How Does a Professional Office Chair Manufacturer Identify the Real Cause of a Loose Armrest?

For many B2B partners—including office furniture wholesalers, retailers, and project contractors—loose armrests are one of the most common issues reported by end-users. Whether you are dealing with executive chairs, mesh office chairs, or ergonomic seating, understanding how to quickly diagnose the problem can greatly improve your professional support to clients.

1. Start With Basic Inspection: Are the External Screws Loose?

In most cases, loose armrests are caused by screws gradually loosening over time. Begin by checking the connection points between the armrest and the seat base. You will usually see several visible screws. Using the appropriate tool (commonly an Allen wrench included with the chair), tighten them gently.
Be sure not to use excessive force to avoid stripping the screw threads. This is the simplest issue to fix and often resolves the problem immediately.

2. If External Screws Are Tight, Check the Internal Structure

If all visible screws are already secure but the armrest still shakes, the issue may come from the internal mechanism. Many adjustable armrests—whether they move up and down or forward and backward—depend on an internal central screw or bolt.
When this part becomes loose, the entire armrest loses stability. Resolving this often requires removing the armrest cover to access the internal fixing point. If you are unsure how to disassemble it properly, it’s best to stop and avoid accidental damage.

3. Consider Wear, Tear, or Material Aging

For chairs that have been used for many years, structural instability may be caused by aged plastic components, cracks, or worn metal joints. These issues generally cannot be fixed by tightening screws and instead require replacement parts.
This is why choosing a supplier with dependable after-sales service is essential for B2B customers.

        Reliable Support From a Professional Manufacturer

        For wholesalers, retailers, and project buyers looking for long-term partners, strong production capability and after-sales support matter.
Shunmas, a professional office chair manufacturer and experienced ergonomic chair factory, specializes in ergonomic seating, mesh office chairs, leather chairs, and executive chairs. With over 15 years of manufacturing experience and up to 5 years of warranty support, we provide dependable and consistent service for B2B clients worldwide.