Recliners are among the most popular pieces of furniture in most modern homes. However, every recliner eventually wears out from normal use. When this occurs, a number of things begin to happen. A bolt will come loose, or the recliner will not remain in its reclined position. So, how do you diagnose and resolve the issue? Read on to discover out.
Why Won’t My Recliner Stay in a Reclined Position?
You presumably tried to recline your recliner, and it awkwardly reverted to a sitting posture. This is not a novel or unique situation. Recliners sometimes do this. Here are a few reasons why your chair doesn't stay reclined:
1) Incorrect Assembly
Your recliner chair may not be old, but it has been constructed incorrectly. This is frequent if the assembly or disassembly occurred recently. If this is the case, disassembling and reassembling the recliner chair should resolve the issue.
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Checking the assembly instructions and making any necessary modifications will also guarantee that your recliner mechanism is properly positioned. Wobbling could also be the result of improper assembly. Therefore, ensure that the recliner is strong.
2) Damaged Tension Springs
If your recliner does not stay in the reclining position, it could be because the tension springs have worn out or are damaged. You must first determine whether or not this is the case, which may require disassembling the chair. If your lazy boy recliner's springs have worn out, you may need to replace them.
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Remember that if your recliner spring is damaged, you may be sinking too deeply into the seat. If you have the patience, you may replace the springs yourself; nevertheless, it is recommended that you contact your local recliner merchant for assistance.
3) Loose or Damaged Recliner Mechanism
If your chair still won't stay in a reclined position, the reclining mechanism may be loose or damaged. Bolts and screws can become loose at the attachment places, preventing the recliner from remaining reclined. Furthermore, depending on your recliner type, you may need to tighten the loose screws or replace the components.
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After you have tightened and replaced the parts, lubricating moving parts is a good move to ensure no friction, even with the best swivel chairs.
4) Incorrect Recliner Tension
Recliner tension determines how much force is required to recline the chair. If you sit in the chair and try to recline but find it difficult, lower the recliner tension. If the recliner is too far back for comfort, increase the tension. This is especially suggested for taller and heavier individuals.
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The tension could be too loose, causing the chair to return to an upright posture, preventing the recliner backrest from locking in place or reclining. Adjusting the tension will improve your sitting experience.
5) Mechanical Issues
If you have checked everything and your recliner won't stay reclined, you should consider a mechanical issue. Mechanical issues are usually serious and require professional diagnosis and fixing.
Common Fixes to Keep Your Recliner in Place
Before contacting your local recliner store, there are a few things you can do to fix minor issues.
To adjust the tension:
a) Assess How The Tension Feels
To determine the tension, sit in the recliner and try to recline as you normally would. If you are having difficulty leaning backward or suddenly sinking into the seat, you might have to make a few adjustments.
b) Find The Adjustment Mechanism
The adjustment mechanism is usually under the chair and sometimes on the backrest. Remember, the most common types of adjustment mechanisms are usually bolts, knobs, and a lever.
c) Make Small Adjustments
When adjusting the mechanism, avoid tightening or loosening the nuts or knobs too much. To ensure that the chair has the appropriate tension, make modest and progressive adjustments. Additionally, quarter-turn adjustments are a fantastic option for most recliners.
These additional adjustments should be made with the right equipment, like screwdrivers and locking adjustable pliers. Keep in mind that bolts and screws might pop, so you will need safety goggles.
d) Test The Recliner Mechanism Again
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After you've made all of your adjustments, sit in the recliner and slowly pull out the footrest. It should be smooth enough to maintain the ideal tension. After each adjustment, you can sit in the chair to check you have the ideal settings.
How to Keep Your Recliner Reclined for The Long Term
In the long run, simple maintenance tips will ensure that your recline remains secure and you won't replace any parts soon.
1) Choose a Quality Recliner
Quality doesn't only apply to the upholstery; it applies to the frame as well. Reputable brands of recliner chairs are recommended. Additionally, you should test the recliner at the shop on a flat surface, preferably the floor. If it stays reclined, then it's worth looking into. You should also search online and ensure
2) Clean and Maintain the Recliner
It is impossible to avoid dust. Dirt, dust, and debris are sometimes the common reasons your mechanism refuses to work. Therefore, cleaning these recliner parts ensures your recliner's performance is improved. Using a vacuum or damp cloth, you can remove any particles hindering the chair's work.
3) Avoid Placing Extra Weight on The Footrest
The footrest should not support too much weight; otherwise, it will damage the reclining mechanism over time. Sitting or stepping on the footrest should be avoided. When fully reclined, the footrest can only support the weight of your spread legs.
4) Use the Recliner With Care
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Using force on any part of the recliner is a big no if you want the reclining mechanism to last. Any forceful and excessive movements on the reclining mechanism will cause it to malfunction. To reduce the stress on the mechanism, you should slowly return to an upright position. Using a slipcover for your recliner will keep its fabric looking new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Your Recliner Won’t Stay Reclined
i) How do you keep your recliner in a reclined position?
Turn the wing nuts clockwise to increase the tension and counterclockwise to decrease the tension.
ii) Why won’t my chair stay reclined?
Your recliner's mechanism might need lubrication or a replacement spring. Additionally, it might also need a tension adjustment.
iii) How do I stop my recliner from tipping?
If you put all of your weight on one of the recliner's arms, it will inevitably tip. Furthermore, if the floor is not level, one of the sides will topple over. To counteract this, put your weight in the center of the recliner and place it on a flat, firm surface.
The Bottom Line
Some recliner issues can be resolved with a simple tightening, saving you a significant amount of money. Other issues, however, are more significant and necessitate the involvement of a specialist. In any case, if your recliner isn't remaining in place, these instructions can help.
