How To Stop Office Chair From Going Down (Easy Fixes)

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Office chairs are a workplace necessity, but they can also be an immense pain. Working at an unbearably low height isn’t only detrimental to productivity but causes wrist, back, neck strain, and more.

If you have a desk chair that can’t remain up, the following article highlights the most superficial ways how to stop office chair from going down.

Firstly, your office chair keeps going down because of a loose cylinder valve. Now, you stop office chair from going down by attaching a hose clamp, using a PVC pipe, or replacing the cylinder. Option three is the best, and you replace the gas lift on an office chair with tools like a pipe wrench.

Table of Contents

Why Does My Chair Keep Going Down?

A desk chair sink due to a basic reason: its lift cylinder is malfunctioning. The chair cylinder links the chair base to your seat and lets you adjust your chair’s height.

Within the cylinder is Nitrogen. The gas allows your chair to change height when you draw the chair’s lever.

The cylinder’s seal wears out with extended usage, allowing Nitrogen to escape. That’s what causes the chair to sink as there isn’t adequate gas to maintain it up.

How to Stop Office Chair from Going Down With PVC

Start by measuring the gas cylinder. Plastic tubes cover most office chairs with extensible cylinders. Pull the plastic casing from the metal cylinder.

Hold a ruler across the cylinder to estimate its diameter. You can also calculate the diameter using the circumference for precise measurements, though not necessary. Alternatively, use calipers.

Get a PVC pipe to fit around the chair’s pneumatic cylinder. Let it be similar sized or slightly larger than the cylinder’s diameter. Buy a length that stretches at least from the chair base to the seat when set at your desired height. The pipe need not be whole. Some people prefer it in smaller bits, but you may easily chop it yourself.
Slice through the pipe’s length on one side with a saw. Wear a respirator or mask to avoid breathing bothersome materials while slicing PVC.

If you lack cutting tools, remove your chair’s casters and slip on the intact pipe. In most circumstances, a screwdriver is enough to detach the wheelbase.

Lift or lower the plastic casing to uncover the pneumatic cylinder. Snap the PVC pipe around the gas cylinder by pressing the sliced side against it.

Problems snapping the pipe on? Cut it into smaller pieces and retry.

Increase the chair’s height with an extra pipe if it’s still low. You can’t lower the chair without detaching the pipe, so measure carefully.

How to Stop Office Chair from Going Down With Hose Clamp

Remove the cylinder’s plastic cover. Slide it down or up to reveal the metallic cylinder.
After this fix, you can’t modify the height. So, set your chair’s position to your liking. When standing, the chair’s seat should flush with your knees. If the chair is too weak to stay up even with no one on it, lay it sideways.
Remove the plastic casing if it covers your cylinder at your chosen height. Flip the chair over and use a screwdriver to release the wheels and skirt by pushing the retaining clip. Then, reinstall the wheels.
Next is to mount the hose clamp around your cylinder. Loosen the clamp’s screw and lift the belt tip before tightening it around your metal cylinder.
The clamp must be super firm to keep your chair up. So, wrap a rubber band or two duct tape layers around the hydraulic cylinder to improve grip. Do it at the cylinder’s highest visible section. Alternately, sand this portion of the cylinder. Clean your cylinder first if it’s dirty or greasy before sanding.
Move your clamp to the cylinder’s top. Verify the chair’s height, then rotate the screw to tighten the clamp.

Your office chair won’t move past the clamp once done. If your chair is incorrectly positioned, lower or raise the clamp on the gas cylinder. If the hose clamp slips, fix it over a rubber strip or use PVC piping.

How to Stop Office Chair from Going Down by Cylinder Replacement

The hose clamp and PVC options only allow for one height. So, consider changing the chair cylinder, especially with a high-end desk chair.

How Do You Replace a Gas Lift on an Office Chair?

Place the chair on its side.
Disconnect the locking clips, nuts, or bolts.
Remove the chair’s base.
Spray WD-40 on your cylinder to lubricate it and ease removal.
Attach a pipe wrench, then twist and pull it to release the cylinder.
Look up your chair’s number to see which cylinders work with it.
Follow the installation instructions for your gas cylinder.
Rotate the cylinder’s tapered end into the column to reconnect the chair’s base.
Tweak your chair to the optimum height. Sit on it to test it.

Further Reading

10 Best Mid Century Modern Office Chairs
8 Best Office Chair to Sit Cross Legged
7 Best Sihoo Ergonomic Office Chair

FAQs

Can You Fix an Office Chair That Won’t Stay Up?

You can fix an office chair that won’t stay up in three simple ways. The most straightforward fix is attaching a hose clamp to the cylinder. If seeking a cheaper method, use PVC piping though it takes more time to cut to size.

However, the best fix is cylinder replacement, though it’s the priciest and most complex.

Why Does My Hydraulic Office Chair Keep Going Down?

Your hydraulic office chair keeps going down because it has a worn-out cylinder valve. Such a valve cannot control the shifting of Nitrogen gas in the cylinder leading to sinking.

Why Does My Chair Keep Going Up?

Your chair keeps going up because of a tight set screw. As a result, your gas lift remains active throughout, leading to rising without prompting and lowering when you sit down. Turn the set screw clockwise to lower the seat. It’s at the cylinder’s tip. Learn more? Here we have a detailed guide on how to lock office chair height.

Closing Thoughts

In short, the reason for a sinking desk chair is a broken or worn-out hydraulic system. If you’re experiencing this problem, the above are three ways on how to stop office chair from going down suffice.

It’s best to try PVC or hose clamp solutions if seeking affordability and time-saving fixes. But if you need a long-lasting fix, then replace the gas lift.

Besides, this option allows you to alter your height as usual, which is essential if you use it with other different-sized individuals.

Author

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

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