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How to Disassemble an Office Chair

Admin October 22, 2026

The disassembly of an office chair should be carried out step by step according to its specific structure. Here are the general methods:

  1. Headrest Disassembly

    • Adjust the headrest to its highest position. Use your thumb or a hard card to press down on the thin metal strip at the connection point between the headrest and the chair back while pushing down until the locking mechanism loosens. Then, pull the headrest straight out vertically. If the metal strip lacks elasticity, you can insert a discarded hard card (such as a bank card) into the gap to assist with pressing, avoiding direct force that may deform the metal strip.
  2. Armrest Disassembly

    • Invert the chair onto a stable high platform (such as a table). Use the hex wrench that came with the chair to loosen the fixing screws beneath the armrests. For some models, you may need to separate the chair back from the base first: use a screwdriver to remove the screws at the connection point between the chair back and the base, and then disassemble the armrests. If the screws are rusty, you can spray a small amount of lubricant (such as WD-40) before operating.
  3. Separation of Chair Back and Base

    • Method 1: Use a hex wrench to remove the fixing screws at the connection point between the chair back and the base (usually located beneath or on the side of the chair back). After separation, gently lift the chair back to remove it.
    • Method 2: Press the lifting lever beneath the seat while shaking the cushion from side to side, using the elasticity of the gas cylinder to loosen the base from the chair back. If the gas cylinder is tightly fastened to the chair feet, invert the chair feet and gently tap the bottom of the gas cylinder with a rubber mallet (avoid directly tapping the metal part to prevent damage).
  4. Disassembly of Five-Star Base and Gas Spring

    • Place the five-star base flat on the ground. Use a rubber mallet (or a regular hammer with a wooden board underneath) to evenly tap the edges of the five feet, separating the gas spring from the five-star base. If the base steel plate is tightly connected to the gas spring, continue tapping until it loosens, keeping the tapping direction vertical to avoid bending the gas rod due to lateral force.
  5. Wheel Disassembly

    • Grasp the root of the wheels with both hands and pull them straight up with force. If the wheels are stuck due to long-term use, insert a screwdriver into the gap between the wheels and the five-star base and gently pry to loosen them before pulling them out.

Precautions:

  • It is recommended to take photos to record the positions of each component before disassembly, especially the installation direction of the screws, for easier reassembly later.
  • The gas cylinder and chair feet of chairs that have been used for a long time may be tightly fastened due to oxidation or dust accumulation. Wear gloves during disassembly to avoid injury from flying parts.
  • For special models (such as office chairs with electric adjustment functions), refer to specific video tutorials to avoid mis-disassembling electrical or hydraulic components.
  • If you encounter excessive resistance, try adjusting your hand position (such as supporting the cushion from below and shaking it) or use a hot air blower to heat the buckle part (only for plastic components) to make it slightly expand before operating.