How to Fix an Office Chair That Won't Stand: 5 Simple Steps

There are enough distractions when working from home without an office chair to make things difficult for you. One common problem with office chairs is that they don't hold up well for one reason or another. Constantly adjusting your chair to the right position throughout the workday can be frustrating, so we've put together a quick fix guide.

Find our step-by-step guide on how to fix an office chair that won't sit below.
Why won't my office chair stand up?

There are several reasons why your office chair won't stand up, but the most common reason is that the gas cylinder is worn out and needs to be replaced. If the chair loses fuel, it will not stand up properly and will need regular adjustment. There are health risks if you sit for a long time in a chair that is not the right height for you. This can cause neck strain and other aches and pains if you are not in an ergonomic position with your desk and screen.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix an office chair that won't stand up.

Use a hose clamp

One way to fix a chair that won't stand up is to use a hose clamp. There are some easy steps you can follow to do this.

1. Remove the plastic cover from your chair

Many chairs have a visible plastic cover over the metal cylinder. You will need to access the metal tube so you can install the hose clamp.

2. Adjust the chair to your desired height

This step is important because you may not be able to adjust it later. Your chair should be level with your knees when standing for maximum comfort.

3. Take the cylinder and tighten the hose clamp

You can buy a hose clamp at any hardware store. Once you have it and followed the previous steps, pull the end that has the belt and wrap the clamp around the metal cylinder of the chair.

The clamp must be strong to hold the chair, we recommend wrapping tape around it to improve grip.

4. Tighten the hose clamp

Once you are sure you have set the correct seat height, you can tighten the hose clamp. Hold the top of the metal cylinder and slide the clamp upwards. Finally, pull out the hose clamp and turn the screw to tighten it.

5. Test your chair

You can now test your chair. The clamp should prevent the chair from sliding down and keep the chair at the correct height. If you think you have set the wrong height, you may be able to adjust it by holding the clamp and moving it higher or lower.

If this fixes the problem and your chair still won't stand, there are other methods you can try.

Use PVC Pipe

PVC pipe is another item you can use to help keep your chair upright. This may require more work than a hose clamp, so it's best to try that method first.

1. Measure your seat cylinder

Remove the plastic cover on the metal cylinder and use a ruler to estimate the diameter. You don't need exact measurements, but you can calculate them if you want.

2. Buy a long PVC pipe

The purpose of this pipe is to fit over the metal cylinder of the seat and provide extra support. So, you want to find a pipe that is approximately the same diameter as the cylinder. Buy enough pipe to extend from the wheelbase to the seat base.

3. Install the PVC pipe

You have two choices here. You can saw the PVC pipe lengthwise to create a slot that will attach to the seat cylinder. We recommend using a mask when cutting PVC to avoid inhaling irritating particles. Your other option is to remove the seat base and slide the pipe that way.

4. Add more pipes to adjust the height

To increase the height of your chair, raise it and add more PVC pipe. This will stop the seat from dropping and fix the problem.

5. Test your chair

You can now test your chair. The PVC pipe should act like a hose clamp and prevent your chair from dropping to an uncomfortable height.

If this doesn't solve the problem, it might be worth investing in a new office chair. Furniture At Work has a fantastic range of office chairs perfect for a variety of professional environments.