Dismantling Electric Recliners: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to dismantle an electric recliner chair

Electric recliner chairs are a convenient way to unwind and relax. However, they can be bulky and challenging to move or repair. The good news is that they can be easily disassembled for transport or storage. Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and a soft cloth to protect the chair's surface. If your chair is electric, disconnect the power source and secure any wires with zip ties. Then, locate the screws and bolts holding the various components together, including the backrest, armrests, footrest, and reclining mechanism. Gently remove these parts, being cautious not to damage any upholstery or mechanisms. Finally, break down the chair into smaller pieces if needed and label each component to simplify the reassembly process.

Characteristics Values
Preparatory steps Ensure there is ample workspace around the recliner by removing any obstacles.
Disconnect power If electric, disconnect the power source to prevent accidental activation during disassembly.
Tools Screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, soft cloth, possibly a saw.
First steps Remove cushions, locate screws holding backrest and armrests, gently pull each section away from the base.
Removing legs Unscrew legs from the base, using pliers to hold the legs in place.
Removing arms Locate bolts connecting the arms, use a wrench to loosen and remove them, gently lift off the arms.
Removing footrest Locate screws holding the footrest, remove with a screwdriver, gently lift off the footrest.
Removing reclining mechanism Turn the chair over, remove the fabric cover, locate bolts/screws holding the mechanism, remove them, lift out the mechanism.
Reassembly Label and group each component, take pictures, keep hardware in plastic bags, and label the components.

shunzap

Prepare your workspace and tools

Dismantling an electric recliner chair can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and preparation, it can be done efficiently and safely. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools:

Clear and Prepare Your Workspace:

Start by choosing a spacious and open area to work in. Move your recliner chair to this workspace, ensuring there is ample room to manoeuvre around the chair and access all sides. If your workspace is near walls, be cautious to avoid any damage to the walls or the chair during the dismantling process.

Gather the Necessary Tools:

Before beginning the dismantling process, ensure you have all the required tools within reach. Here is a list of tools you may need:

  • Screwdrivers: A standard screwdriver and a flat-head screwdriver.
  • Pliers: To hold components in place while unscrewing or removing them.
  • Adjustable Wrench: To loosen and remove bolts.
  • Soft Cloth: To protect the chair's surface and upholstery during the process.
  • Rubber Mallet: To gently tap and release certain components like the backrest.
  • Saw: Although not always necessary, a saw may be required to cut through any stubborn wood or metal connections.

Additional Preparations:

If your recliner chair is electric, it is crucial to disconnect the power source before proceeding. Unplug any cords or batteries to prevent accidental activation during the dismantling process. Additionally, if you plan to reassemble the chair, it is helpful to have plastic bags or containers to organize and store hardware, and painter's tape to label the various components. Taking pictures of the chair before disassembly can also aid in the reassembly process.

By following these preparatory steps, you will be well-equipped to safely and efficiently dismantle your electric recliner chair.

shunzap

Disconnect the power

Before you begin dismantling an electric recliner chair, it is crucial to take some preparatory steps and adhere to safety precautions. Ensure you have a well-prepared toolkit with the necessary tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, a soft cloth, and possibly a saw. It is also important to have ample workspace by removing any obstacles and moving the recliner to an open area.

Now, to disconnect the power:

Firstly, if your recliner is electric or battery-operated, it is essential to disconnect the power source to prevent accidental activation during the disassembly process. Unplug any cords from sources of electricity before proceeding further. This is an important safety measure to avoid any potential hazards.

Next, carefully flip the recliner to expose the underside. The fabric at the base of the chair may be detachable and secured by Velcro or buttons, so carefully remove it to access the inner mechanisms. Use a soft cloth to protect the chair's surface and handle it with care to avoid damaging any upholstery or mechanisms.

Once the underside is exposed, locate the bolts and screws that hold the various components together. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the bolts, and a screwdriver to remove the screws. Gently lift off the arms, footrest, and other detachable parts, setting them aside safely. Remember to label and organize the screws, bolts, and other hardware using painter's tape and plastic bags to make the reassembly process easier.

By following these steps, you can safely disconnect the power and begin dismantling your electric recliner chair.

shunzap

Remove the back

Removing the back of an electric recliner chair is a simple process, but it requires careful handling to avoid damaging the upholstery or mechanisms. Firstly, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a screwdriver, pliers, and possibly a saw. If your chair is heavy, you may need additional tools to help tilt it forward.

To begin, carefully tilt the chair forward so that the backrest is accessible. This angled position will give you access to the locking levers at the base of the backrest. If your recliner has massage, heat, or other power features, disconnect any attached wires before proceeding to avoid strain on the connectors.

Once the chair is in position, locate the screws holding the backrest in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove these screws, being careful not to damage any of the mechanisms or springs. If your recliner has a fabric or leather cover, you may need to remove it to access the screws. After removing the screws, gently pull the backrest up and away from the chair. A gentle rocking motion can help if the backrest feels tight. Continue lifting until the backrest is fully detached.

Now that the backrest is removed, you can take this opportunity to tighten any loose screws on the brackets to ensure stability when reassembling the chair. It is also a good idea to label each component to make reassembly easier.

Electric Shavers: Carry-On Allowed?

You may want to see also

shunzap

Detach the arms and footrest

Before starting to dismantle your electric recliner chair, it is important to take some preparatory steps and adhere to safety precautions. First, ensure there is ample workspace around the chair by removing any obstacles. Next, if your recliner is electric or battery-operated, disconnect the power source to prevent accidental activation during disassembly.

Now, to detach the arms and footrest, follow these steps:

Locating the Bolts and Screws

First, locate the bolts that connect the arms to the chair. You may also find that screws hold the components in place.

Loosening and Removing the Bolts and Screws

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. If there are screws, use a screwdriver to remove them.

Detaching the Arms

Once the bolts or screws have been removed, gently lift the arms from the base and set them aside.

Locating the Footrest Screws

After removing the arms, it's time to remove the footrest. Start by locating the screws that hold the footrest in place.

Removing the Footrest

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, then gently lift the footrest from the base and set it aside.

With these steps, you will have successfully detached the arms and footrest of your electric recliner chair. Remember to keep the removed bolts and screws in a safe place, as you will need them for reassembly.

shunzap

Disassemble the base

To dismantle the base of an electric recliner chair, first, turn the recliner onto its back. Then, remove all the glides by loosening the bolts threaded through them. There will usually be four glides per seat section. Next, pull out the pins from the motor mount. There will typically be one pin per seat section.

Now, remove the cross rails. Each seat section will then be separated, making it easier to move. If your recliner has a centre console, you will find locking levers on the frames between the console and the seats. If your recliner does not have a centre console, you will need to stick your hands into the rear seams on the right and left sides of the sofa to locate the locking levers.

Once you have located the locking levers, use a flathead screwdriver or your fingertips to loosen and raise each lever to release the seat backs. After unlocking the levers, carefully lift the back out of its frame. Some models have removable bars bolted to the base, which can be unfastened to release the individual seats.

If your recliner chair has armrests, use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the fasteners, then pull the armrests upwards to detach them from the base.

Frequently asked questions

Before you start, make sure you have enough space to work in and move the chair away from the wall. Gather the necessary tools, including a screwdriver, pliers, and possibly a saw. If your chair is electric, unplug it from its power source and manage any wires with zip ties.

Carefully flip the chair to expose its underside. The fabric at the base may be detachable and secured by Velcro or buttons, so remove this if necessary. Then, locate the bolts that connect the arms to the chair and use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen and remove them.

Locate the screws that hold the footrest in place and remove them with a screwdriver. Gently lift the footrest away from the base. To remove the reclining mechanism, turn the chair over and remove the fabric or leather cover from the bottom. Then, locate the bolts or screws that hold the mechanism in place and remove them.

Once you've removed the reclining mechanism, gently lift it out of the base. You can then break down the chair into smaller pieces for easier transportation or disposal. A saw may be required for any remaining wood or metal connections. Remember to label and group each component to make reassembly easier.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment