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The Backrest of the Office Chair is Loose
Admin October 22, 2026
The loose backrest of an office chair can be resolved by identifying the loose location and implementing targeted repairs. Here are the specific methods:

I. Identifying the Loose Location
- Test the Degree of Shaking and Any Unusual Noises: Lean back on the chair and observe the degree of shaking. If there is a clicking sound, it is likely that the screws of the adjustment rod are loose. If the rebound is weak, it may be due to aging of the spring or gas lift.
- Inspect the Connection Gaps: Use a phone flashlight to illuminate the connection area beneath the backrest and check for any noticeable gaps or misaligned components.
II. Targeted Repair Solutions
Loose Screws on the Adjustment Rod
- Rotate the plastic cover at the base connection counterclockwise to expose the metal bracket. Then, use a wrench to tighten the 6-8 fixing screws one by one (operate symmetrically at 90ยฐ intervals to prevent misalignment).
- If the screw holes are stripped, you can temporarily fix them by filling them with toothpicks and wood glue or replace them with larger diameter screws. Alternatively, you can directly tighten the screws at the bottom of the seat or the folding part of the backrest (a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench is required).
Spring Disengagement
- Use needle-nose pliers to re-engage the slipped spring hook into the slot. If the spring is deformed, measure the original spring length and purchase a replacement spring with a diameter of 3-5mm online (price range: approximately 5-15 yuan).
Excessive Clearance in the Gas Lift
- Remove the dust cover at the bottom of the seat and rotate the adjustment knob of the gas lift (black plastic part) counterclockwise. Test the rebound resistance in stages of 30ยฐ until the support is appropriate.
- If there is an unusual noise during lifting, replace the gas lift with one that complies with TUV or SGS certification.
Adjusting the Reclining Resistance
- Locate the circular knob or toggle at the bottom of the chair, rotate or push it counterclockwise to the maximum resistance setting, sit back, and test. Repeatedly adjust until comfortable.
III. Replacing Damaged Components
- If the plastic buckle on the backrest is broken, it can be temporarily fixed with AB glue, but it is recommended to purchase original factory parts for replacement. You can also purchase an 'office chair repair kit' online to obtain universal screws, buckles, etc.
IV. Emergency Reinforcement Techniques
- Without professional tools, cut a bicycle inner tube into 3cm wide strips and wrap them around the seam between the backrest and the base to increase friction. Alternatively, use rubber bands to tie the movable joints of the gas lift to restrict movement and maintain stability for 3-7 days.
V. Long-term Maintenance Recommendations
- Check the tightness of the screws every quarter. Individuals weighing over 80 kg should pay special attention to the wear and tear of the gas lift.
- When purchasing, prioritize models with a three-level backrest locking function. Steel frame structures (such as Sihoo and Okamura) are more durable than plastic frames by over 30%.
- If the chair has been in use for over 5 years or if the repair cost exceeds 40% of the price of a new chair, it is recommended to replace it. A thousand-yuan ergonomic office chair (with an aluminum alloy frame and breathable mesh structure) has a lifespan 2-3 times longer than that of a traditional foam chair.



