Office Chair Tray Replacement

Office chair tray replacement should be carried out in a standardized step-by-step manner, with a focus on tool preparation, disassembly, handling of special situations, and safety precautions.

I. Preparation

1. Tool Preparation: Gather cross/flat-head screwdrivers, a rubber or plastic mallet, an adjustable or open-end wrench, a cloth, and if the screws are rusty, prepare a loosening agent (such as WD-40) or rust remover.
2. New Part Selection and Confirmation: Measure the hole spacing (commonly, for example, 14cm*17.5cm) and the diameter of the center hole of the old tray. Take clear photos (including screw hole positions and the center hole) and consult with the merchant along with the data to confirm compatibility. Prioritize purchasing a reinforced tray made of steel with a thickness of ≥3.0mm to enhance load-bearing capacity and durability.
3. Safety and Environmental Preparation: Clear a flat and spacious work area and lay down soft padding (such as cardboard or old towels) on the ground. Wear labor protection gloves during operation to prevent scratches. Ensure that the chair's gas lift is in the lowest position and not in a raised or lowered state.

II. Disassembly Steps

1. Flip the Chair and Remove the Five-Star Base (Wheels): Turn the chair upside down on the soft padding and pull the casters straight up with force.
2. Separate the Five-Star Base from the Gas Lift: Use a rubber mallet to evenly strike the connection point between the center steel ring of the five-star base and the gas lift. Repeat the process of 'striking-prying' until they are loosened and separated.
3. Remove the Screws Fixing the Seat to the Tray: Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws connecting the seat to the tray and keep the screws safe.
4. Separate the Gas Lift from the Old Tray: Raise the gas lift to the highest position. Use a rubber mallet to evenly strike around the steel ring connecting the base to the gas lift while using your hands to pry up and down or using your foot to assist in separation. Avoid striking at a single point with excessive force.

III. Handling of Special Situations

1. Removing the Gas Lift: Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open the retaining clip that fixes the gas lift in the center of the tray and lift the lift mechanism.
2. Removing the Wheels: For snap-on wheels, use a nail to hook the retaining clip of the wheel core and tap lightly to remove it. For wheels fixed with screws, simply unscrew them.

IV. Common Problems and Precautions

1. Difficulty in Disassembly: If the tray is tightly stuck to the gas lift, strike around it multiple times in a circular motion. If there is severe rust, spray the loosening agent before operation.
2. Other Precautions: When replacing the steel balls in the base tray of a wooden swivel chair, prepare new steel balls, a wrench, tweezers, and lubricating oil. After removing the screws and the round cover of the tray, use tweezers to take out the old steel balls, insert the new ones, and add lubricating oil. When reinstalling, ensure that the screw holes are aligned to prevent the steel balls from falling out and causing safety hazards.