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Disassembly of Backrest Office Chairs

Admin October 09, 2026

The disassembly of backrest office chairs requires selecting the appropriate method based on the connection type. Here are the common types and steps:

I. Snap-Button Backrests (Common in Simple Office Chairs)

  1. Structural Inspection: Check the connection points between the backrest and the seat (either side at the bottom or below the back) for plastic snap buttons. Some buttons may be hidden beneath fabric or leather covers.
  2. Press and Remove: Use your fingers or a plastic pry bar to gently press the elastic part of the snap button while pulling the backrest outward. If the button is designed to be "lifted first, then pulled," lift the backrest up by about 1-2 centimeters before pulling it horizontally.
  3. Precautions: If the snap button is too tight, place a soft cloth between the pry bar and the plastic part to avoid scratches or breakage. If the button is aged, a small amount of lubricant can be sprayed to assist in removal.

II. Screw-Fixed Backrests (Common in Solid Wood/Metal Frame Chairs)

  1. Locate Screws: Check the connection points between the backrest and the seat (bottom or inside) and remove the plastic decorative covers that conceal the screws (some may require a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry them off).
  2. Loosen Screws: Select the appropriate tool (cross-head screwdriver, Allen wrench) based on the screw type and loosen them one by one in a diagonal sequence to avoid deformation of the connectors due to unilateral force. There is no need to completely remove the screws; leave 2-3 threads for easier separation.
  3. Separate Components: Once the screws are loose, hold the backrest firmly with both hands and lift it vertically or pull it backward. If there is glue residue at the connection points, a plastic scraper can be used to assist in separation.

III. Gas Lift-Connected Backrests (Common in Ergonomic Chairs)

  1. Identify Gas Lift Position: The backrest is connected to the seat base via a gas lift. Some gas lifts have adjustment knobs (located below the backrest or on the side).
  2. Unlock Gas Lift: Adjust the backrest to a vertical position and turn the knob to the "unlock" position (some models may require holding it down for 3-5 seconds). If the gas lift has no knob, check the base for a locking switch.
  3. Extract Gas Lift: Grasp both sides of the backrest with both hands and pull it upward forcefully to extract the gas lift. If there is significant resistance, first remove the base cover (usually fixed with screws) and then extract the gas lift.

General Precautions

  1. Tool Preparation: A plastic pry bar is needed for snap-button types, corresponding screwdrivers for screw-fixed types, and possibly an Allen wrench for gas lift types. For electrically adjustable seats, disconnect the power and remove the battery first.
  2. Safe Operation: Keep children away during disassembly to prevent ingestion of small parts (such as screws, snap buttons). Store sharp tools (such as screwdrivers) properly to avoid cuts.
  3. Component Storage: Store the removed screws and snap buttons in categories based on their positions (e.g., in small boxes) to avoid omission or misalignment during reassembly.
  4. Reference Instructions: For branded office chairs, it is recommended to consult the "disassembly guide" in the product manual first. Some models may require special tools or specific operation sequences.

If encountering complex structures (such as mortise-and-tenon connected solid wood chairs) or situations where disassembly is not possible, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer's after-sales service or a professional repair technician to avoid damage caused by forced operation.