Back to blog
Article

How to Disassemble an Ordinary Office Chair

Admin October 08, 2026

The disassembly of an ordinary office chair can be carried out according to the following steps. Safety precautions should be taken, and the principle of reverse installation should be followed:

  1. Understand the Structure and Prepare Tools An ordinary office chair typically consists of components such as chair legs, casters, a base, a seat, a gas lift, a backrest, armrests, and a headrest. Before disassembly, prepare tools such as a screwdriver, a rubber mallet (or a wooden board), and gloves. Ensure that the work area is spacious to prevent parts from scattering or getting damaged.

  2. Separate the Backrest from the Seat If the backrest is fixed to the seat with screws, first locate the screws at the connection point (usually located at the bottom or side of the backrest). Use a screwdriver to turn them counterclockwise to loosen and remove them. Some backrests may be fixed with clips. Gently press or pry the clip positions. Be careful with the force applied during separation to avoid damaging plastic parts.

  3. Disassemble the Base and the Gas Lift

    • Separate the Seat from the Gas Lift: Raise the gas lift to its highest position. Hold the seat firmly with one hand and press the height adjustment lever (usually located on the right side under the seat) with the other hand. At the same time, shake the seat from side to side to gradually loosen and separate it from the gas lift. If the connection is tight, you can use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the bottom of the seat to assist in separation.
    • Remove the Gas Lift: Invert the chair legs (with the casters facing upwards). Use a rubber mallet to tap the top of the gas lift (or tap it with a wooden board in between) to make it come out of the chair legs. If the gas lift is rusty, spray a small amount of lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait for 5 minutes before operating.
  4. Disassemble the Chair Legs and Casters The chair legs and casters are usually connected by threads or clips. If it is a threaded connection, turn the casters counterclockwise to remove them. If it is a clip connection, use a screwdriver to pry the edge of the clip and pull out the casters at the same time. After disassembly, check whether the threads or clips are damaged for subsequent installation or replacement.

  5. Handle the Armrests and the Headrest If the armrests are fixed to the sides of the seat with screws, use a screwdriver to remove the screws and then separate them. The headrest is usually fixed to the backrest with pins or screws. Pull out the pins or unscrew the screws to remove it. Some armrests may have built-in adjustment mechanisms. When disassembling, pay attention to the positions of internal springs or gears to avoid losing small parts.

Precautions:

  • Disassembly is more difficult than installation. It is not recommended to frequently disassemble and assemble the chair unless necessary to avoid damaging parts or affecting stability.
  • Wear gloves during operation to prevent scratches or finger pinches.
  • When separating the gas lift, ensure that it is at the lowest pressure state (i.e., the height adjustment lever is fully released) to prevent it from suddenly popping up and causing injury.