How to Fix a Recliner Chair Back Fast – Simple Instructions

As inflation rises and the cost of everything becomes more expensive, it’s time to stop merely buying new things and instead, try to fix what may be broken. A recliner chair can be a major investment and if it needs to be fixed, it’s better to put your DIY skills to the test. We’ll help you learn more about how to fix a recliner chair back and give you some tips and advice on how to achieve this. You might be surprised that it’s easier than it looks!

Types of Recliner Chair Backs

There are different styles of recliner backs and they may be attached differently. Before you start tugging hard in frustration, examine your chair and look to see if they fit one of these three categories.

Locking catches

Recliners with locking catches will automatically snap once you slide them into place. You can release the tabs on these catches with your hands or, if you are struggling this way, with a flat screwdriver.

Locking levers

Recliners with locking levers will have brackets on either side of the back. These brackets then slide into metal posts that can be found in the seat. To lock the back into position, the levers need to be flipped downward.

Bolted backs

Recliners with bolted backs have seat posts that are attached with bolds. You will need to move the seat panel to find the bolts but they should be simple to remove.

How to Fix a Broken Recliner Back

Here are the steps you will want to take to fix the back of your recliner. Make sure you have all the necessary tools ahead of time for a smoother experience. If you don’t already have a tool set, we recommend the Precision Screwdriver Set as it has 122 pieces that can all fit inside a handy carrying case.

Be sure to remove any accessories on your recliner. For example, you may have a device such as the SEG Direct Lumbar Support Pillow. Even though it looks secure on your chair, a lot of movement is needed to take the back on and off, so it’s best to remove it instead of accidentally damaging it.

1. Remove the back

This can be the hardest part of fixing a recline back, so take your time. Also, remember that you will have to do all this in reverse in the final step, so the more you understand these steps, the easier the whole process will be. Finally, be aware of any health issues you may have, such as wrist pain Trusted Source Wrist pain - Symptoms and causes Wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries. But wrist pain also can result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. www.mayoclinic.org or mobility issues. While you don’t have to be super fit for this step, you do want to be able to hold some weight easily with your body.

Your recliner will probably have the ability to move slightly, so gently pull it forward. This will give you more visibility. You should be able to find the locking bracket. This is a small metal piece and there should be two, one on either side of the recliner back.

With the locking bracket, push and pop it up. All brackets are a bit different so you may need to try a few ways to get it up.

Once you have the locking bracket up, you can then place the recliner back in its normal position. Then, gently rock the back by tilting it upwards and sideways, which will then release the entire piece.

2. Check and tighten brackets

Once you have the back off, it’s time to do a little bit of maintenance. There are brackets inside the back that will naturally become loose as you use the recliner and move it around. You can then tighten these screws to put them back in their original position.

You may also see screws that are attached to the recliner itself. Be sure to tighten these to further increase your stability.

3. Reattach the back

Once everything is tightened, it’s time to replace the back of your recliner chair. You’re pretty much following the steps in part one but in reverse.

Start by aligning the back with the chair and moving the brackets together. It helps if you roll the chair slightly forward. Then, you can secure the locking levers by pushing them down.

Finally, move the recline back into its normal position. Gently test the recliner out but don’t sit on it just yet. Instead, move it forward and back and side to side. If you hear any creaking, this is a sign the screws are too tight, and you may need to repeat the steps again.

For those that have more advanced recliner variations, such as this list of the best lay-flat recliners, you can test out the mechanics as well. Just don’t put all your weight on the chair until you are sure the screws and latches are secure.

Recliner Chair Maintenance Tips

We suggest finding the best type of recliner to meet your needs. This way, you won’t inadvertently damage your chair by using it the wrong way.

If you are someone who loves to lay back and nap the afternoon away Trusted Source Napping: Dos and donts for healthy adults Unsure whether napping is good for you? Understand the pros and cons and the best way to take a nap. www.mayoclinic.org , this list of the best catnapper recliners will allow you to sleep in peace. Because they move so far backward, you won’t be pushing the recliner past its limits.

Likewise, if you have lower back pain, finding an ergonomic style such as this list of the best recliners for back pain means you won’t be shifting around to find a comfortable style, which can strain the screws.

If you ever hear any noises or cracks when adjusting your recliner, it’s better to take the back apart and look for damage before it becomes more of an issue.

Final Thoughts

A recline is an amazing piece of furniture. It allows you to sit comfortably, reduce back pain Trusted Source Back pain - Symptoms and causes Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. www.mayoclinic.org , and enjoy your surroundings. Due to the frequent movements of recliners, the internal mechanisms may need some extra support. It might seem daunting to take the chair apart but they are actually built for easy maintenance. The more you know about how to fix a recliner chair back, the longer your beloved piece of furniture will last. It will also save you some money, which in this day and age, we can all use a bit more of.

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