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How to Open an Office Chair

Admin October 11, 2026

The opening or adjustment of an office chair should be carried out according to its specific functions. Here are some common methods:

Backrest Unlocking and Adjustment

Some office chairs are equipped with a locking knob on the backrest. Rotate the knob to unlock it, and then you can freely adjust the tilt angle of the backrest. After adjustment, make sure the knob is back in place to prevent accidental movement of the backrest during use. If the backrest has a multi-position recline function, return the backrest to the middle position before adjustment, and then switch the gears. Do not forcibly turn it back while in the reclined position, as this may damage the gears.

Use of the Small Tabletop

If the chair is equipped with a small tabletop, it is usually located on the right side of the seat or inside the front armrest. Manually open the cover on the armrest to expose the internal metal or plastic plate, and then pull the small tabletop upwards to the appropriate height and secure it with a rotating buckle. Pay attention to the weight limit when using it to avoid structural damage caused by placing overly heavy items.

Seat Height Adjustment

  1. Pneumatic Rod Adjustment: This applies to most modern office chairs. Locate the metal pneumatic rod handle under the seat, lift the handle upwards while simultaneously pressing down on the seat to lower the height; if you need to raise it, lift the handle and then gently lift the seat.
  2. Knob Adjustment: Some chairs adjust the height by rotating the knob under the seat. Rotate the knob clockwise to lower the seat and counterclockwise to raise it. When adjusting, keep your body upright to avoid difficulty in operation due to a shifted center of gravity.

Position Movement and Locking

  1. Regular Ergonomic Chairs: The adjustment mechanism is concentrated under the seat. Stand to the side of the chair, reach out and touch the circular lever or toggle at the connection between the chair leg and the seat, press it, and then push the chair back and forth to the target position. Release the lever to automatically lock it in place.
  2. Chairs with Rolling Five-Star Bases: No additional operation is required when pushing, but pay attention to the surrounding environment to avoid colliding with objects.
  3. Old-fashioned Fixed-Leg Chairs: First, loosen the fixing screws under the chair legs, adjust the position, and then tighten them back in place. Be sure to consult the instruction manual before operation to confirm the screw positions and tightening force to prevent structural looseness.

Unlocking Before Moving the Chair

If you need to move the chair, first unlock the locking mechanism. Press the switch under the seat while applying downward pressure, and you will hear a 'click' sound indicating successful unlocking. At this point, you can lift the chair. When repeating the operation, follow the principle of 'lift first, then press' to ensure correct engagement.

Precautions: Operate gently and avoid forcibly twisting nylon or plastic parts; after adjustment, confirm that all parts are firmly fixed to prevent wobbling; if you are unsure about the operation method, refer to the instruction manual or contact the manufacturer.