There’s nothing quite as annoying as a squeaky office chair. Whether you’re in the middle of a Zoom meeting, deep in focus mode, or simply shifting your weight, that high-pitched creak can be a constant distraction. Beyond the irritation, squeaks can be a sign that your chair needs some basic maintenance—something most of us tend to ignore until the noise becomes unbearable. . Fortunately, with only a few tools, you can learn how to fix a squeaky office chair in 5 easy steps.

Key Takeaways:

• A noisy office chair can be easily fixed in most cases by following these 5 simple steps: identify the source, tighten loose screws and bolts, lubricate moving parts, clean away dust and debris, and test and repeat. 
• Regular maintenance is crucial to maintain a functioning office chair.
• If necessary, consider professional help for persistent issues.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy, practical steps to identify and fix the most common causes of squeaky office chairs. This is perfect for anyone working from home or maintaining a shared office space.

Why is My Office Chair Squeaking?

Pinpointing why your office chair is having squeaky sounds is the crucial first step towards a solution. Think of it as diagnosing the problem before reaching for the toolbox. Often, the squeak is a symptom of a simple underlying issue, and understanding the common causes will make the subsequent steps much more effective. Here are some of the usual suspects behind that office chair squeaks:

• Loose Screws and Bolts: The various screws and bolts holding your chair together can gradually loosen over time. 
• Lack of Lubrication: Over time, the original lubrication on these parts can wear away, leading to friction and noise as they rub against each other. 
• Worn or Damaged Components: Bushings, springs within the seat or backrest, or even the gas cylinder can deteriorate and start causing noise.  
• Dust and Debris: Believe it or not, dust and debris can create friction and contribute to squeaking, especially in the joints and mechanisms.

As Mike Handelsman, a furniture and foam expert of FoamOrder, explains, 

“What happens with chairs, especially ones that have been around long enough, is that the foam padding inside the seat or backrest compresses unevenly over time. And that shifts how the chair’s components align because then the bolts in your seat plate or backrest will wiggle loose..“

How to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair in 5 Easy Steps

Before you start, it’s important to have the right tools ready. Here’s a rundown of the typical toolkit for tackling a squeaky office chair:

• Screwdriver Set (Phillips and Flathead)
• Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys)
• Lubricant (WD-40 Multi-Use Product, silicone spray, or lithium grease
• Clean Cloth or Rag

To fix a squeaky office chair, start by tightening any loose bolts or screws. Next, apply a lubricant like WD-40 or silicone spray to the squeaky areas, such as the chair wheels and seat tension mechanism. If the noise continues, you may need to replace worn parts or consult a professional for repairs.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process better:

Step 1: Identify the Source of the Squeak

Before you start tightening screws or spraying lubricant, the most crucial step is to pinpoint exactly where that annoying sound is originating. A seemingly general squeak might actually be coming from a very specific point. The best way to do this is to systematically test the different moving parts of your chair. Mike Andelsman advises:

“If the foam is super compressed or damaged, I’d swap it out with fresh high-density foam. If it still squeaks, you need to check the bushings and washers. Because they’re usually made from cheap plastic parts, they’re bound to degrade over time.”

You can also use the following guide to help determine the exact cause of your squeaky office chair:

Step 2: Tighten Loose Screws and Bolts

Now that you’ve probably found where the squeak is coming from, the next simple fix is to check for any loose screws or bolts in that area. Grab your screwdriver set and Allen wrenches, and take a good look at the fasteners nearby. Try gently tightening each one—use firm, steady pressure, but don’t overdo it. You’re aiming for snug, not super tight, since overtightening can strip threads or damage the chair. If you spot any missing screws or bolts, you’ll likely need to grab replacements from a hardware store or order them online.

Step 3: Lubricate Moving Parts

If tightening the screws didn’t fully stop the squeak—or if it sounds like it’s coming from parts rubbing together—your next move is lubrication. Look for the joints, hinges, or mechanisms that seem to be making the noise. For example, if the squeak happens when you lean back, check the pivot points on the backrest.

When you’re ready to apply lubricant, aim for precision. That little straw that comes with WD-40 is super helpful for getting into tight spots. Here’s a handy video that shows exactly how to use WD-40 to fix a squeaky office chair:

Step 4: Clean Away Dust and Debris

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Accumulated dust, dirt, and debris can work their way into the moving parts of your office chair and cause friction, leading to those irritating squeaks. Take your clean cloth or rag and thoroughly wipe down all the joints, mechanisms, and areas around where the squeak seems to be originating. 

Step 5: Test and Repeat

Now, sit in your chair and move around just like you did when you first heard the squeak. Rock back and forth, swivel, adjust the height—really test it out. If the squeak’s gone, awesome! Problem solved.

But if you still hear it, don’t worry—it happens. There might be more than one spot causing the noise, or maybe the first round of tightening or lubrication didn’t quite do the trick. Just head back to Step 1 and take another pass at tracking it down. As Mike concludes:

“A few small steps like these will really extend the life of your chair over time and also keep your chair quiet and comfy.”

When It’s Time to Replace Your Chair

Sometimes a persistent squeak is a sign of a bigger issue. If your chair still makes noise—and especially if it feels wobbly, won’t adjust properly, or just doesn’t feel secure—it could mean something more serious, like a failing gas cylinder or internal damage. Age matters too. Most office chairs last around 5 to 10 years, depending on how often they’re used and how well they’re built. If yours is getting up there in years and showing signs of wear, it might be time to ask whether it’s worth repairing or if you’d be better off investing in a new one.

Tired of that squeak? Consider upgrading to one of our modern ergonomic chairs for ultimate comfort and support. Explore our collection today!

Wrapping It Up: Finally Fixing That Squeaky Chair

A squeaky office chair might start as a small annoyance, but it can quickly turn into a real distraction. The good news? Fixing it is usually easier than you’d think. With a little time and a few basic tools, you can track down the source of the noise, tighten things up, and add some lubrication where it’s needed. That’s often all it takes to get your chair quiet again and your focus back on track. And don’t forget—doing a bit of regular maintenance now and then can help keep those squeaks from coming back.

FAQs

Is a squeaky chair bad?

A squeaky chair often indicates a loose or broken part, which can sometimes be fixed with simple maintenance like tightening screws or applying lubricant. However, if the squeaking persists or the chair is severely damaged, it may be time to replace it.

What lubricant to use for an office chair?

To keep your office chair moving smoothly, use WD-40® Multi-Use Product for most areas—except the airlift piston. This versatile lubricant works well to reduce friction in joints and wheels.

Can I use oil instead of WD-40?

Vegetable oil can be used as a lubricant alternative to WD-40®. It’s an accessible and inexpensive option that’s safe to apply on a variety of surfaces, including metal and plastic.

How often should I perform maintenance on my office chair to prevent squeaking?

To proactively prevent your office chair from squeaking, aim to perform basic maintenance every few months. This includes checking and tightening all accessible screws and bolts and applying a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts. Regular cleaning to remove dust and debris can also contribute to a quieter chair.