Take Apart Guide: How to Disassemble an Office Chair

There are many reasons to take apart an office chair. Maybe your office chair has broken parts, or you are planning to sell it. Maybe you need to move a heavy office chair from one office to another.

It may seem difficult to do it, especially if you have never disassembled any furniture before. But after testing office chairs many times, we have found the best way to properly disassemble an office chair for most office chairs.

Before we explain the method, if you are looking for a new office chair, you can easily buy our exclusive ergonomic office chairs.

Gather the Necessary Tools to Disassemble the Chair

Before you start disassembling your office chair, make sure you have the right tools. These are the must-have items during the disassembly process:

• Wear gloves
• Screwdriver
• Split Shaft Collar
• Allen wrench
• Rubber hammer
• WD-40 lubricant
• Protect your work surface with a soft cloth or towel
• Container for screws

Tips:

• Place the office chair on a stable table or mat to avoid unnecessary movement.
• For safety, keep away from babies and children during disassembly.
• While disassembling, record a video or take photos of the disassembly in case you need to make reinstallation easier.
• Keep the removed screws and components separate whether or not you need to reinstall them later.

How to Remove the Headrest

The headrest is more like an extra part of the office chair. The headrest is usually fixed with buckles or screws. If you need to remove it, follow our steps:

1. If it is a buckle type, pull it open a little, don't use too much force, don't damage the backrest.

2. If it is a screw type:

• First, check if the office chair has a cover or tab that needs to be pried open
• Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove all the bolts on the headrest.
• After removing the headrest, put the cover or tab back on the chair.
• Finally, save all the small parts and put them in the storage bag.

How to Remove the Armrest

There are many types of armrest designs. The simplest type is to fix the armrest under the seat cushion. This is easier to remove. First, remove it one by one under the seat cushion. Some office chair designs will cover the screw area with a block to check if there is a washer or gasket. After removing the gasket, you can remove the screw.

Some armrests are the type that connect the backrest and the seat cushion. In this case, not only should the screws of the seat cushion be removed, but also the screws on the backrest. After removing all the screws, take out the armrest. (Don't forget to collect the screws!)

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How to Remove the Backrest and the Seat Cushion

Turning the chair over can better remove the backrest. Most office chair backrests are fixed with screws or bolts at the bottom. You need to use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove them. While removing them, hold the seat surface firmly to prevent sudden slipping.

The backrest can be fixed with screws or integrated into the design of the chair. Some models of office chairs use reinforced frames, which may have an extra step. If the backrest still cannot be moved, use a rubber hammer to slowly knock it out. It does not require too much force and will not damage the frame.

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How to Remove the Office Chair Gas Cylinder

The cylinder is connected to the tilt mechanism and the wheelbase of the base. Here are instructions on how to separate these two:

Instructions for the Gas Lift Tilt Mechanism Separation Tool

• Put the chair on its side.
• Install the small solid ring (no screw holes on the side) close to the mechanism.
• Install the small ring with holes on the side and tighten it.
• Insert the long screw from the bottom up into the hole on the side of the cuff.
• Remove the gas cylinder

Instructions for the Gas Lift and Wheelbase Separation Tool

• Place the base on the floor facing up
• If there is a gas cap, remove it.
• Install the large solid ring (no screw holes on the side) close to the base. It can slide up and down.
• Install the large ring with holes on the side and tighten it.
• Insert the long screw from the top down into the hole on the side of the cuff. And push down on the bottom collar, and finally separate the base from the gas cylinder.

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How to Remove the Office Chair Caster

The casters of most office chairs are directly stuck to the base. To remove the casters, turn the base upside down and pull the casters upward to remove them. After disassembly, carefully put the casters back in place. Keep everything in order.

Related articles: Choose the Right Office Chair Casters to Stop Damaging Floors

Things to consider when disassembling an office chair

Check the Chair’s Installation Manual Sequence

Before disassembling an office chair, check the office chair's installation manual to recall how it was successfully installed before. Generally, disassembly is done in the reverse order of assembly. We need to first figure out what needs to be disassembled and what does not need to be disassembled. This is easier to see in the manual.

If you lose the manual or can't remember the installation order, ask the manufacturer.

Don’t Disassemble Unnecessary Office Chair Components

If any part of your chair is worn or damaged, remove the damaged part, not all of it. We can also just replace the part instead of buying a new chair. You may only need to replace the cylinder, armrests, or office chair wheels.

In addition, if you are disassembling the chair for transportation, multiple small parts of the office chair do not need to be removed together, especially the parts inside the mechanism. Minimizing the removal of parts will make it easier for you to install after transportation.

Is It Worth Removing the Cylinder?

In most office chair disassembly processes, the cylinder needs to be removed from the tilt mechanism or base, but if your office chair has been used for a long time, this removal process is very difficult.

If you just need to transport it, try not to remove the assembled cylinder. The cylinder is a key component for adjusting the office height. Cylinder damage causes the office chair to sink.

If your cylinder is worn and needs to be replaced, you don't have to worry about damage when you remove the cylinder for replacement. But if you must remove it, be careful to pick it up and put it in to avoid damage.

Tips and Tricks for Disassembling Office Chairs

Following the following tips can help you complete the disassembly better:

• During the process of disassembling the office chair, put small parts in a sealed bag and then put them together with the chair components to avoid losing them.
• When disassembling the chair, be sure to place a mat or discarded cardboard on the floor to protect not only the office chair but also the floor from being scratched.
• If you really don't know how to disassemble it, you can ask the manufacturer.
• It is not necessary to disassemble all the components of the office chair, just disassemble the part that suits you.
• To prevent the chair from malfunctioning, never disassemble its mechanism.

Final Thoughts

While each office chair is unique, in fact, most chairs follow the same basic components: armrests, backrest, base, and seat cushion. Every component is indispensable to the office chair. If it is not necessary, try not to disassemble the parts of the chair.

Do everything before you start to disassemble, which can ensure a smoother disassembly process. Keeping everything in order also makes it easier to reassemble later. Hopefully, these tips and examples will help you disassemble your office chair.

FAQ

Can I Get Replacement Office Chair Parts?

Yes, check the model of the part in the office chair manual. If the manual is lost, remember to ask the manufacturer. After finding the model of the part, get the replacement part after purchase.

Will Disassembling the Chair Damage It?

Do not put too much pressure on the parts of the chair when disassembling the office chair. Choose the right tools, follow the order, be careful, and it is not easy to damage.

Does Boulies Have After-Sales Service for Office Chairs?

Yes, Boulies provide incredibly comfortable pc gaming chairs and home office chairs of high quality. Free delivery ✓ Ships in 24H ✓ 14 days return ✓ 2 years warranty ✓

Ready to buy a new office chair or have any problems with Boulies chairs? Contact us!