Back to blog
Article

Difficulty in Moving Office Chairs

Admin October 19, 2026

Difficulty in moving office chairs can be caused by issues with the wheels, design, floor surface, or structure, and can be resolved through targeted inspection and adjustment.

Firstly, wheel problems are a common cause. If the wheels are obstructed by foreign objects (such as hair or debris), or if the wheel axles are worn or deformed due to prolonged use, rotation can be impeded. You can start by flipping the chair over to check if each wheel rotates freely and remove any obstructing debris; if the wheels are damaged, replace them with new ones of the same specifications. Additionally, some wheels come with a braking function; if the brake is accidentally engaged, the chair will not move, so check the brake status and release it if necessary.

Secondly, fixed-leg designs can limit mobility. Some office chairs (such as older models or those designed for specific purposes) use fixed legs instead of casters, with the original intention of enhancing stability rather than facilitating movement. If the chair has a fixed-leg structure, you will need to accept its limited mobility or consider adding detachable casters (ensuring compatibility with the chair legs) to improve it.

Thirdly, the floor surface material significantly affects mobility. Carpets, uneven floors, or non-slip mats can increase friction, making it difficult to push the chair. You can try placing a smooth, hard plastic sheet (such as a PVC sheet) or a dedicated office chair mat under the chair to reduce friction; if there are cracks or bumps on the floor, adjust the chair's position to a flat area.

Lastly, chair structure issues can also cause difficulty in movement. Older fixed-leg office chairs may have fixing screws beneath the legs; if these screws are tightened too much, they can restrict the movement range of the legs. You can start by loosening the screws beneath the legs, adjusting the chair to the desired position, and then retightening the screws to ensure the legs can move slightly but are not too loose. If the chair has not been used for a long time, its components may become stuck due to rust or dust accumulation; in this case, clean the connection points of the legs and apply a small amount of lubricant (such as WD-40).

If none of the above methods work, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer or a professional repair technician to inspect the internal structure of the chair (such as the gas lift or five-star base) for any faults.