The best way to fix an office chair that is too tall is to adjust the height of the seat, the armrests, and the desk, or to use a footrest to support your feet. If these options are not available or sufficient, you may need to replace the gas cylinder of the chair, or use a cushion to raise your sitting position. In this article, we will explain how to fix an office chair that is too tall in detail, and why it is important to have a comfortable and ergonomic chair for your health and productivity.
Why You Need to Fix an Office Chair that is Too Tall
Having an office chair that is too tall can cause a lot of problems for your posture, circulation, and comfort. If your chair is too high, you may experience the following issues:
Your feet may not touch the ground, which can put pressure on your thighs and lower back, and reduce blood flow to your legs.
Your arms may be raised too high, which can strain your shoulders, neck, and wrists, and increase the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Your head may be tilted forward or backward, which can cause headaches, eye strain, and neck pain.
Your spine may be out of alignment, which can lead to back pain, disc herniation, and nerve compression.
These problems can affect your mood, concentration, and performance at work, as well as your long-term health and well-being. Therefore, it is essential to fix an office chair that is too tall as soon as possible, and to adjust it to suit your body and your work environment.
How to Fix an Office Chair that is Too Tall
There are several ways to fix an office chair that is too tall, depending on the type and features of the chair, and the availability of other equipment. Here are some of the most common and effective methods:
Adjust the height of the seat. Most office chairs have a lever or a knob under the seat that allows you to adjust the height of the seat. To lower the seat, sit on the chair and pull the lever or turn the knob, and then release it when you reach the desired height. To raise the seat, stand up and pull the lever or turn the knob, and then sit down and release it when you reach the desired height. The ideal height of the seat is when your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Adjust the height of the armrests. Some office chairs have adjustable armrests that can be raised or lowered to suit your arm length and position. To adjust the armrests, look for a button or a lever on the side of the armrests, and press or pull it to unlock the armrests. Then, move the armrests up or down until they are at a comfortable level, and release the button or the lever to lock them in place. The ideal height of the armrests is when your arms are relaxed at your sides, your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, and your forearms are parallel to the floor.
Adjust the height of the desk. If your desk is too high or too low for your chair, you may need to adjust the height of the desk to match your chair. Some desks have adjustable legs that can be extended or shortened to change the height of the desk. To adjust the legs, look for a screw or a knob at the bottom of the legs, and loosen it to unlock the legs. Then, slide the legs up or down until they are at the right height, and tighten the screw or the knob to lock them in place. The ideal height of the desk is when your eyes are level with the top of the monitor, your shoulders are relaxed, and your wrists are straight and in line with your forearms.
Use a footrest. If your chair is too high and you cannot lower it or raise your desk, you may need to use a footrest to support your feet and prevent them from dangling. A footrest is a platform that you can place under your desk and rest your feet on. You can buy a footrest online or at an office supply store, or you can make your own by using a box, a stool, or a stack of books. The ideal height of the footrest is when your feet are flat on the footrest, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Replace the gas cylinder. If your chair is too high and you cannot adjust it or use a footrest, you may need to replace the gas cylinder of the chair. The gas cylinder is the metal tube that connects the base and the seat of the chair, and that controls the height of the seat. Over time, the gas cylinder may wear out or malfunction, and cause the seat to be stuck at a high or low position. To replace the gas cylinder, you will need a new gas cylinder that is compatible with your chair model, a pipe wrench, and a rubber mallet. You can buy a gas cylinder online or at a hardware store, or you can contact the manufacturer of your chair for a replacement. To replace the gas cylinder, follow these steps:
Remove the base of the chair. Turn the chair upside down and remove the screws or bolts that hold the base to the gas cylinder. Then, pull the base off the gas cylinder and set it aside.
Remove the gas cylinder from the seat. Use the pipe wrench to grip the gas cylinder and twist it counterclockwise to loosen it from the seat. Then, use the rubber mallet to tap the gas cylinder until it comes off the seat. Be careful not to damage the seat or the gas cylinder.
Install the new gas cylinder to the seat. Insert the new gas cylinder into the hole in the bottom of the seat and push it firmly until it clicks into place. Then, use the pipe wrench to tighten the gas cylinder by turning it clockwise.
Install the base to the new gas cylinder. Align the base with the new gas cylinder and push it onto the gas cylinder until it clicks into place. Then, secure the base with the screws or bolts that you removed earlier.
Test the new gas cylinder. Turn the chair right side up and sit on it. Use the lever or the knob under the seat to adjust the height of the seat until it is comfortable and ergonomic.
Use a cushion. If your chair is too high and you cannot adjust it, use a footrest, or replace the gas cylinder, you may need to use a cushion to raise your sitting position. A cushion is a soft pad that you can place on the seat of the chair and sit on. You can buy a cushion online or at a home decor store, or you can make your own by using a pillow, a blanket, or a towel. The ideal thickness of the cushion is when your feet are flat on the floor or the footrest, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Having an office chair that is too tall can cause a lot of discomfort and health problems. Therefore, it is important to fix an office chair that is too tall as soon as possible, and to adjust it to fit your body and your work environment. You can fix an office chair that is too tall by adjusting the height of the seat, the armrests, and the desk, or by using a footrest, a gas cylinder, or a cushion. By doing so, you can improve your posture, circulation, and comfort, and enhance your productivity and well-being at work.
