How to Fix Locks on a Broken Recliner

Move the chair onto its side to gain better access to the components underneath it.

Inspect the hardware under the chair to look for any obstructions. The locks may be jammed because something got stuck in them. Remove any loose change, paper or food debris and see if the locking mechanism starts working again.

Spray the metal joints with lubricant to help them move more smoothly if the latches in the chair are locked. There may be a slight warp in the metal frame due to excess weight, which will increase friction in the latches and prevent them from sliding easily. Lubricant helps correct this if the warping isn't severe.

Adjust the tightness of the latches with either a screwdriver, Allen key or wrench, depending on your specific recliner. The joints are typically held together by bolts that may have either tightened too much over time or loosened to the point where the slides are coming out of alignment and jamming. If a bolt came off entirely, slide it back in and re-tighten it.

Repair any warping in the locking mechanism or the slide arms by carefully hitting them back into alignment with a rubber mallet. The bolts may need adjustment again once the realignment is complete.