Reducing Noise from Office Chairs

Noise from office chairs can be resolved by identifying the source of the abnormal sound, tightening screws and repairing worn holes, lubricating metal parts, and using other methods. Details are as follows:

1. Identify the source of the abnormal sound
   Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the office chair, focusing on connection points such as the backrest, armrests, chassis, and chair legs. Shake these parts with your hands to feel for any looseness; sit on the chair and sway gently, listening closely to different parts to determine the source of the sound. For example, issues with the chassis spindle or gas lift may be located beneath the seat cushion, while problems with the chair legs may involve friction with the ground or loose tenons. For chairs with special functions, also check for abnormal sounds in metal springs, spindles, and lift rods.

2. Tighten screws and repair worn holes
   After identifying loose screws, use an appropriate screwdriver or wrench to tighten them clockwise, being careful not to overexert and damage the screws or parts. If the screw hole becomes enlarged, insert a toothpick or thin wooden stick dipped in white glue into the hole, and tighten the screw again after the glue dries. For old-fashioned wooden chairs with mortise-and-tenon joints, if the tenon is loose, clean off the old glue, apply white glue, knock the tenon back into place, and secure it. Remove the securing object after the glue dries.

3. Lubricate metal parts
   Apply an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to the surface of metal parts such as the chassis spindle of chairs with rocking function and the lift rod of lift-and-rotate seats. Lift or recline the chair several times to evenly distribute the lubricating oil. For the slide rails of office chairs or car seats, first use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris, then spray with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40, and slide the seat back and forth to evenly distribute the lubricant. You can also spray a small amount of lubricant on movable joints for significant and long-lasting effects (up to six months or more).

4. Other methods
   When screws are loose, first loosen them by a couple of millimeters, wrap them with a face towel or cosmetic cotton, and then tighten them again. Wrap cotton rope around the bottom of the chair or place tennis ball silencer foot covers on the chair legs. Use chair silencer foot pads, cleaning the bottom of the furniture before installation and wrapping them completely around the chair legs. If possible, use professional lubricating oil and regularly clean and maintain the chair to prevent dust and debris from entering and causing wear or abnormal sounds.