How to Fix an Office Chair That Won't Stay Up: 5 Steps

Many people wonder how to fix a computer chair that won't stay up. It's a very common issue to have, and it might hinder your ability to work at your desired sitting place. However, there are a few alternatives if you want to fix the problem at home. Read on and you can find out everything you need to know about why the issue occurs, how to fix an office chair that won't stay up, and what to do if everything fails.

Why Does Your Chair Keep Sinking? 

If your chair keeps sinking, it is likely due to a problem with the pneumatic cylinder, also known as the gas lift. Here are the main reasons why this might be happening:

• Worn Out Gas Cylinder:

Seals Degradation: The gas cylinder contains seals that keep the gas pressurized. Over time, these seals can degrade due to wear and tear, exposure to dust, or fluctuations in temperature.

Frequent Use: Chairs that are frequently adjusted are more prone to wear out the seals faster as the constant movement stresses the seals, causing them to lose their integrity.

• Pressure Loss:

Micro-leaks: Tiny, often imperceptible leaks can develop in the gas cylinder over time, allowing the gas to escape slowly. These micro-leaks are usually caused by minor imperfections or damage to the cylinder.

Gas Permeability: The gas used in the cylinders can sometimes slowly seep through the material of the cylinder, a process that is very gradual but inevitable over long periods.

• Mechanical Failure:

Seal Failure: The internal seals within the gas cylinder are crucial for maintaining pressure. If these seals fail due to material fatigue or damage, the cylinder can no longer maintain the necessary pressure to keep the chair elevated.

Valve Issues: The valve system within the cylinder controls the release and retention of gas. If the valve malfunctions or becomes clogged with debris, it can fail to maintain the correct pressure.

• Excessive Weight:

Load Capacity: Each chair is designed to support a specific maximum weight. Consistently exceeding this limit can strain the gas cylinder and other components, leading to premature failure.

Impact Stress: Sudden impacts or dropping heavily onto the chair can also damage the gas cylinder, causing it to lose its ability to hold pressure.

• Wear and Tear:

Material Fatigue: Over time, the materials used in the gas cylinder and its components can fatigue, leading to reduced functionality. This is a natural process for any mechanical system subjected to regular use.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to dust, moisture, and temperature changes can accelerate wear and tear on the chair’s components, particularly the gas cylinder.

Experiencing this problem can lead to many consequences. For example, if you use the chair like that, you might feel the tension in your neck for trying to adjust it to the lack of proper height.

You always need to prioritize your health. Therefore, if you have a sinking chair, it's an issue you need to address as soon as possible.

Is It Possible to Fix a Sinking Chair? 

Fortunately, it is possible to fix a sinking chair. If your computer chair won't stay up, there are several do-it-yourself solutions you can try.

When you try a DIY solution, keep in mind that in the most extreme cases, it might not work. However, you should make an effort and see if it helps you.

5 Steps on How to Fix an Office Chair that Won't Stay up

Since having a sinking chair is so common, do-it-yourself solutions can help fix the problem in no time. However, you need to know the steps to complete them. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Use a Hose Clamp 

One of the most common solutions to fix an office chair is to use a hose clamp. It's easy, cheap, and you can do it at home in just a few minutes – you don't even need to disassemble the office chair.

There are other alternatives such as using a PVC pipe, but the hose clamp is many people's favorites. To use it, take the cylinder and slide the plastic skin off your chair.

Most office chair parts include a visible plastic skin that covers a metal tube, and you need to expose the tube to successfully fix the sitting spot. Thus, slide the plastic skin off.

2. Adjust the Chair to the Height You Want 

The second step is crucial because you might not be able to change it later. Once the metal tube is exposed, adjust the seat until it has the right height for you.

A good way to know the proper height of the chair is to use your knees as a reference. When you stand up, the seat should be level with them.

On some occasions, the computer chair is so damaged that it doesn't stay up even if no one is sitting on it. If that happens, lay it on its side to complete the process. 

3. Grab the Cylinder and Wrap the Hose Clamp Around It 

Find a hose clamp (also known as Jubilee Clip). You can buy it at any hardware store. Once you have it, loosen its screw. It can help you fix an office chair.

After pulling on the end that has the belt, wrap the clamp around the metal cylinder. You shouldn't tighten it yet, so make sure you complete each step of the process correctly before continuing.

An extra recommended step to fix an office chair is to improve the grip of the clamp since it's going to need a very tight grip to hold the chair up. To do that, grab the cylinder and wrap a strip of rubber or duct tape around it.

4. Tighten the Hose Clamp 

If you completed the rest of the steps correctly, it's time to tighten the hose clamp as much as you can. 

Grab the top of the cylinder and slide the clamp up. Make sure the ergonomic chair has the proper height before completing the step.

Once you guarantee that everything is alright, pull the hose clamp. Then, rotate the screw to tighten it.

5. Test the Chair 

Now that you learned how to fix an office chair that won't stay up, it's time to determine if it works or not.

After you tighten the clamp, the chair should be able to slide down past it. In other words, it shouldn't keep sinking despite your efforts. 

Sometimes the chair might be at the wrong height even after trying to adjust it correctly. If that happens, don't worry. Just grab the clamp and move it higher or lower on the cylinder.

Furthermore, sometimes the clamp might slide off. In that case, grab a strip of rubber and fasten it to tighten it again.

How to Know When You Need to Buy a New One

On some occasions, you might not be able to fix an office chair. Just like any other item, your chair has a finite life. That means that you need to eventually replace it.

If you no longer feel comfortable in it or if your computer chair won't stay up even after trying to fix it several times, you might need an office chair replacement. 

To find some incredible options, you should check out the ErgoChair Pro, ErgoChair Ultra and the ErgoChair Recline.

ErgoChair Pro

2790 reviews

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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.

 

• 

  "With its cutting-edge design and customizable features, this ergonomic masterpiece takes my comfort to a whole new level. The adjustable lumbar support ensures optimal posture, while the breathable mesh keeps me cool during those intense work sessions. But it doesn’t stop there! The ErgoChair Pro’s intuitive controls allow me to find the perfect seating position, whether I’m typing away or brainstorming creative ideas. Plus, the premium padding provides heavenly comfort, making those long hours at the desk feel like a breeze." - Christopher A.
• 

  "I would highly recommend you start with this chair The ErgoChair Pro is fully adjustable, completely supportive, and super breathable. You can adjust pretty much anything including the height, armrest, headrest, backrest and even the seat tilt. It’s got 5 lockable recline positions and even comes with flexible lumbar support for any seated position. One of my most favourite features of the Ergochair Pro is actually the woven mesh back. On the occasions where I am seated for many hours, the mesh back keeps me chilled and helps me focus on my work for a longer period of time." - Panayiotis G.
• 

  "Worth the upgrade Currently, I'm using an ergonomic chair, and it's incredibly comfortable and well worth the investment. It has made a noticeable difference in my daily comfort and productivity. I'm also planning to upgrade to a standing desk to further enhance my workspace."

  - Polina P.

ErgoChair Ultra

736 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions	28”L x 28”W x 40” - 44”H
Seat dimensions	19”L x 19”W
Seat height	17” - 21”
Back dimensions	20”W x 23”H
Tilt range	25°

• 

  "Supportive chair with cool design This design reminds me of the famous Embody chair. The Ultra offers many of the same functions as the Embody at half the price. The backrest design and material adapt to your body's movements, providing greater comfort for long periods of sitting. Additionally, the suspension system in the seat makes it more supportive and bouncy compared to other foam seat chairs." - Jesse C.
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  "This chair is a perfect match for my recent setup, and it is incredibly comfortable for long hours of sitting." - Andrea C.
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  "Cool material with unique back support I feel pretty cool sitting in this chair thanks to its material. The back support has a unique design and excels in its function."

  - Lee L.

ErgoChair Ultra V2

10 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions (w/o headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 41” - 46”H
Dimensions (with headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 49” - 58”H
Seat dimensions	18”L x 18”W
Seat depth range	18” - 20.5”
Seat height	18” - 23”
Headrest	8" - 12"
Back dimensions	20”W x 23”H
Tilt range	25°
Armrest height	7” - 11”
Armrest height (from the floor)	23.5” - 27.7”
Caster wheel diameter	2.56 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	100% TPE and polyester fabric upholstery with ABS plastic frame, aluminium base
Colors	Onyx Black, Dover Gray
Weight capacity	320 lbs
Item weight	36.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	28”L x 17”W x 31”H x 45 lbs

 

Pros and Cons of Fixing Your Office Chair

You get both benefits and disadvantages when you fix an office chair. Check out the following pros and cons about it.

When you learn how to fix an office chair that won't stay up, you always feel hopeful. You want to believe that you don't need a new chair. However, to make it happen, you have to spend time trying to fix your sitting place and be prepared in case it doesn't work.

Pros of Fixing Your Office Chair

• You don't have to spend much money.
• It's a fast process.

Cons of Fixing Your Office Chair

• In extreme cases, it might not work.

Keynote Takeaways 

It's possible to fix your office chair on many occasions. Nonetheless, you need to learn the right process to succeed. Now that you know all the steps, go ahead and try it!