Office Chair Touching the Ground

Office chairs touching the ground are usually caused by gas rod malfunctions, chassis deformation and imbalance, or caster issues, which can be resolved through targeted adjustments and maintenance.

Gas Rod Malfunctions

The gas rod is the core component that controls the seat's height adjustment, filled with nitrogen gas and regulated by a valve. If the sealing ring ages, air pressure leaks, or the valve gets stuck, the seat height will drop abnormally, causing the base edges (such as plastic covers or metal brackets) to rub directly against the ground. Additionally, improper height settings of the gas rod (e.g., staying at the extreme height for a long time) can make the exposed part of the metal rod too long, increasing the risk of touching the ground. Most gas rods have a service life of 5-8 years, but high-temperature environments (e.g., near radiators) can accelerate the aging of the sealing ring and shorten the lifespan.
Countermeasures:

• Immediately adjust the seat height to the middle position (a reasonable height is when the backrest forms a 90° angle with the knees) and observe if the ground-touching issue is alleviated.
• If the problem recurs, check the certification marks at the bottom of the gas rod (such as SGS or BIFMA standards) to rule out the risk of inferior accessories. Contact the manufacturer for replacement if necessary.

Chassis Deformation and Imbalance

Low-priced office chairs often use thin steel or inferior plastic for their chassis, which can easily twist and deform under long-term weight bearing, causing one side of the base to press down on the ground. People with higher body weights or those who habitually sit in a tilted position are more prone to such issues. Additionally, if the seat base is deformed by impact or the screws at the connections are loose, the gas rod may tilt and touch the ground.
Countermeasures:

• Use an Allen wrench to check and tighten all the connecting screws on the base to restore chassis stability.
• If the chassis is severely deformed, install a nylon spacer with a diameter of about 3 cm at the bottom of the gas rod (commonly available at hardware stores) to cushion the pressure and adjust the balance.
• Avoid sitting in a tilted position on one side, which can reduce the probability of chassis deformation by 35%.

Caster Detachment/Stuck

Loose casters can change the chair's support points, forcing the gas rod to bear greater pressure and accelerate sinking. If the casters are entangled with hair or threads, causing rolling obstruction, it can also indirectly cause the base to touch the ground.
Countermeasures:

• Regularly clean the caster axles to remove entangled objects and ensure smooth rolling.
• Check if the casters are securely installed. If they are loose, re-fix or replace them.

Daily Maintenance Suggestions:

• Office chairs usually have a marked weight limit (mostly within 120 kg). Overweight use may directly cause deformation of the gas rod or chassis structure, so it must be strictly adhered to.
• Regularly check the condition of each component and promptly address any looseness or wear to extend the chair's service life.