How can I easily Uncouple this slide and lock on an office chair?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on methods to uncouple a slide mechanism on an office chair, specifically addressing issues with a tightly wedged assembly. Participants suggest using a screwdriver to loosen the slide, but emphasize the importance of understanding the assembly mechanism, which may involve a snap ring or a split shaft design. Recommendations include using pliers to compress the split shaft while pulling it out, and considering the use of WD-40 on metal parts only. Additionally, contacting customer service or examining a non-assembled chair for insights is advised.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of snap ring mechanisms in furniture assembly
  • Familiarity with office chair assembly manuals
  • Basic knowledge of using hand tools like screwdrivers and pliers
  • Awareness of potential risks when using lubricants like WD-40
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the function and application of snap rings in mechanical assemblies
  • Learn about the assembly process of office chairs, focusing on common locking mechanisms
  • Explore techniques for safely using lubricants on furniture without damaging textiles
  • Investigate customer service options for furniture manufacturers for troubleshooting assistance
USEFUL FOR

DIY enthusiasts, furniture assembly technicians, and individuals experiencing difficulties with office chair mechanisms will benefit from this discussion.

12john
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While my hunky husband was lifting the chair up, and my brawny brother pushing the frame down, I kept hitting the top of the slide with a screwdriver, to try to loosen the slide. But these parts are still wedged too tightly! We ran out of energy and ideas! How can we life hack this please?

Colored Edited Diagram.jpg



GIF from this video. Illustration from this PDF. Chair manufacturer's page list these both.
 
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What are you trying to do?
Fully diassemble the chair, or just separating top, column and base?
Could the person that assembled bottom and back of the top reverse steps 4b and 4a?
It is not clear how are those, or what that "click" means, as per the published assembly manual.
 
I can't accesss the video or assembly manual, but the "click" referenced by @Lnewqban reminds me of a snap ring on a shaft.

The snap ring gets slightly compressed when the shaft is inserted into a hole, when fully inserted the snap ring expands into a groove in the hole.

An alternate implementation is that the shaft shown with a split in the end compresses as it enters the hole. Then expands when fully inserted, locking in place, again with a ring-and-groove approach.

Try squeezing the split shaft together with a pair of pliers while trying to pull the shaft out.

Please let us know any results... or lack thereof!

Good Luck,
Tom

p.s. Next step, try to find 'Customer Service' at the mfg. or distributor... or look at another non-assembled chair to see what the heck is going on.

p.p.s Dealers list can be found here:
https://www.stressless.com/en/services/find-dealer

Other Services can be found at the bottom of this page:
https://shop.stressless.com/en/c/accessories
 
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WD40 (be careful with the textile, it may damage/stain it: use it only on the metal parts)
Stronger screwdriver/chisel, and a delicate but firm smack with a hammer

Ps.: no, not a chisel. Sorry. How is that chisel-like tool called with a blunt tip:doh:
 
Rive said:
How is that chisel-like tool called with a blunt tip
Punch.
 
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I would have called it the you need to sharpen your chisel bucko but ok punch works too.