How to Remove and Replace a Chair/Stool Cylinder

Step by step visual guide to removing and replacing chair cylinders

You will need: 

• Pipe wrench
• Rubber mallet—if you don't have a soft mallet, find a striking surface, such as an old book to protect the chair from damage
• Masking tape or other type of tape that can be easily removed without leaving sticky residue
• A clear work area with space to lay the chair down on carpet, cardboard, or a blanket
• Optional: WD-40 or other lubricant
  

Cylinder Removal Steps

1. Lay the chair down

Position chair with the wheeled base pointed up for easy access to the cylinder. Be sure to protect the table's surface with a blanket. Also, prevent damage to the floor by placing cardboard on the floor where the cylinder will drop when it's removed.

2. Tape the cylinder

Wrap tape around the cylinder to prevent scratches and improve traction as you clamp the cylinder with the pipe wrench.

Apply tape to the cylinder about 1" below the seat. Wrap tape vertically until it covers roughly twice the width of the pipe wrench jaws to prevent damage if any slippage occurs. Continue wrapping  roughly 6 times around with standard masking tape. Thicker tape requires fewer wraps.

3. Remove the seat

Tighten the pipe wrench around the taped section of the post.

Brace the chair and turn the cylinder until it loosens (usually a quarter turn). The first bit of turning can require high force. If the tape rips, reapply and try again. Or use a rag instead of tape to protect the cylinder. In some cases the cylinder can't be removed without damaging it.

4. Remove cylinder from chair base

You're now ready to separate the cylinder from the chair base. This can be done with the chair base partially resting on a table or other raised surface that is protected by a thick blanket or rug.

• It can be helpful but not necessary to spray some WD-40 or similar lubricant around the area where the cylinder and base touch.
• Place the base upside down on a protected, sturdy surface with the cylinder hanging off the side and firmly grip the other side of the base. You can also place the base upside down on a five-gallon bucket or strong trash can.
• Protect the floor surface by placing cardboard or a thick blanket below the cylinder.
• Caution! The cylinder will fall, stand back so it doesn't hit your feet. Wear boots.
• With a soft rubber mallet (or hammer and striking surface as mentioned above), strike the cylinder until it frees. If the rubber mallet isn't effective, try a hammer. The hammer will damage the cylinder but that's sometimes required.

Optional: Replacing the chair cylinder

Replacing the cylinder is much simpler. Follow the assembly instructions provided with the chair to reassemble the chair with a new cylinder. Usually the instructions are as follows:

1. Set the base on the floor

   

2. Place the new cylinder into the base

   

3. Lift the seat and align the cylinder with the hole in the seat's mechanism

   

4. Once the seat is positioned onto the cylinder, sit on the chair to firmly attach the cylinder.