Keeping your best office chair in top-notch condition is important for its overall longevity. One aspect of this maintenance is offering protection to the chair’s armrests.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Office chair armrests can become loose and wobbly over time.
- To correct a loose armrest, we recommend undergoing a tightening process or rebuilding the chair according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Consumers can also purchase armrest covers, which help lengthen the chair’s overall lifespan.
Protecting Your Office Chair Arms
The armrests of an office chair contribute to the consumer’s overall health, allowing for a better posture and reducing back and neck pain. With that in mind, it is in your best interest to keep these armrests functioning properly.
Insider Tip
You will want to regularly check for loose or wobbly office chair armrests.
Tips on How to Protect Your Office Chair Arms
There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your office chair armrests remain in good working order for years to come so that your office chair lasts a long time.
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Check for Looseness
You will want to regularly check for loose or wobbly office chair armrests. If the arm rest is loose or wobbly, this could lead to issues with back pain and posture. Once you have ascertained if the armrest is loose and wobbly, check the chair’s instruction manual to see if there is an easy way to tighten it. Some chairs include armrest tightening valves.
Insider Tip
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions in reverse in order to deconstruct the chair, using a screwdriver.
Deconstruct and Rebuild
If your office chair does include a mechanism intended to tighten a loose or wobbly armrest, then you may have to deconstruct and rebuild the armrest or the entire chair. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions in reverse in order to deconstruct the chair, using a screwdriver. Take a look at the screws and bolts that hold the armrest in place, noting any stripped screws or any other obvious issue. Replace the screws and bolts if necessary and then rebuild the chair while following the instructions. This process should fix most issues with a wobbly or loose armrest. As a warning, be sure to purchase the correct screws and bolts, as not all screws fit all chair components. Also keep the back rest in mind when deconstructing and rebuilding as you may have to repair your mesh back office chair too if you mishandle your chair.
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Purchase an Armrest Cover
Beyond general malfunction, office chair armrests can become dirty and worn down over time. To lengthen the overall lifespan of the chair and its various components, we recommend regularly cleaning and maintaining the armrests. Some consumers may also opt to purchase an armrest cover. These covers are typically made from high-grade materials and offer superior protection to armrests. Some of these armrest covers are also machine washable, further simplifying the cleaning and maintenance process. You can also purchase chair covers that help to protect the entire chair in one go, with arm rest covers included as part of a set. This will come in handy when your cat pee’s on your arm rests and you have to get cat pee out of the office chair.
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Warning
As a warning, be sure to purchase the correct screws and bolts, as not all screws fit all chair components.
F.A.Q.
Why do I have to perform maintenance on my chair?
Office chairs can wear out over time, becoming less comfortable and allowing for decreased back and spine health. Performing regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Should I use an office chair mat for my wood floors?
If you have a heavy or bulky office chair, you may want to consider a mat to protect your flooring from scuffs and scratches.
What’s the best sitting position for good posture?
Generally speaking, sitting up straight is good for posture. Try to avoid slouching and uncomfortable neck strains.
STAT: 80 percent of Americans experience back pain at some point in their lives, many from improper sitting techniques and poor ergonomics.
