As someone who spends half the day sitting in an office chair, I know firsthand how frustrating a wobbly chair can be. It can make you feel off-balance and unsteady.
Luckily, I’ll walk you through how to fix a wobbly office chair, step by step, so you can get it back to feeling sturdy and reliable.
| Project difficulty: Beginner Estimated time to complete: From 30 to 50 minutes. Project cost: From $12 for a simple fix to $70 in case the wheels need to be replaced. *If you come to find that the gas cylinder is the problem, it is best to leave it for a pro, since a damaged gas cylinder can cause injuries. |
1. Turn the Chair Upside Down
To figure out what’s causing the wobble, start by flipping your chair over. This gives you a clear view of the base, wheels, and underside mechanisms, helping you spot any potential issues that aren’t visible when the chair is upright. Some types of office chairs will require you to remove the armrests to have more stability while doing this step.
I like to lay my chair on top of the bed when doing this, which makes it easier to access all the components (and I don’t risk damaging my dining table). Unfortunately, my chair’s armrests aren’t removable, so it always lays a bit wonky when flipped (as you can see in the picture). Still, it gets the job done.
2. Examine the Wheels
Next, check each wheel to see if any are loose or damaged. Gently wiggle each wheel to feel for looseness. If one is loose, you may be able to securely reattach it by popping it out and then in again.
If you spot any damaged wheels, it’s a good idea to replace them. Bring the damaged wheel with you to a local hardware store to find an exact match. If an exact match isn’t available, it’s best to replace all the wheels to ensure consistent height and prevent wobbling from uneven weight distribution.
Tip: Also check for any dirt or debris that might be clogging the wheels. I once discovered a surprising amount of dog fur tangled in mine, which was slightly throwing off its balance. Even a small buildup of dust, grime, hair, or pet fur can impact the wheel’s movement and cause the chair to feel unstable. Clear out any debris to restore a smoother roll.
3. Inspect and Tighten Screws
One of the main causes of wobbly chairs is loose screws, so it’s important to inspect and tighten every screw, even those that don’t seem loose at first glance. Pay close attention to areas where the seat connects to the chair’s mechanisms and the plate that attaches the seat to the back, as these spots often endure the most stress.
Personally, I like to tighten the screws in my chair every six months or so, even if the chair doesn’t feel wobbly. It’s a simple way to prevent problems before they start and keep the chair stable over time.
If you notice any screws are missing, check around the area to see if they’ve fallen nearby. If not, take one of the remaining screws to your local hardware store to find an exact replacement in the right size.
4. Look for Cracks or Damage
If your chair still wobbles after tightening screws, it might be due to damage from regular wear and tear. Check key areas like the star-shaped base and the plate connecting the seat to the chair’s mechanism.
If you find any damage, the first step is to check if the chair is still under warranty. If it is, contact the retailer or manufacturer where you purchased it to arrange for repairs or a replacement. If the warranty has expired, locate your chair’s model number to order the necessary part online or from the original store.
For older chairs, especially ones that have been in the family for years or are no longer sold, finding parts may not be possible. In that case, it might be time to consider buying a more durable option.
5. Check the Gas Cylinder
The gas cylinder is what allows you to adjust your seat height smoothly, and if your chair is still wobbly after all other adjustments, the cylinder could be the culprit. Inspect it carefully for any signs of damage, leakage, or rust.
If you notice any issues, you’ll need to replace the cylinder by ordering online or visiting the store in person with your chair’s model information.
However, I personally wouldn’t try to mess with the cylinder. Unlike other components, a damaged gas cylinder can be dangerous, as the sudden release of air pressure may cause injuries, so this might be a good opportunity to get a new office chair.
Tip: A rusty gas cylinder might also be causing your chair to be squeaky. Learn how to fix this in our article: “How to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair.”
6. Turn the Chair Upright
After inspecting and adjusting everything, turn the chair upright and test to see if it’s still wobbly. If you’ve done everything we’ve listed but the chair is still not stable, it might be a sign that the chair simply hasn’t stood the test of time.
I’ve been there before — after tightening screws and doing everything I could, I realized the chair was just too worn out to fix. Plus, it wasn’t ergonomic and made me sit in an awful posture, so getting a new one made all the difference.
If you’re in the same situation, consider investing in a new, higher-quality chair that offers more stability and durability. Check out our article on what to look for in an office chair before making your next purchase.
Fix a Wobbly Office Chair or Buy a New One?
In this article, I’ve shown you how I fixed my wobbly office chair, but following the steps above takes some time and muscle (lifting the chair onto your bed for a closer look). It may be worth your time — if money isn’t an issue — to just buy a new office chair. If you go this route, make sure the chair doesn’t wobble when you put it together or set it up in your home office.
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Main Image Credit: andranik123 / Adobe Stock Free / License
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