Why Do Gaming Chairs Break?
Gaming chairs come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they can break. This may seem like a silly statement, but gaming chairs are often used for long periods of time and can quickly wear down. In this post, we’ll take a look at how gaming chairs break and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Gaming Chairs Break?
Gaming chairs typically break down in one of three different ways: faulty motors, broken frames and casters. Let’s take a closer look at them one by one.
Faulty Motors
The motors inside gaming chairs control the various levers and mechanisms that allow for chair movement like rocking and reclining. While these motors are typically pretty durable, they are still susceptible to wear and tear. The most common reason that a chair’s motor breaks down is that it has been used for many years.
As the mechanisms inside of the motors are moved hundreds or even thousands of times, dust can build up within them. This causes friction which leads to early failure. While this doesn’t typically affect the chair’s ability to sit upright, it does severely impact its ability to recline.
This is typically the least expensive problem to fix. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, then the standard option would be to contact the manufacturer of your chair for warranty coverage.
Broken Frames & Bent Pipes
Gaming chairs have several metal bars and tubes that allow for movement. These include the base of the chair, seat sliders and backrest. If these parts are not properly reinforced, then they can bend or snap under normal use.
This usually occurs because people lean on them with all their weight without first testing to see if it is sturdy enough to support them.
Most chairs have a weight limit that they are able to support. If you weigh more than this, then it could cause the metal bars and tubes to bend or snap under normal use. The good news is that these parts can usually be replaced for just a few dollars online.
There isn’t much you can do to prevent bent pipes and broken frames other than to be careful when using the chair. Make sure that you are always sitting upright and don’t try to lean against the backrest or recline it all the way up without testing its stability first.
Easily Broken Casters
Gaming chairs typically have two front casters which allow them to slide across carpeted surfaces. These casters are often made of cheap plastic which can easily break. This typically occurs because people either slide their chair out in front of them while they stand up, or they push it back in when they sit down.
The best way to prevent this is to simply practice better etiquette. Make sure that you always handle your gaming chairs with care. Don’t let them slide out in front of you while you stand up or push them back in when you sit down. If they are still breaking after that, then there may be something wrong with the caster itself.
Once again, this damage is typically not covered by warranty so you will have to fix it yourself if it happens to you. Luckily, the only thing you will need to replace is the caster. They are incredibly cheap online and can be replaced without any tools.
Fixing Your Gaming Chair
Now that we’ve taken a look at what can go wrong with gaming chairs, let’s take a look at how to fix them when they break. These fixes typically won’t void your warranty either so you can get your money back if they fix the problem.
Faulty Motors
If your chair’s motor breaks down, then there are several different factors that will determine what you have to do to replace it. Each model of gaming chair is different so some will definitely be easier than others. The most common solution is to contact the chair’s manufacturer for assistance.
If you feel comfortable doing it yourself, then there are a few different websites that sell replacement motors. These typically come in two sizes: 12v and 24v. Make sure that you double-check which size your specific model uses before making a purchase though. Another option would be to buy third-party motors that are designed to work with your specific chair.
Broken Frames & Bent Pipes
If you have a broken steel bar or tube in your gaming chair, then it is typically easy to fix by yourself. The most common problem is something known as “sag”. This occurs when the weight of the user causes the metal bars to bend downward. It can occur on either the base of your chair, the seat slider or backrest.
Simply inspect the damaged area closely to determine which part needs to be replaced. Once you know that, then there are several different websites that sell replacement parts for just a few dollars. You will probably need some tools to remove the broken part but it should be easy for most people to do.
Broken Casters
The caster is the wheel at the front end of your gaming chair’s base. It allows you to slide around easily without scratching up your floors or carpet. If this part has broken, then that means that someone tried to move their chair while it was pushed in. Make sure they know not to do this in the future so it doesn’t break on them too.
If your caster is broken, then there are several websites which sell replacements for just a few dollars. You can purchase them online and have them shipped directly to your house. The most common part number for each of these chairs is QL5-6789-V62 and QL2-4189-V47. There are also third party casters which may offer a more durable option for some chairs.
Conclusion
The lessons you should take away from this article is to be careful with the chair while it is in use, prevent others from abusing it, and make sure you know how to fix it in case they do. The tips will definitely help you when it is your turn to use one of these great gaming chairs.
