How to Stop Your Office Chair From Squeaking (7 Steps)

Step 1: Check the Bolts and Screws

The first thing you should do to fix your squeaky office chair is turn the chair over and check the nuts, bolts, and screws.

Over time, they can become loose. If that happens, you might get some squeaking out of the chair.

If you find a loose screw or bolt, tighten it and try the chair again to see if that fixes the problem. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Apply Oil

Look for the working mechanisms of the chair while you have it turned over.

Apply oil to these areas as well as to all of the nuts, bolts, and screws. Once the oil is applied, pat it dry with the cloth.

Check the chair again to see if that fixes the squeak. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Remove Screws and Apply Oil

If neither of the first two steps worked, you’ll have to do a little more work.

Start by removing the nuts, bolts, and screws of the chair. You may want to do a small section at a time so you don’t forget where everything goes.

Once the screws are removed, apply the oil to them. You can pat them dry or allow them a few minutes to dry.

When they are dry, put them back where they belong. Try the chair again and see if that fixes the squeak.

Step 4: Apply More Oil

If your office chair is still squeaking at this point, you’ll want to enlist the help of a friend.

Have them sit in the chair so you can try to pinpoint the cause of the squeak easier.

Apply oil to the areas the squeaking sound is coming from.

Have your friend adjust the chair and swivel it as you apply the oil so you can check for other areas that might be contributing to the noise.

Step 5: Fix the Springs

The springs in the back of the chair allow you to lean. If leaning is what causes the squeaking, you’ll need to fix the springs.

To do this, locate the tension spring in the seat. It can be found in the turn-knob housing on the chair.

Loosen and remove the turn knob. Once you have it out, apply oil to the housing and the knob.

Pat the oil dry and replace the knob.

Step 6: Oil the Wheels

The wheels might be the culprit of the squeak since repeated use can cause friction. Turn the chair over and go wheel by wheel, applying the silicone spray.

Once you have each wheel sprayed down, flip the chair upright and roll it around the floor to spread the silicone over the entire wheel.

Try the chair out again. If none of these fixed the squeaking issue, it might be time to get a new one—or just find a way to deal with the noise!

Step 7: Sit Gently

Once you get the squeaking fixed, you don’t want it to start all over again. Flopping down into an office chair can cause it to wear down quickly.

By sitting gently in the chair, you spare the joins and bolts some added pressure. This will reduce the rate at which they loosen and break down