Office Chair Not Moving

There could be multiple reasons why an office chair is not moving, and troubleshooting should be carried out based on the specific situation:

Caster/Wheel Jammed

A common cause is the entanglement of hair and dust on the floor. You can flip the chair over, insert two flat-head screwdrivers from both sides of the caster near the axle, and apply even pressure to make the snap ring pop out, then remove the caster. Pull out the caster along with the axle from the axle sleeve (use a small hammer to tap gently for assistance if it is tight), and thoroughly clean the entangled materials. After cleaning, reinstall the caster, ensure the snap ring is in its original position, and flip the chair to test if it moves smoothly. You can also check for paper scraps, hair, and other debris around the wheels and clean them. Check if the wheels are damaged; if the rubber part is severely worn or cracked, they need to be replaced. Check if the wheel axles are loose or rusty; if loose, tighten the screws; if rusty, remove the rust with a rust remover and then drip in lubricating oil. You can also adjust the position of the chair and place it on a flatter and smoother surface.

Lifting Function Failure

First, check the adjustment handle or knob (locking mechanism) at the bottom of the chair and try to loosen it; it may have been accidentally locked. If the internal seal ring of the gas cylinder is worn, nitrogen leaks, or the gas cylinder is damaged, it will result in the inability to lift or a slow sinking of the chair. The gas cylinder cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced as a whole. If the chair cannot be lowered, it may be due to air leakage in the lifting cylinder. You can drip one or two drops of engine oil around the air release button at the top of the cylinder to enhance the sealing. When operating, it is best to have the chair empty when lifting it and have someone sit on it to provide weight when lowering it.

Inflexible Rotation or Abnormal Noise

If the chair rotates stiffly or makes noise, it is often due to a lack of lubrication in the turntable track under the chassis, resulting in dry friction between metal parts. You can apply an appropriate amount of silicone-based grease or white lithium-based grease and rotate the seat repeatedly to distribute it evenly. Avoid using oily lubricants that are prone to attracting dust.

Swivel Chair Not Swiveling

Check if the wheels at the bottom of the swivel chair are damaged or have foreign objects stuck in them. Replace them if they are severely worn. Check if the axle of the swivel chair is short of oil; you can add sewing machine oil or other lubricating oils. After adding the oil, rotate the swivel chair to allow the oil to fully lubricate the inside of the axle. Check if the connecting parts are loose and tighten the loose screws and other connectors. Observe if the gas rod is bent or deformed; if there are problems, contact a professional repair person or replace it.