Office Chair Not Moving
The approach to dealing with an office chair that won't move depends on its type, as detailed below:
For conventional ergonomic office chairs (with gas springs or sliders), movement mainly relies on the adjustment device at the bottom of the chair body. These chairs usually have a circular handle or lever at the connection point between the chair legs and the seat to lock the position of the gas spring. When operating, first stand to the side of the chair, reach down and touch the bottom of the chair body, find the device, and then press and hold the handle or lever. At this point, the gas spring is unlocked, and the chair can be pushed back and forth along the floor. After adjusting to the desired position, release the handle or lever, and the gas spring will automatically lock, securing the chair. If the chair is equipped with sliders, check whether the sliders are stuck by foreign objects or worn out. Clean the track and then try to push the chair. If the sliders have a locking device (such as a side lever), move it to the unlocked position before moving the chair.
Chairs with casters on a five-star base are relatively easier to move because they are equipped with universal wheels at the bottom, but attention should be paid to operational details. Before pushing, clear away debris on the floor to prevent wires, paper scraps, etc., from getting stuck in the casters. Also, observe the surrounding environment to prevent the chair from scraping against desks, filing cabinets, or other equipment. If the casters do not rotate smoothly, it may be due to dust accumulation or rust on the axles from long-term use. Wipe the surface of the casters with a dry cloth or drip a small amount of lubricant (such as sewing machine oil) onto the axles and then rotate the casters repeatedly. After the lubricant has penetrated, try to move the chair again.
For old-fashioned fixed-leg office chairs, since the chair legs are in direct contact with the floor, movement requires adjusting the fixed structure. These chairs usually have fixing screws at the bottom of the chair legs. Before operating, check the instruction manual to confirm the position and structure of the screws to avoid damaging the chair due to incorrect disassembly. Use an appropriate tool (such as a screwdriver) to loosen the screws, then slightly lift the chair to adjust its position. After adjustment, tighten the screws back to their original positions to ensure the chair is stable. If the screws are difficult to turn due to rust, first spray a rust remover (such as WD-40) on the surface of the screws and wait for 5-10 minutes before operating. If it still doesn't work, contact a professional repair person to avoid screw thread damage caused by forced disassembly.
