Four Tips for Fixing That Squeaky Desk Chair

Your work-from-home routine is the best it’s ever been. You buckle down to work on the big project that’s been looming over you, and amid the soft sounds of your office music, something is off-tune — squeak, squeak, squeak. The squeaky sound you consistently hear is enough to drive you mad. After all, distractions are the last thing you need under a deadline.

Whether your current office chair is a computer chair, an executive leather chair, a gaming chair, or even an heirloom chair from a grandparent, your office space should be conducive for focus, and nothing distracts like a creaking chair.

If you’re reading this, you likely spend a decent amount of time in your office chair, and you’re not alone. One study showed that 26% of Americans sit for more than eight hours per day. If you’ve been putting up with squeaky noises for a while, you’ve been settling, but we are here to help. We’ve been helping people around the U.S. turn their offices into aesthetically pleasing, functional, and comfortable workspaces for years.

We’ll cover the following topics:

- Potential causes of your squeaky desk chair

- How to fix the squeaking noise from your chair

- Squeaky chair prevention

- What your creaking chair may be telling you

Let’s start with getting to the root cause of your squeaky chair.

Loose Parts

Over time, parts can get loosened with wear and use. Anything from loose bolts to screws can cause loose joints in the chair's structure. Sometimes, a squeaky chair is caused by something as simple as parts that need to be tightened.

Shaky, Unstable Chair Legs

Check the legs of the chair. Are they screwed on tight, or do they have movement? If your chair seems shaky or unstable, loose chair legs could be causing your problem, not to mention that the chair could be unsafe.

Old, Worn-Out Parts

Old parts can be stripped out, rusty, and may need to be replaced. Even the seat tension spring can wear out over time. Depending on the quality of the chair and how long you sit, worn-out parts could be the culprit of the squeaking sounds.

Be on the lookout for rusted parts; this can cause squeaking in your chair. If any parts are rusted, it’s wise to replace them.

Springs and Wheel Axles

Chair parts break down over time, so when you’re diving into the root cause, don’t forget about the springs and wheel axles. These often get overlooked, and people are more inclined to check the loose screws, bolts, and other smaller parts.

Before you get started, one thing to consider is your chair’s warranty. Make sure you aren’t doing anything that would otherwise affect your product warranty, and when in doubt, call the manufacturer to check. High-quality office furniture companies offer warranties on the furniture you purchase, and this is important to consider.

If you pride yourself in being a DIY fixer of all things, adjusting your chair should be a snap (assuming it’s not broken). If you’ve already turned the chair upside down and investigated the problem, it’s likely time to try a few techniques listed below.

As far as tools you’ll need to end your chair squeaking, you’ll be able to find everything at your local hardware store.

1. Tighten the Components

A simple screwdriver or allen key may be all you need to end your noise distraction. By tightening up any loose parts and tightening all loose components, you rule out this area as the problem.

2. Lubricate the Joints

Lubricating creaky joints is often the quick fix you need. Choose your lubricant wisely, as you’ll need to take into account the type of material the chair is made from.

For metallic chairs or chairs with metal parts, you’ll want a silicone spray, or water-resistant lubricant, such as WD-40; apply sparingly, as a little goes a long way. This spray lubricant can be used on the moving parts of the chair. Lubricating oil can be applied to wheels, springs, screws, and bolts.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about greasing your floor during this process, put newspaper or an old sheet down beforehand, spray the WD-40 on a shop rag or cloth, and apply directly.

Do you have a wooden chair? Keep reading:

3. Use Wood Glue if Necessary

If there are wood components on your chair, wood glue goes a long way in quieting those squeaky noises. Using wood glue to seal loose joints takes only minutes.

You may need to purchase wood-swelling liquid if the dowels have shrunk and are causing the squeaking noise. Allow for the glue to dry before using the chair.

4. Replace Rusted Parts

If, during your inspection, you spotted rusted parts, replacing them could be the answer. Sometimes, using a light machine oil on rusty parts nips the squeaking problem in the bud, and you can continue to use the chair with the existing parts.

Try lubricating parts, even the smallest ones, and see if it makes a difference before tracking down parts from the manufacturer. If you do need to resort to part replacement, there's a small chance your local hardware store might have the part you're looking for; but if not, simply reach out to the manufacturer to have them send you a new one. If your chair is past its warranty, this may cost some additional dollars.

When it comes to preventing your chair from squeaking, you can keep components lubricated, but you also want to be mindful of your chair capacity in terms of the weight limit and how much time you spend sitting in your office chair. There are ergonomic chairs suitable for higher weight capacity for those who want both comfort and a long-lasting chair.

For example, the Ergonomic Chair has a weight capacity of 275 pounds and can support work days eight hours and longer. Right behind the Ergonomic Chair is the Daily Chair. It supports up to 225 pounds for a comfortable four to six hours of work. Made of 70% recycled materials and breathable mesh, this chair feels like a breath of fresh air. Both of these chairs have a seven-year warranty.

Keep in mind if you don’t have a chair that’s properly fit for your body ergonomically and you’re sitting for long periods of time, you risk doing damage to your posture, as well as your spinal structure, potentially causing chronic neck and back pain.

Whether you resolved your squeaky chair or not, it may be time to evaluate your long-term health and comfort with your office furnishings.

If you’ve tried to resolve your squeaky chair problem and still feel like there’s a squeaking symphony in your office, it may be time for a new chair altogether. Perhaps your squeaky chair is telling you it’s time to splurge for a new desk chair that works as hard as you do but lets you do it in peace and quiet.

Consider upgrading the seat where you’re parked for four to eight hours per day, and review the best ergonomic chair options that are well-made, with high-grade components that withstand reclining, your urge to swivel, and sitting for long periods of time.

Ergonomic desk chair options with and without lumbar support that acts as a gentle, supportive backrest and height adjustments so that you can customize your seating preferences. Another option is to consider sitting less and investing in a standing desk. This could lessen your time in a desk chair, provide health benefits such as burning more calories, reducing back pain and strain, and even make you more productive!

Life has plenty of distractions, and whether you’re working remotely, in a hybrid role, or in an office setting full-time, you shouldn’t carry on with a squeaky chair. Consider how much time you spend working in your office chair. With several options and customizable adjustments, there’s a chair that’s right for you: Come say hello and we'll get you sorted!

Sources:

Back Pain When Sitting | UCLAHealth.org

Standing Desk Ergonomics: 7 Benefits of Standing at Work | Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin

Most Americans Spend Too Much Time Sitting, Study Finds | CBS News

How to Fix Creaky Chairs | SFGate

How to Oil a Recliner | SFGate