Desk Chair Tilt Adjustment Problems

About Desk Chairs

• Whether you prefer stationary or mobile, with arms or without, high back or low back, with footrest or without, leather, cloth, in a number of colors and textures, you can find the right chair for your needs. You can even find chairs to accommodate health problems. A few basic features are recommended for most people when trying out a desk chair. Sit and push your hips to the back of the chair. Your hips should be equal to or slightly higher than your knees, with your thighs parallel to the floor. Ensure that one to three fingers of distance exist between the backs of your knees and the seat edge, according to the University of California Los Angeles Ergonomics website.

Desk Chair Adjustments

• Each type of desk chair has its own controls for adjustment. Your owner’s manual will provide information on the location of these controls and what they do. The seat pan adjustment positions the backrest in and out to provide various degrees of lumbar support. The height of the backrest may also be adjustable. Adjust the controls to ensure that the seat fits snugly into the curve of your back, and that your back is fully supported.

Chair Tilt Adjustment

• Tilt adjustment is often on the right side of desk chairs, in front of the seat adjustment control. Releasing the lever generally activates the tilt. The control is then adjusted from the control in front of the pedestal of the chair. The tilt tension should be adjusted so that the chair reclines when you shift your weight, not when you push with your feet or hips. If you prefer the chair not recline at all, tighten the tilt control or use the lock position if the chair has one. A forward tilt mechanism might also be available that can be adjusted to your needs.

Chair Tilt Adjustment Problems

• Adjusting the tilt feature can be tricky. The tilt is dependent on your weight as well as your point of balance. If you share a desk chair with other people, you might find serial adjustments and re-adjustments might be necessary to keep the chair in the right tilt for your work position. Another problem occurs when the locking mechanism is broken and the chair tilts backward to its full extent. This problem could require replacement of the tilt mechanism by a technician.