place the tape measure across the cylinder to get an estimate of the diameter. It doesn’t have to be the exact measurement. 

Next, adjust the cylinder to your preferred sitting height, and get an approximate measurement of the length. 

Click here to view this tape measure on Amazon.

Step 2: Cover the Cylinder With the PVC Pipe

Grab the PVC pipe and wrap it over the cylinder. Ensure you do this entirely from the seat down to the wheelbase. Avoid adjusting the height of the chair for better results.

Click here to view this product on Amazon.

Step 3: Slit the Pipe

Before anything else, wear a mask to avoid inhaling harmful particles. Secure the pipe with the vise and cut the PVC lengthwise in half (don’t slit the pipe from the center!). 

How to cut a PVC pipe: 

Click here to view this product on Amazon: 

Step 4: Cover the Cylinder With the PVC Pipe

Remove the plastic cover from your cylinder, and snap the pipe onto the exposed metallic part (It might take you a while to do so). If it gets difficult to do so, simply cut the PVC pipe into sizeable pieces and finally snap them on. 

Step 5: Test Your Chair

Ensure the chair is at your preferred height before testing it. If it’s not, you can always cut the pipe into smaller pieces and place them over the cylinder. If you’re satisfied with the height, test it out and enjoy your fixed office chair!

How Do You Fix An Office Chair That Leans Back?

We all love office chairs that recline. They provide a form of relaxation as you work. However, when it leans back too much, it can get pretty dangerous. If yours has this problem, don’t do away with it or spend your valuable cash on professional assistance.

Follow these simple steps to adjust your office chair and get the pressure off your back and your lower body as well. 

Step 1

Find out if your chair has a tilt tension adjustment knob underneath the seat’s center. If it does, adjust it to provide an extra level of resistance while reclining or leaning back. 

Step 2

 Let go of the tension knob once you’ve adjusted it to your preferred height or reclining level. You can also tighten it for added tension. 

Step 3

 If your chair lacks the reclining knob, check for any issues with the tilt control mechanism. Without it, you may not be able to secure the back of your chair at a predetermined point. If your chair’s hydraulics are damaged, then keep reading to learn how to replace them. 

Locking the back by tightening the lever may not always be the solution to your chair’s leaning back problem. Maybe the problem lies in your sitting posture. Read more about how to position yourself the right way when sitting on an office chair. 

Can You Fix The Hydraulics Of An Office Chair?

If your chair’s hydraulic system is damaged, don’t get rid of the chair! It’s possible to replace the gas cylinder in your office chair and rebuild the lift mechanism. 

First off, you need to remove your chair’s lift mechanism (which might take about an hour). For this, you’ll need a pipe wrench with a long handle, a pair of needlenose pliers, and someone to assist you. 

Step 1

Grab the pipe wrench and use it to remove the cylinder. Have someone help you if it doesn’t budge. 

Click here to view this wrench on Amazon.

Step 2

Once it’s out, measure the length of the gas cylinder from top to bottom. Measure the width of the cylinder, note down the measurements, and purchase the replacement online or locally.

Click here to view this product on Amazon.

Step 3

 Reassemble the new piece by pushing the tapered end of the cylinder onto your chair seat. Oil the bearing and install it on the piston rod with the previous washers. Secure the rod with the spring clip and wipe off any excess oils for a clean finish. 

Step 4

Test out your new fix by raising the lift mechanism to the right height. Bounce on the seat a few times to push the gas cylinder into the retainer. 

Watch this practical instructional video for more information: 

Conclusion

Office chairs are bound to develop plenty of issues at some point – and sinking is just one of them. Since we understand how uncomfortable sitting in such a chair can be, we created this DIY post to make the fixing process a tad easier. 

Are you looking for more ideas for your home office? Check out these other posts here at Homedecorbliss.com!

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