How to fix a recliner that won’t close ? Easy Fixing

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How to fix a recliner that won’t close? Honestly! What is the point of having a recliner in the first place if it isn’t closing properly? If there is damage that’s been caused, it will make very difficult for you to use the chair and your entire living room will be a mess. You have to step on the footrest in order to climb in that comfy chair and truth be told if the mechanism stops working, you will have to keep your chair open at all times.

This isn’t an option so what you need to do is fix it right away and we will help you out.

There are numerous ways through which you can fix a recliner that won’t close. You will have to pay some extra attention to figure out where the damage was caused. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Just go through our quick guide to fix your recliner and you’ll be done with it in no time.

A few reasons why your recliner isn’t closing

The way to fix a problem starts with figuring out why the problem occurred in the first place. There are several reasons why your recliner isn’t closing especially if you use it regularly. It’s probably isn’t your fault but you should know whenever you use any piece of furniture on daily basis, it is more prone to wear and tear.

We are mentioning a few possibilities down below to help you understand why your recliner isn’t closing anymore. All these reasons revolve around the internal mechanism of moving your footrest. It depends on what kind of mechanism your recliner comes with. Take a look at a few possible reasons why your recliner won’t close,

• The latch mechanism might be loose

• The release cable might be broken

• Loose springs

• Rusted screws

• The internal screws could be loose

If you can see, all the reasons we have mentioned indicate that one component of the mechanism has become too worn out. As a result, your chair goes into the naturally reclined position however, that’s not just it. There are a few other problems that can cause issues as well with the recliner.

One cause could be too much padding around the footrest that prevents the recliner from sealing and staying in an upright position. If you find out this is the problem with your recliner, you can easily remove some fabric and extra padding and close the recliner efficiently.

Another common factor can be zero lubrication in the internal mechanism. To fix this, you will have to open up the recliner completely and lubricate the components by applying oil to the joints. You will have to get access to different tools depending on the issue you have at hand.

Tools you will need before you begin

Normally, fixing the closing problem of a recliner doesn’t need professional assistance. You can easily have the recliner fixed at home just by doing some DIY stuff. But, before you begin, you will need a few tools doesn’t matter which part of your recliner is broken.

Try the following tools at your home all the time to fix anything and everything,

• Screwdriver
• A small wrench
• A file
• Lubricating oil
• Rags

However, in case you think the problem cannot be fixed by you, try and get in touch with a professional before doing any added experiments.

How to fix a recliner that won’t close?

There are two ways through which you can fix your broken recliner. Both of these ways require you to turn the recliner on its side so you can examine where the damage has been caused.

Also read a detailed answer to the most asked question: How To Fix A Recliner Footrest ?

Basic repairing technique

We have mentioned a few possibilities that could be causing your recliner’s mechanism to fail. We always suggest that it is a better choice to go through the entire process through a step-by-step guide which is exactly what you’re in for. The basic technique for fixing the problem you have with your recliner solves all kinds of issues there could be with internal mechanisms.

We have found through the following steps, you will be able to fix most of the problems that regular recliners have so let’s see,

• First, you will have to turn your recliner over to the side

• Take a look underneath the recliner and find out if the screws keeping the frame tightened have become loose or not.

• Don’t forget to keep rags over the material of your recliner so it can protect the cushions from any lubricant that may leak

• Now use the lubricating oil and spray all the components of the mechanism.

• Check the handle and try to free the chair. The footrest will begin to close at this point.

• Also, apply oil to the movable joints so they can free the chair of any rusted components.

• Clean up all the access oil with the rag and you’re good to go

Alternative technique

If the previous method didn’t work, you can try and use this alternative method to fix your recliner.

• You will have to turn the recliner over on to the side that doesn’t have the handle

• Stretch the footrest by using the handle a little more than it is designed to come out. This will expose an internal spring

• The spring comes with an “L” rod that you will have to identify

• Take a look at the “L” rod closely and figure out if there is a burr on the metal

• If you find it, remove it and then smooth down the metal carefully

• The spring will now be able to snap back and push the footrest into its accurate place

• Also, don’t forget to lubricate the components in this method as well.