How to Fix a Squeaky Chair: 5 Common Causes

Squeaky chairs are a nuisance for you and the people around you. Hearing noises while working can distract you and make you decrease your productivity. It could seem like a mild issue, but it brings numerous disadvantages in the long run. The main issue about squeaky chairs is that most people don’t know how to fix a squeaky chair. That’s because learning how to do it by yourself is no easy task. If your product has an innovative office chair design, you could damage it when doing something you don’t know how to do. 

We are here to help you! It can be difficult to fix these problems, so we want to tell you how to do it by yourself. Keep reading this page to learn how to fix a squeaky chair and what causes that problem.  

Why Do Chairs Get Squeaky?

The first step to fix a squeaky chair is knowing what caused the squeaking. That allows you to address that problem specifically without doing unnecessary things. Regardless of that, you need to find the true source of the issue. 

That’s because fixing something that doesn’t need to be fixed can make you end up worse than before. Identifying what causes the squeaking by yourself is no easy task. There’s no need to worry about that, though. We are here to help you analyze what caused the squeaking and how to fix a squeaky chair.

1. Loose Screws and Bolts 

If your chair’s screws and bolts are loosened, your chair may start to squeak. That’s because the chair’s limbs and base get loosened, too, making you lose the stability you normally have while sitting on your chair. 

The squeaking can be a signal that you need to address that issue. If you leave loosened screws and bolts as they are, your chair can end up falling apart in a few days, so you shouldn’t wait to address this issue.

Even the best chairs for back pain can have this problem. However, if you have ergonomic chairs that need to be assembled, you may need to disassemble them to get to the source of the issue.

2. Rusty Screws and Bolts 

Screws and bolts can also get rusty after you use the chair a lot. This happens the most to metallic chairs. You can identify when something is rusty by its color, so make sure to check your chair’s bolts and screws from time to time to make sure everything is going the way it should. 

If you work in a humid area, you may see your screws and bolts getting rusty more often. That’s because the moisture causes that to happen. However, there are several ways to fix that problem and even prevent it from happening. 

3. Wheel’s Axles and Chair’s Springs 

When people want to fix a squeaky computer chair, the first thing they do is check the bolts and screws. The problem with that is that by doing so, they forget about the chair’s springs and the wheel’s axles. 

Rusty springs and wheels can be what causes your chair to squeak, so make sure to check that out, too. 

4. Loosened Legs 

Loosened legs can also cause your chair to squeak. However, this is easier to notice since the chair loses stability when its legs are loosened. This issue may happen due to the shrinking of the chair’s dowels. 

5. Broken Part

If your chair has a broken part, it’s normal to hear it squeaking. Sometimes broken parts can be fixed at home. However, a broken part could also be a sign that you need to get a chair replacement. Squeaking tells us when there’s a problem with our chair or even with an office desk, so we have to pay attention to it.

How Can I Fix a Squeaky Chair?

There are several ways to fix a squeaky chair. You can do that with items you have at home, so don’t worry about spending a lot of money on them. Since we mentioned some of the most common causes of chair squeaking, we want you to know how to address those specific issues. 

Taking that into account, the solutions below apply only to the previous problems and related issues. However, if you want to try anything else, you are free to do it. That being said, here are the most effective ways to fix a squeaky chair. 

1. Tighten the Bolts and Screws

If the bolts and screws are loosened, then the best you can do is tighten them with a screwdriver. You can also tighten bolts and screws that are not loosened to prevent them from loosening in the future. 

This process changes when you talk about an assembled modern office chair. These products need to be unassembled to be checked. Take all the time you need to do it and get to the source of the squeaking. However, remember you have to reassemble it perfectly to avoid any trouble. 

2. Use Oil or Lubricant to Clean Rust

As we mentioned before, the reason why your office chair is squeaking may be due to a rusty spring, wheel, screw, or bolt. If you tend to use your chair for extended periods, to fix a squeaky chair, try to check your chair for rust from time to time. If there’s rust, clean it with oil or lubricant.

3. Apply Glue or Wood-Swelling Liquid

If the issue comes from the legs or chair’s limbs, then look for glue or wood-swelling liquid. Try to remove the chair’s limbs and apply the liquid. Then wait for some time and put everything back together.

Preventive Maintenance

1. Regular Cleaning and Lubrication Schedule

A squeaky chair is often the result of dirt, dust, and friction building up in the moving parts. Even if you’ve already figured out how to fix a squeaky chair, it won’t stay quiet unless you keep up a regular maintenance routine. Wipe down joints, casters, and the base every few weeks — following tips on how to clean an office chair to prevent grime from settling in. If you’re dealing with a mesh backrest, it’s worth learning how to clean a mesh chair without damaging the fabric. Apply a small amount of silicone spray or a dry lubricant to the tilt mechanism, wheels, and any metal contact points every three months. This is especially important for a squeaky gaming chair or squeaky computer chair that gets heavy daily use.

2. Tightening Screws Every 3–6 Months

One of the most common reasons people ask, “Why does my chair squeak so much?” is loose screws or bolts. Over time, sitting, swiveling, and leaning back can cause connections to loosen, creating extra movement and noise. Every three to six months, grab the right screwdriver or Allen key and check all fasteners—especially around the seat base, armrests, and backrest.

3. Using the Right Flooring or Chair Mat

Your floor choice can also affect how your chair wears down. Rolling a chair over thick carpet or uneven floors can stress the casters and joints, leading to a squeaky chair when leaning back. If you work on carpet, pairing your setup with an office chair for carpet can help reduce wear. A quality mat is also worth the investment — whether you go for floor mats for office chairs on carpet, a glass chair mat for a sleek look, or an office chair mat for thick carpet to keep movement smooth. On hardwood or tile, opt for smooth casters to prevent unnecessary strain on the joints.

When It’s Time to Replace the Chair

• Signs Repairs Aren’t Worth It

If you’ve tightened every screw, lubed every joint, and still can’t figure out how to make an office chair not squeak, the problem might be deeper. Cracked frames, worn-out tilt mechanisms, and damaged gas lifts are expensive to replace — sometimes costing more than the chair itself. In that case, it’s better to invest in a new, more durable model. Options like a forward tilt office chair can improve posture, while a heavy weight office chair or an office chair for heavy person offers stronger build quality and long-term comfort.

• Ergonomics as a Reason to Upgrade

Even if you’ve stopped the noise, you may realize the chair isn’t supporting you well. A squeaky chair can be a warning sign that internal components are wearing down, which could also affect posture and comfort. If you’re dealing with lower back pain, shoulder strain, or fatigue after long hours, it’s worth upgrading to an ergonomic setup. Sometimes, trying to fix an uncomfortable chair only delays the inevitable — switching to a quality office ergonomic chair ensures better support. Models with an office chair with adjustable lumbar support can help you maintain healthy posture and reduce long-term strain.

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Specs

Dimensions	29”L x 29”W x 46” - 50”H
Seat dimensions	20”L x 20”W
Seat height	18” - 20”
Back dimensions (w/o headrest)	21”W x 22”H
Back dimensions (with headrest)	21”W x 28” - 31”H
Tilt range	22°
Armrest height	11” - 14”
Armrest height (from the floor)	26.7” - 32.2”
Caster wheel diameter	2.36 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	Polyester fabric with molded foam interior and durable nylon plastic frame; PU handrest pads.
Colors	Cool Gray, Evergreen, All Black Red Apple, Black & White, Baby Blue
Weight capacity	300 lbs
Item weight	48.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	29”L x 27”W x 19”H x 67 lbs
Assembly required	Yes
Warranty	2 years
Free returns	30 days The trial and return policy does NOT apply to products on sale.
Adjustability	Headrest, armrest, back tilt angle and tension, seat tilt and height.

 

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FAQs

Can I use cooking oil to stop squeaks?

It’s tempting, but no. Cooking oil will attract dust and grime, which can make the problem worse. Use a silicone-based or dry lubricant instead for a cleaner, longer-lasting fix.

Why does my chair squeak more in winter?

Cold, dry air can cause materials to contract, increasing friction in moving parts. If your squeaky chair gets worse in winter, regular lubrication and tightening are even more important.

Is it safe to keep using a squeaky chair?

If the noise is minor, yes—but persistent squeaks could mean parts are wearing down or loosening. A squeaky chair when leaning back might indicate a failing tilt mechanism, which could break unexpectedly.

Why does my chair squeak when I lean back?

This usually means the tilt or recline mechanism needs lubrication, or the bolts connecting the backrest to the seat are loose. Fixing it early prevents further damage.

How often should I maintain my chair?

Light cleaning monthly, lubrication every three months, and a full screw check every 3–6 months will keep most squeaky computer chairs quiet and functional.

Conclusion

A squeaky chair might start as a small annoyance, but it’s often a sign that your seating needs attention—whether it’s a quick lubrication, a loose screw, or a worn-out mechanism. Knowing how to fix a squeaky chair and keeping up with regular maintenance not only saves you from the irritation of constant noise, it also extends the life of your chair and protects your posture.

If the squeaks persist despite your best efforts, it could be time to replace it with an ergonomic model that supports your body better. And while you’re addressing the noise, you might notice other issues creeping up, like why does my office chair keep going down over time or an office chair leaning back too far.

Structural problems can also show up as a wobbly base, so learning how to fix a wobbly office chair can save you from bigger repairs later. If your chair keeps sinking or leans to one side, these could point to a failing gas lift or frame. And in some cases, an office chair that won’t lean back at all is a sign the mechanism is done for.

Addressing these problems early — squeaks included — keeps you working comfortably and quietly for the long haul.