ignore

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Disassemble Office Chairs

by Hadar Ziv

Introduction

There will undoubtedly come a time where you will need to disassemble your office chair. Whether you are moving houses, just wanting to clear some space and keep it in storage, or even returning it to the manufacturer, having a guide to help you understand how to disassemble your office chair is crucial.

Although each chair might be disassembled slightly differently, we'll take a look at the common method of going about doing this, as well as some tips and tricks. 

If you are looking for how to disassemble one of our chairs, check out this visual guide from OM Seating

how to disassemble your office chair

Step 1. Gather Your Tools

Before you start, it's crucial to gather all the necessary tools to make the disassembly process smooth and efficient. Having the right tools at hand can save you time and prevent potential damage to your chair. Here’s what you’ll need for how to disassemble an office chair:

  • Safety Glasses and Work Gloves: Always prioritize your safety by wearing protective gear.

  • Flat Head Screwdriver: Useful for prying parts apart and removing screws.

  • Phillips Screwdriver: Essential for removing screws from various parts of the chair.

  • Socket Wrench Set: Needed for removing bolts, especially from the mechanism.

  • Allen Wrench Set: Many chairs use hex bolts that require an Allen wrench.

  • Hammer (Sledge preferred): Handy for loosening tight parts, such as the base from the cylinder.

  • Pipe Wrench (24 inch preferred): Useful for removing the cylinder from the base or mechanism.

  • Utility Knife: Necessary for removing fabric from the seat.

  • Steel Putty Knife: Helps in separating foam from the seat board.

  • Magnet: Can be used to identify parts made of steel versus aluminum.

Having these tools ready will make the process of how to disassemble an office chair much easier.

Now that you're prepared, let’s move on to the first step: removing the headrest.

Step 2. Disassemble Office Chair Headrest

Here’s how to disassemble an office chair headrest step-by-step:

  • Check for Cover Plates or Tabs: Some headrests are secured with cover plates or tabs that need to be removed first. Use a flat head screwdriver to gently pry these off.
  • Remove Bolts: Once any covers are removed, use a Phillips screwdriver or an Allen wrench to unscrew the bolts holding the headrest in place.
  • Detach the Headrest: Carefully pull the headrest away from the chair. Make sure to support it to avoid any sudden drops or damage.
  • Store Small Parts: Place all bolts, screws, and any small parts you remove into a sealed bag. This will keep them safe and prevent loss.

With the headrest safely removed, you’re ready to tackle the next part of the chair. Following these steps ensures you handle each component carefully, making the process of how to disassemble an office chair straightforward and efficient.

Now, let’s move on to the backrest.

Step 3. Disassemble Backrest

The next step for how to disassemble your office chair is to remove the backrest. For most office chairs, you should be able to easily remove the backrest because they are attached with bolts at the back of the chair.

On some office chairs, this will not be possible because the backrest is attached to the frame.

  • Locate the Bolts: Find the bolts that secure the backrest to the chair. These are usually found at the back of the chair or underneath the seat.
  • Remove the Bolts: Use an Allen wrench or a screwdriver to remove the bolts that hold the backrest in place.
  • Detach the Backrest: Carefully lift the backrest away from the chair frame. Make sure to support it to prevent it from falling or getting damaged.
  • Store Small Parts: Place all bolts, screws, and washers you remove into a sealed bag to keep them safe and prevent loss.

By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently remove the backrest. Now, let’s move on to the armrests.

Step 4. 

  • Locate the Bolts: Identify the bolts that secure the armrests to the seat or chair frame. These are typically found underneath the seat or along the sides of the chair.
  • Remove the Bolts: Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to unscrew the bolts holding the armrests in place. Remember the order in which you remove any washers or plates, as some armrests may have multiple parts.
  • Detach the Armrests: Carefully pull the armrests away from the chair once all bolts and screws are removed. Some chairs may allow you to simply pull the armrests out of the slots underneath the chair while activating the adjustment lever.
  • Store Small Parts: Place all bolts, screws, washers, and any other small parts into a sealed bag to keep them safe and prevent loss.

With the armrests removed, you're one step closer to fully disassembling your chair. Now, let’s move on to the cylinder and base.

Removing the cylinder and base can be one of the more challenging parts of disassembling an office chair due to the tension holding it in place. Here’s how to disassemble an office chair cylinder and base:

  • Protect Your Surfaces: Before you start, ensure you protect your table and floor surfaces to prevent damage. Use an old blanket, cardboard, or other protective covering.

  • Prepare the Pipe Wrench: To avoid damaging the cylinder, wrap duct tape around the teeth of a large pipe wrench. This provides a good grip without scratching the cylinder.

  • Clamp the Cylinder: Using the pipe wrench, clamp down on the cylinder near the bottom of the mechanism. Ensure the grip is tight.

  • Loosen the Cylinder: Turn the pipe wrench a quarter turn or until the cylinder starts to come loose. Cylinders are held by tension and do not screw on, so continue loosening until you can pull it from the mechanism.

  • Remove the Cylinder from the Base: Turn the chair base upside down and use a rubber mallet to dislodge the cylinder. Stand back to avoid injury from falling parts. Tap the sides of the cylinder if it’s really stuck to help loosen it.

Step 6: Remove the Casters (Wheels)

Most casters on office chairs are simply popped into the base, making them relatively easy to remove. You generally don't need to remove casters unless you're replacing them or returning the chair. Here’s how to disassemble office chair casters:

  • Turn the Base Upside Down: Start by placing the chair base upside down so the casters are facing up. This position allows for easy access to each caster.
  • Remove the Casters: Firmly grasp each caster and pull upwards to remove them from the base. If a caster is difficult to remove, you can use a flat head screwdriver to help pry it loose, but be careful not to damage the base.

5 Tips for Disassembling Your Office Chair

  • Recall the Assembly Process: Think about how your chair was originally put together. This can help you understand which parts can be disassembled easily. If your chair arrived in several pieces, you can typically disassemble it by reversing the assembly steps.

  • Disassemble Only What’s Necessary: Focus on disassembling only the parts that are absolutely necessary for your purpose. This helps minimize the risk of damaging the chair. For example, you may not need to remove the backrest or cylinder if they aren’t essential for transport or repair.

  • Identify Easy-to-Remove Parts: Parts that are attached with screws, such as the headrest, backrest, or armrests, are usually straightforward to remove. Understanding how these parts are connected will help you disassemble them without much trouble.

  • Avoid Removing Critical Components: Some parts, like the chair's mechanism or integrated frame components, should not be removed to prevent damage. Certain chairs have parts that are meant to stay assembled.

  • Weigh the Risks of Removing the Cylinder: Removing the cylinder can be tricky and may damage it due to the tension holding it in place. If you need to remove it, use a pipe wrench with caution. Consider whether the risk of damaging the cylinder is worth it, especially if you plan to reuse it.

Check out this helpful video by BTOD on how to disassemble your office chair: 

Conclusion

Disassembling your office chair can be a straightforward task if you follow the right steps and take necessary precautions.

Whether you're moving, repairing, or returning your chair, knowing how to disassemble an office chair properly ensures that the process is smooth and damage-free.  

If your chair came with specific instructions on how to disassemble it, make sure you follow them! 

FAQ

Can office chairs be disassembled?

Yes, most office chairs can be disassembled. Typically, parts such as the headrest, backrest, armrests, cylinder, and base can be removed using common tools like screwdrivers and Allen wrenches. Always check for specific disassembly instructions from the manufacturer to avoid damaging any components.

Can office chair wheels be taken apart?

Yes, office chair wheels, or casters, can be removed. Most casters are simply popped into the base. To remove them, place the chair base upside down with the casters facing up, then pull up on each caster. If a caster is difficult to remove, use a flat head screwdriver to pry it loose gently.

How do you separate an office chair from the base?

To separate an office chair from the base:

  1. Lay the chair on its back to access the base and cylinder.
  2. Remove the casters by pulling them off the base.
  3. Use a pipe wrench to clamp down on the cylinder near the bottom of the mechanism and turn it to loosen the cylinder.
  4. Turn the base upside down and use a rubber mallet to dislodge the cylinder. Tap the sides of the cylinder if it's stuck.

How to take apart an office chair cylinder?

To take apart an office chair cylinder:

  1. Protect your surfaces and wear safety gear.
  2. Wrap duct tape around the teeth of a large pipe wrench to avoid damaging the cylinder.
  3. Clamp the pipe wrench on the cylinder near the bottom of the mechanism and turn it to loosen the cylinder.
  4. Turn the base upside down and use a rubber mallet to dislodge the cylinder. Tap the sides of the cylinder if it’s stuck.

Recommended Blogs

Hadar Ziv
VP Operations | OfficeMasterChairs.com
Leading Expert in Ergonomic Seating Solutions

"At OfficeMasterChairs.com, we've been transforming workspaces into comfortable, productive environments for over 15 years. Our mission is to help you achieve the perfect balance of comfort and productivity."

Follow us on: 
Instagram
 Facebook

Back to All Blogs