So you’ve bought a sleek looking office chair from Add Office for that added comfort during long work hours, but there may come a time when you need to disassemble one, either for maintenance, transportation, or storage. 

While it may look challenging at first glance, the task of disassembling an office chair is very feasible and straightforward.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you can tackle this task with confidence.

Gather Your Tools

Before you begin the disassembly process, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

  • Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
  • Allen wrench or hex key set
  • Pliers
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Plastic bags or containers for small parts
  • Masking tape and a marker (for labeling)

Clear Your Workspace

Find a clean and spacious area to work on your office chair. Remove any obstacle that might block your workspace and make sure you have enough room to spread out pieces as you take them apart. It’s also a good idea to lay down a protective covering to prevent any damage to the chair or your floor.

Begin with the Wheels

The first step in disassembling an office chair is typically removing the wheels. Most office chairs have wheels attached to the base with a simple friction fit. To remove them, follow these steps:

  • Firmly grip the wheel.
  • Pull it upwards with a steady force.

If the wheels are stubborn and don’t come off easily, you can use pliers to give you some extra leverage. Place a cloth or a piece of cardboard between the pliers and the wheel to avoid scratching or damaging it.

Take Off the Chair Seat

Next, you’ll need to remove the chair seat from the gas lift and swivel mechanism. Here’s how to do it:

  • Turn the chair upside down, so the seat is facing the ceiling.
  • Locate the screws or bolts securing the seat to the mechanism.
  • Use the appropriate screwdriver or wrench to remove them.

Place the screws or bolts in a labeled container or a plastic bag to keep them organized.

 Detach the Armrests (if applicable)

If your office chair has armrests, they may need to be removed separately. Armrests are typically attached to the chair using screws or bolts. Carefully remove them using the appropriate tool.

Additionally, to disassemble the backrest from the chair, look for the screws or bolts that connect it to the seat. Once again, use your screwdriver or wrench to loosen and remove them.

Unhook the Gas Lift Cylinder

The gas lift cylinder is what allows your office chair to adjust in height. To remove it, follow these steps:

  • Flip the chair back upright.
  • Gently pull the seat away from the cylinder while applying upward pressure. This should release the cylinder from its socket.

Label and Store

As you disassemble each part of your office chair, be sure to label and organize the hardware. You can use masking tape and a marker to label each set of screws or bolts according to where they belong. 

If you plan to reassemble the chair, follow the steps in reverse order, starting with attaching the gas lift cylinder and working your way up to the seat and armrests.

Takeaway

Disassembling an office chair may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a methodical approach, it’s a manageable task. 

Whether you’re looking to transport your chair more easily, perform maintenance, or store it efficiently, knowing how to disassemble an office chair is a valuable skill that can extend the life of your chair and save you money on repairs. 

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and follow this step-by-step guide to get the job done with confidence.