How to Disassemble a Rotating Office Chair

The disassembly of a rotating office chair requires different methods for different components. Here are the specific steps:

Preparation Before Disassembly

Tools: Rubber mallet (to avoid chipping the paint), Phillips or flat-head screwdriver, wrench, large scissors or diagonal pliers, WD-40 lubricant (optional), cooking oil (as a backup), old towel or soft cloth (to protect the floor). Environment: Choose a spacious and flat area, lay down a soft cloth or cardboard to protect the floor and chair surface. Before disassembly, take photos of each connection point with your phone or mark the parts for easier reassembly later.

Step-by-Step Disassembly Method

1. Removing the Casters

• Snap-ring type: Turn the chair upside down. Use a flat-head screwdriver to align with the small snap-ring at the connection between the wheel and the bracket. Gently tap the handle of the screwdriver with a rubber mallet. When you hear a 'click' sound, the wheel will loosen. Pull it out halfway and then pull it out by hand.
• Screw-fixed type: Check if there is a small screw at the base of the wheel. Use a screwdriver to turn it counterclockwise a few times. When the screw is loose, remove the wheel.
• Groove type: After turning the chair upside down, hold the bracket steady with one hand and use a rubber mallet to vertically tap the top of the wheel (right in the middle of the bracket) 5-6 times to loosen the wheel. If it is stuck due to rust, drip two drops of cooking oil for lubrication and repeat the operation.
• General method: If the wheel cannot be pulled out, insert a flat-head screwdriver or diagonal pliers into the gap between the wheel and the chair leg and pry it. If it is tangled with hair or debris, clean the entanglement first and then disassemble.

2. Removing the Gas Lift

• Removing the backrest: After turning the chair upside down, use a screwdriver to remove the fixing screws under the seat cushion.
• Lubrication treatment: Apply WD-40 lubricant all over the black ring and the top seam of the gas lift and let it sit for 1 hour to penetrate.
• Tapping for disassembly: Use a rubber mallet to tap evenly around the seam. If it is still tight, use a pipe wrench to clamp the gas lift and turn it for disassembly, or take it to a repair shop to have it pressed out with a hydraulic press.
• Alternative method: After turning the chair upside down, use a rubber mallet to tap the lower part of the connection between the gas lift and the five-star base (avoid the hydraulic oil part). If it is tight, apply cooking oil for lubrication and let it sit for 1-2 hours before tapping again.

3. Removing the Seat Cushion After removing the gas lift, turn the chair upside down. Use a rubber mallet to tap evenly around the metal rim at the bottom of the seat cushion. Use your hands to pull upward to loosen the base. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws connecting the seat cushion and the chassis. Continue to tap the metal chassis lightly. Hold the hydraulic rod with one hand and step on the chassis with one foot to separate them.

4. Removing the Backrest Check the fixing method at the connection between the backrest and the seat cushion. Most of them are fixed with screws. Use a screwdriver to remove them directly.

Precautions

• Avoid using a metal hammer to prevent damage to the paint or parts.
• Control the force when tapping to prevent deformation or splashing of parts.
• The lubricant should fully penetrate before operation. For rusty parts, soften them with cooking oil first.