You have a recliner. That’s great! Why? Well because all models are designed taking into account anatomic features of a human body that in turn provides uniform distribution of load on your spine.
According to Benjamin, designer and the owner of ReclinerFAQ, recliners typically support two basic positions: upright (the backrest is reclined by about one 100 degrees, the footrest is hidden) and relaxed position – this option is suitable for relaxation, sleeping, reading your favorite book. In it, the recliner is completely unfolded, the backrest is reclined by 130-146 degrees. The footrest is fully raised … that is, of course, if it is not broken.
If you favorite recliner’s footrest started malfunctioning, don’t rush to throw it away! Because there’s a way out and I will tell you what to do. Even if you are not a furniture guy and have absolutely no experience in this, you can surely fix it on your own. But first
- Try to learn the footrests’ mechanism to find out what caused your footrest to stop operating normally. Most often everyone has the same issues, so don’t panic.
- If you don’t use your footrest gently, it may start malfunctioning pretty fast. Even if it’s brand new and you think it still has a long life, that’s not a reason to slam it down all the time. All in all, it will eventually get broken anyway, so be nice with your footrest, as with the whole recliner.
- Think about the warranty. If the recliner’s still covered with it – address the manufacturer immediately. It will save your time, nerves and money. Well, a few bucks for sure.
- Maybe just a tiny screw got lost or loosened and you just need to change/tighten it. By the way, it’s best to pay attention to the condition of the recliner fasteners and even change them periodically to avoid possible malfunction issues.
Ok, enough with reasons. Let’s get to the process.
Tools you will need:
- Screwdriver
- Lubricant oil
- Old newspaper
- Spare parts
- Disposable cloth
First attempt
- Unfold the footrest and stretch it to the maximum.
- Flip your recliners upside down.
- See what’s been hiding underneath.
- There’s supposed to be a bracket inside the footrest, fastened tightly by the screws.
- Check if they are tightened well. If they are not, take a screwdriver and tighten all the screws (but not too much).
- If you notice that the holes are all stripped off, or the screws are worn out, or the size is weird, you should replace them with new ones. Better use longer ones so they could reach the top of the footrest and hold it firmly. Check if they are snug as well.
- Turn the chair upright.
- There you have it. Supposed to work now.
If your footrest stops working when locked up in the upright position.
Your recliner should move smooth and silent, make no noise and don’t get stuck even for a mini-second. If you feel it has stopped working smoothly or gets stuck in a certain position, it probably needs some oil. You can sprinkle some spray oil on the footrest mechanism. But first:
- Protect the material underneath the footrest so doesn’t get greasy and stained.
- Open the cover of your recliner and unscrew all the screws that hold the wooden frame and the metal bar.
- Spray oil into every single joint. Each of them has to be oiled! Don’t leave any joint without your attention. You can also get a special leather brush and have fun with it. I mean, clearly the upholstery in case it gets stained.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe out all the excess oil.
- There you go. All better now?
No?
Ok, then it’s, most probably, about the adjusting mechanism then. In case your footrest gets locked up only in up and down position then, probably, it’s not supposed to be that way. Right? It has to get locked in any position in between as well! So, apparently, the adjusting mechanism is the one to blame this time.
- Flip your recliner upside down to see the adjusting mechanism… the one that’s usually responsible for the major malfunctioning of recliners. And that’s like the worst thing to deal with.
- Find a ratchet mechanism that makes the footrest to stay in certain positions.
- Loosen all the screws, springs, and pins with a screwdriver and get to the ratchet.
- See the bar attached to it and the seat? Remove it.
- Once you have done that, you can now move the footrest up and down. The ratchet is a sort of a long rod, it has 2 tiny springs attached to its edge. There are also 2 pins on the sides. Try moving the rod by hand by pulling the two springs a little.
- Oh, yes. If the springs are broken, buy new ones.
- You’ve got to take the entire ratchet out of the footrest mechanism. Perhaps, you should but a new ratchet.
- Fix the bar you removed earlier.
If everything’s done right, your feet (and you) can relax with no frustration.
Author’s bio: Benjamin Taylor shares the best of the DIY and decorating tips that he can, and tries to get as many friends as possible! He loves networking with other decorating professionals to expand his knowledge and try some new techniques.