How much do you hate the squeak in your chair? I know the answer!
You’re at your desk and have to stand up and walk away from the irritating noise. Or you’re sitting in a meeting and everyone is distracted by that one squeaky chair. This is what almost everyone has experienced!
This article will tell you exactly how to fix squeaky office chair so you can focus on your work without fear of falling and hurting yourself.
7 Common Causes of a Squeaking Chair
When you first buy an office chair, it’s probably an investment. Because it’s the backbone of your workplace productivity. After all, a chair should be comfortable and cozy.
A squeaky office chair can be a real pain to deal with, but there are many reasons why it can happen. We’ve gone through and listed all the most common causes behind this nuisance.
Bolts and Nuts
Sometimes your chair will squeak because of a loose bolt or nut. A loose bolt or nut can cause the chair to move around on the floor or even fall over. An office chair comes with instructions on how to tighten them up.
Make sure you follow those instructions exactly. If you don’t, it may be time to invest. If you’re still having trouble, then you can contact an office chair repair company to have it taken care of for you.
Seat Cushion
A poorly made or old cushion can also be a major cause of squeaking. Some office chairs come with foam cushions that are glued to the seat. These cushions are very thin and can easily wear out.
If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a new cushion for your chair. If you can’t afford to replace it, you can try to find a cheap replacement. Your cushion needs to be thick enough to provide comfort, but not too thick that it’s bulky.
Faulty Joints
Sometimes it will squeak because of faulty joints in the frame. These joints are usually on the bottom of the chair and can be difficult to see. If you notice a joint is detached, you should tighten it up as soon as possible.
Stiff Armrests
Another common cause of a squeaking office chair is if the armrests are stiff. If you notice that your armrests aren’t moving properly, you should make sure that you loosen them up.
If you still have issues, you should contact a repair company to have them looked at. Sometimes armrests can also be damaged or even bent.
Rusted or Detached Casters
A loose wheel can be a major cause of a noisy chair. Unsteady castors can also cause the chair to fall over. You should always tighten up your bolts and nuts so that the wheels stay in place.
If the castors aren’t covered, they can wear down over time. They can also become loose and cause them to squeak.
Castors/Wheels can get scratched and damaged over time, especially if they’re exposed to the elements. If you notice that one of your wheels is worn down, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Worn-out Gas Lift Mechanism
You can check if the gas lift mechanism is working well by looking at the seat height and the seat tilt. A poor gas lift mechanism can cause noise in the chair. This means that the gas lift mechanism is worn out and needs replacement.
A Stiff Seat Tension Spring
A stiff seat will cause noise if it’s not adjusted properly. If you notice that your seat is stiff, you should move it around until it’s comfortable.
To minimize the noise, ensure the seat tension spring is not too tight. A tight seat can cause popping sounds. These sounds can be annoying.
How to Stop an Office Chair from Squeaking
Sometimes a simple repair can turn a bad office chair into a good one. In this section, we will show you how to stop an office chair from squeaking.
Step1: Identify the Source of Noise
Before you go into the trouble of repairing your squeaky office chair, first identify where the noise is coming from. Is it coming from one of the wheels on the base of the chair?
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the wheel. If the noise is coming from the back of the chair, it could be caused by the springs. To fix it, tighten the screws holding the springs in place.
Step2: Clean all the Rust from its Bolts
Turn over the chair and unscrew the backrest then clean the rust from the base. If the chair has some worn-out fabric at the bottom remove it and spray it with vinegar or a rust remover.
You can also gently clear out the rust by using sandpaper. Rust can damage the metal parts and produce noise whenever you move the chair.
Step3: Tighten the Nuts and Screws
If the noise is coming from one of the wheels on the base of the chair, then it is likely caused by a loose wheel.
To fix it first, loosen the nut holding the wheel in place. Then, remove the wheel and reinstall it with the nut tightened.
Step4: Fix the Seat Springs
If the noise is coming from the springs in the seat, you will need to replace the springs. To replace the springs, untighten the screw that holds the seat in place, then take off the old springs and install the new ones.
Step5: Apply Grease or Lubricant Oil
There are a few different types of lubricants, including aerosol, liquid, and grease. The lubricant should be applied to the area where the squeaking occurs and left in place for some time.
The lubricant will then act as a sealant and prevent any further noise.
Step6. Apply Glue
If you want to glue the chair, make sure you have the right tools and materials. You can use wood glue, epoxy, or hot melt glue.
Before you start gluing, be sure you have all the tools and materials you need. Also, be sure you follow the instructions on the package.
Step7: Test and Repeat
Leave the chair for an hour or two after following the above steps. Then test it, if the noise is gone well and good! If not, repeat the process or consult a professional.
Lubricants For Your Squeaky Office Chair
There are lots of different lubricants for your noisy chair. They all help keep your office chair in great shape. They act by reducing friction between different parts.
Silicone oil Lubricants
You can use silicone spray as a lubricant on your chairs. It is known for its anti-static properties help in providing long-lasting results. It is available in aerosol cans and sprays. You can use it with a cloth or towel to apply the product.
If you’re looking for something affordable, silicone oil can be a good choice. WD40 is a silicon spray, product to fix squeakiness.
Synthetic grease to Fix Squeaky Office Chair
Synthetic greases are made up of a combination of oils, waxes, and other substances.
Grease is a popular choice among squeaky office chairs. It’s inexpensive and easy to apply. If you have a squeaky chair caused by worn parts, a grease lubricant will help prevent it from further damage.
Paraffin oil Lubricants
Paraffin oil is a natural oil that’s considered a petroleum byproduct. It’s inexpensive and often included in lubricants intended to keep chairs noise-free.
Sunflower oil is also known for its lubricating benefits for your seating furniture.
What NOT TO DO while Fixing a Noisy Chair
- Don’t put too much pressure on the screws while tightening.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning rusty nuts and bolts.
- Wait for a few hours after greasing your noisy chair.
- Be gentle while fixing the gas lift otherwise, you might damage
- Don’t use cheap screws and bolts to replace the old ones.
Summarizing How to Fix Squeaky Office Chair
Finally, loose or worn-out old parts, dirt, moisture, and improper use can make the chair noisy. The good news is that all these problems can be fixed, and you don’t have to be a professional mechanic to eliminate the squeak.
FAQs
1. What causes squeaky office chairs?
The most common cause of squeaking is loose screws or bolts in the seat. It is also possible that the chair has worn out.
2. How do I fix squeaky office chairs?
Loosen the screws and then tighten them again. This will prevent the squeak from coming back.
3. What if I can’t find the screw?
You can usually find the screw by looking at the underside of the chair.
4. How can I lubricate an office chair?
Use grease, WD40, or oil and apply it to the noisy parts.
5. Is it safe to sit in a squeaky office chair?
A squeaky chair is distracting. Make sure to adjust and fix it before you sit.
