Office Chair Cylinder Removal
Common and safe methods for removing the cylinder from an office chair mainly include the pressing method, tapping method, twisting method, inverted tapping/twisting disassembly method, and sitting upright and pulling out method. The specific operations are as follows:
Pressing Method: Place the chair upside down and ensure it is stable. Clear the operating space below the base. Observe the inside of the connection between the gas lift and the base, and locate the metal retaining clip embedded in the groove. Use a slender tool (such as a small flat-head screwdriver, the tip of tweezers, or a ballpoint pen shell with the refill removed) to gently press inward on the gap or both sides of the retaining clip. After hearing a light 'click', steadily pull the gas lift upward with your hand to separate it from the base.
Tapping Method: Place the chair upside down or on its side on a stable surface. Use a rubber mallet as the first choice, or a regular hammer wrapped in a thick towel. Tap evenly and moderately around the metal ring connecting the gas lift to the base (or seat). If the connection is too tight, first apply lubricating oil (such as WD - 40) to the gap and let it sit for 1 - 2 hours to penetrate before tapping. After tapping a few rounds, hold the gas lift or base with one hand, continue tapping the connection with the other hand, and at the same time, try to pull it upward or shake it slightly from side to side.
Twisting Method: This is suitable for situations where the threaded connection between the gas lift and the seat (upper end) is stuck. First, apply lubricating oil to the threaded connection. Use a pipe wrench (10-inch or 14-inch) or a locking pliers to firmly grip the metal part of the gas rod (as close to the connection as possible). Rotate it counterclockwise with force (usually reverse threads), and at the same time, use the other hand or foot to hold the seat steady until the gas lift is unscrewed. This method may leave obvious clamp marks on the smooth surface of the gas rod.
Inverted Tapping/Twisting Disassembly Method: Place the chair upside down, ensuring that the gas rod is pointing upward and is stable without sliding. Wear gloves during operation. Use a wrench to unscrew the fixing screw connecting the base and the gas rod counterclockwise and keep it safe. If using the tapping method, tap evenly around the connection between the gas rod and the chassis with a hammer. If the connection is too tight, first apply lubricating oil and wait for 1 - 2 hours before continuing to tap. When a gap appears, hold the gas rod steady with your hand or pliers and keep tapping until it completely comes off. If using the twisting method, use a pipe wrench to grip the top of the gas rod and rotate it slowly while applying lubricating oil to gradually loosen the connection.
Sitting Upright and Pulling Out Method: This is suitable for adjustable-height models. Face the chair directly, step on the five-star base with your feet, pull the height adjustment lever upward and hold it, and at the same time, raise the chair to the highest position (do not release the lever throughout the process). Hold both sides of the chair with your hands, adjust the force according to the years of use, shake it slightly from side to side, and pull the gas rod upward. During operation, ensure that the five-star base of the chair is firmly fixed. If the gas rod is stuck and cannot be pulled out, switch to another method or contact after-sales service.
