Column removal from an office swivel chair base
After first removing the base from the gas cylinder, squirt a shot or two of WD-40 at the topside and underside of the column where it touches the 5 leg with caster wheel base. Sharply whack the side of the column 2-3 times setting up a vibration for the WD-40 to run down into the joint to facillitate removal. This may take a couple of moments, so set it aside while the fluid penetrates into the joint.
Then, turn the base over and set 2-3 legs on a solid work surface for support. The base underside should now be facing you. With a steel hammer strike thin the edge of the column with medium hard blows to drive it out (downward). You can also place a piece of scrap wood on the protruding portion of the column and hammer it out (downward). Nine out of ten can be removed in this manner...sooner or later. If you have a Ten, purchase a new base with included column. Most columns are easily removed. They are not welded in place.
If you are purchasing a new COM style gas cylinder, remove the column. Then remove the cylinder from the mechanism attached to the bottom of the chair seat. Shove the button end of the cylinder up into the mechanism and other (column) end into the base. That's all there is to it when replacing a COM style.
Columns today, and on 10 to 15 year old chairs are 2" (50mm) in diameter. We have an limited stock of 1 3/4" (45mm) columns.
If replacing only the column (not a COM purchase)...be certain to measure the column diameter before ordering. A column diameter will only be 1 3/4" (45mm) or 2" (50mm). Be sure to order the #108 bearing kit with schematic while ordering the column as the kit if ordered separately (about $4.00) does not meet our required $20.00 minimum merchandise purchase.
Installation
Simply drop the column into the center hole of the 5 leg base. No tools needed. Using the chair once or twice is enough to seat the taper very tightly.
Measuring
A column is measured about midway at it's overall length (height) and must be the same diameter as the original. It will be eithera 1 3/4" (45mm) or 2" (50mm) diameter. If you have something else, you are measuring wrong or measuring the wrong part.
