Office chair on its last legs? Before you shell out for a new one, see if you can eke out some extra life with our DIY guide on how to fix adjustable office chairs.
How to fix your office chair wheels:
Broken office chair wheels: you don’t have to replace your office chair just because the wheels are broken. You just need to replace your chair casters. Chair casters are inexpensive, and replacing them is pretty simple. You can find complete instructions, as well as tips for choosing the appropriate style, in our chair caster replacement guide.
Squeaky wheels: use compressed air (the same canned stuff you use to clean your computer keyboard) to blow away dust and debris, then use a lubricant like WD40 to thoroughly clean and lubricate squeaky office chair wheels.
Sticking wheels: first try cleaning and lubing your office chair wheels with compressed air and lubricant. If that doesn’t work, consider replacing your chair casters, particularly if you are working on a carpeted floor. Office chairs need hard wheels to roll smoothly on carpeted floors. Alternatively, you can try using a chair mat. Chair mats provide the best rolling surface for your office chair. Just make sure you get the right style for your floor: cleated mats for carpets, smooth for hard floors. You can find more information and advice in our chair mat buying guide.
How to fix your office chair seat:
Trying to repair an office chair seat is a lot trickier then dealing with the wheels. Still, there are a couple things you can try before you break down and buy a new chair.
Squeaky Chair Lift: turn your chair over and clean and lube the pneumatic tube under your seat with compressed air and lube.
Wobbly Office Chair Seat: turn your chair over and tighten all the screws.
Broken chair lift: if you can’t adjust the height of your office chair anymore, you can try getting all MacGyver with it like this guy.
If these solutions don’t work for you, or if you are experiencing other problems with your office chair, it’s time for a replacement. You can find tips on picking out the best office chair for you in our ergonomic desk chair buying guide.
Sources: Essorment, How to Replace Chair Casters, How to Choose a Chair Mat, Ergonomic Desk Chair Guide