Bar stools are a popular fixture in both kitchens and dedicated bar areas. There are a variety of bar stools that can be purchased, including bar stools that are adjustable with gas hydraulics. Unfortunately, gassed bar stools do not last forever and eventually, you will not be able to adjust them.
You do not have to throw away bar stools that are having trouble adjusting. With a few tools or with expert help, you can have the bar stools regassed.
This article will learn about regassing barstools to extend their life.
Regassing a Bar Stool
If you find it impossible to raise and lower your bar stools, there is a chance that you need to have them regassed. Before jumping into the process of regassing, you will need to assess the condition of the bar stool first.
The stool will not stay up: If you find your bar stool dropping as soon as you sit down, there is a chance the cylinder that contains the Nitrogen gas is either leaking or empty. If this is the case, you will need to have the gas replaced.
The stool will not go down: If the barstool will not go down, it can indicate an issue with the cylinder. It may be a nitrogen gas issue or a broken cylinder.
The good news about both of these issues is that they can be repaired at home with minimal expense, time, and tools.
Tools Needed
If you determine it is time to regas your barstools, you will need to gather tools before you begin.
- Allen Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Rubber Mallet
- Floor Protector
- Eye Protection
- New Gas Lift Cylinder
Once you have gathered the proper tools, you are ready to begin working on regassing the barstools. If you have limited strength, you may need to have the help of another person to complete the task.
Process
The most important thing to remember is that it will take time to complete the repair. If you do not have time to spare, you may not want to begin the project.
Getting Started
The first thing to do is place the barstool on a pad or something to protect the floor area you are working on. You could use something as simple as a sheet or tarp to protect the floor. If you have a garage or similar area, it may be best to move the barstools to that area for the project.
Remove the seat and Stem: The gas components are under the seat, so the first thing you will want to do is remove the seat and stem from your barstool. These parts are held with screws that need to be removed with an Allen wrench.
To remove the seat and stem, you will need to use a bit of pressure and an upward pulling motion. Sometimes this can be tricky to do so you may need the help of another person. If the seat and stem seem to be stuck, you may need to use a rubber mallet to gently tap it lose. Do not use a hammer or anything hard, because you will likely cause damage.
Once the seat and stem are removed, be sure to place the piece in a safe location where it will not get scratched, torn, or dented. Also, be sure to put the screws in a safe place. It would be best to put them into a bag.
Remove the Gas Lift: After removing the stem and seat, you will see the gas lift attached to the base of the chair. The gas lift needs to be removed from the chair base so a replacement can occur. Sometimes, the gas lift may be stuck in the chair base and require a rubber mallet.
Pulling and jerking it loose maybe your first reaction if the gas lift is stuck. Do not do this, because you could cause damage to the housing, which can make the replacement of the new cylinder difficult.
Replace the Cylinder: The final part of the project is replacing the existing cylinder with a new cylinder. After the old cylinder is removed, you can slip the new component into its place. Make sure the new cylinder fits and is properly in place before wrapping the project up.
Put the stool back together: Once you have replaced the cylinder, you need to put the barstool back together. Carefully slide the stem and chair back over the gas lift housing and tighten the screws of the seat. At this point, you should be able to raise and lower your barstool without issue.
As you can see, there are minimal steps to replacing the gas lift in your barstool, but you must follow each one carefully. This project can be completed alone or with help, depending on your ability and comfort level.
Repadding a Barstool
Perhaps your barstools have been regassed and are working great, but you notice the padding could use some work. While this project will involve a bit more time and attention than regassing, it is something that you can do yourself.
Related: Six Hacks to Fix a Wobbly Hydraulic Bar Stool
Gather Your Tools and Materials
You will need a variety of tools and materials before you begin to repeat your barstools. Here are the main things you will need.
- Screwdriver / Allen wrench
- Pliers
- Knife
- Marker
- Adhesive (spray is best)
- Foam
- Extra upholstery
Remove the Seat and Upholstery
Once you have all of the tools and materials you need, you can begin the process. The first thing you will want to do is remove the seat from the barstool. You will need to remove the screws, either with an Allen wrench or screwdriver to remove the seat. Once they are out, carefully lift the seat off.
Under the seat, you will either see a series of small nails or a smooth flat cardboard surface. Carefully remove the cardboard because it is covering the nails that hold the upholstery in place. Carefully remove the nails from the bottom of the seat with the edge of the screwdriver.
Use caution when removing the upholstery because you can cause damage to the fabric or leather. Keeping the upholstery intact is especially important if you are only replacing the padding,
Remove the Old Padding and Measure the New Padding
Carefully remove the old pad from the seat. You may need to slide a screwdriver or knife under the edge of the padding to loosen it. Next, measure the correct size foam piece and carefully cut it out.
Replace The Padding
After you have measured the padding, you will want to place it on the seat to make sure it fits properly. To help secure the padding to the seat, you need to spray adhesive to the seat base and carefully set the pad in place. Spray adhesive sets very quickly so you want to be accurate with your placement.
Replace The Upholstery and Seat
After allowing proper time for the padding to dry on the seat, you are ready to replace the upholstery. The best thing to do is move slowly and make sure it lines up with the seat. Reattach the upholstery with nails or staples and return the seat to the base.
Final Thoughts
You can regas and re-pad barstools at home. You must have time and the proper tools. Before you spend a small fortune to replace your furniture, see what you can do to repair and update it first.