Back to blog
Article

Office Chair Sinking

Admin October 09, 2026

Office chair sinking may be caused by damage to the gas lift, malfunction of the adjustment and locking mechanism, loose connecting components, or improper installation of the gas rod. It can be resolved through temporary fixation, self-repair, or seeking professional help, and regular maintenance and prevention are necessary.

Temporary Emergency Fix for Height

If you need to quickly resolve the sinking issue, you can try the following methods:

  • Raise to Maximum Height Method: Raise the chair to its highest position and then sit down slowly, using the mechanical limit at the maximum travel point to temporarily hold the height. This method is suitable for cases where the gas lift has not completely failed, but it has poor stability and is only for short-term emergency use.
  • External Support Method: Use hard materials (such as wooden blocks, hard plastic tubes, or chair height fixing rings) to pad between the lifting rod and the five-star base, preventing descent through physical obstruction. Ensure that the support material is of the correct size to avoid slipping or breaking.

Self-Repair Solutions

Choose the appropriate method based on the type of fault:

  • Using a Hose Clamp:
    1. Adjust the chair to a suitable height (where the seat is level with your knees when standing), and slide down the plastic skirt to expose the cylinder.
    2. If the skirt covers the cylinder, invert the chair, use a screwdriver to push down on the base fixing clip to remove the wheels and skirt, and then reattach the wheels.
    3. Wrap the hose clamp around the cylinder, improve friction by wrapping rubber bands, tape, or sanding the cylinder surface, tighten the clamp, and then test stability.
  • Using PVC Pipe:
    1. Measure the diameter and length of the cylinder, and purchase PVC pipe of the same or slightly larger diameter (e.g., 1.5 inches).
    2. Secure the pipe in a vise, cut it lengthwise with a hacksaw, and wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles.
    3. Push the cut side onto the cylinder to hold it in place, ensuring that the pipe fits tightly against the cylinder to prevent slipping.
  • Replacing the Gas Lift:
    1. Prepare pipe wrenches, a rubber mallet, and lubricant, and invert the chair.
    2. Spray lubricant at the connection of the gas lift, use pipe wrenches to grip the gas rod and rotate it to unscrew it, or use a rubber mallet to knock on the connection to loosen and remove it.
    3. Purchase a new gas lift that matches the specifications of the old one, install it in the original direction, and test the lifting function.

Seeking Professional Help

If self-repair is difficult (such as when the gas lift needs to be disassembled due to internal damage), or if the chair is still under warranty, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer's customer service or a professional repair technician to replace the parts, avoiding potential safety hazards caused by improper operation.

Preventive Measures

  • Regularly inspect the adjustment buttons, handles, and lifting mechanism, clean dust with a brush and cleaner, and apply lubricant to maintain flexibility.
  • Avoid long-term loads exceeding 120kg or frequent rapid lifting and lowering to reduce wear on the gas lift.
  • When installing, check the direction of the tray to ensure that the lifting lever is on the right side, avoiding inconvenience in operation that may lead to mechanism damage.