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Office Chair Descent

Admin October 09, 2026

The descent of an office chair is usually caused by the aging of the gas lift, wear of the sealing ring, malfunction of the adjusting lever, or deformation of the chassis, and needs to be addressed according to the specific cause.

  1. Aging and Pressure Loss of the Gas Lift
    The gas lift is the core component for adjusting the height of an office chair. It is filled with high-pressure inert gas (such as nitrogen) and achieves height adjustment through a sealed structure. After long-term use, the sealing ring may age due to repeated compression, leading to slow gas leakage and a decrease in locking ability. In this case, the chair will slowly descend under pressure, and the heavier the weight, the faster the descent. This type of problem is common in chairs that have been used for more than five years and is considered normal wear and tear, requiring replacement of the gas lift to resolve.

  2. Wear and Leakage of the Sealing Ring
    The gas lift uses a multi-layer sealing structure (such as O-rings and dust seals). If dust, moisture, or aging lubricant intrudes, it can accelerate the wear of the seals, causing slight gas leakage. Such failures usually cannot be repaired by disassembly because the sealing rings are designed for one-time use. Forcing disassembly may damage the structure of the gas lift, leading to complete gas leakage or the risk of explosion. It is recommended to directly replace the gas lift that meets safety standards and avoid using inferior parts.

  3. Mechanical Failure of the Adjusting Lever
    If the metal lever connecting the adjusting handle to the gas lift is misaligned, the screws are loose, or the plastic parts are worn, it may continuously press against the valve, keeping it in a semi-open state and causing slow gas leakage. This type of problem is manifested by the chair automatically descending after adjustment, with the descent speed related to the frequency of adjustment. It can be repaired by checking the installation position of the lever, tightening the screws, or replacing the worn plastic parts, and the operation is relatively simple.

  4. Deformation of the Chassis Mechanism
    The chassis is a key component that supports the gas lift and the seat. Long-term overloading (exceeding the rated load capacity) or violent impacts on the chair (such as dropping or being pressed by heavy objects) may cause the steel plate of the chassis to deform, affecting the normal operation of the gas lift. This type of problem is manifested by the chair having difficulty in lifting, making strange noises, or being completely unable to adjust. It is necessary to check the degree of deformation of the chassis. Minor deformation can be corrected for restoration, while severe deformation requires replacement of the chassis.

Safety Tips:

  • When purchasing an office chair, choose products that have passed safety certifications such as BIFMA and EN1335, and avoid using inferior gas lifts (such as those without steel stamps or production information) to reduce the risk of explosion.
  • During daily use, avoid frequently adjusting the height, regularly check the surface of the gas lift for cracks or gas leakage, and ensure the chassis is stable to extend the service life of the chair.