anyone try fixing the HF shop stool hydraulics?

[tipsy]

I have a HF shop stool. The $30 one. Round seat, round tray, with casters. Have had it for many years. this year it has started to sink after sitting on it for a little while. I prefer to not have it locked in at one height. Aside from all the videos online about using a piece of pipe to hold it up, has anyone tried to repair the cylinder?

 

[tipsy]

It would appear that a replacement cylinder is as much as a new stool.

 

[Zmann]

the ones before these pneumatic units had metal balls floating around between the tubes you had to pick up the stool and flip it over to get the balls to drop out of the way and have the seat lower
lol they never failed but sure was a pain

 

[kaymccampbell]

I got mine when they first came out, and it hasn't failed yet. I'm watching this space in case someone solves it.

 

[PassnThru]

Not familiar with that particular stool but it probably uses the same hydraulic unit that every office chair uses. I believe that those are sealed units and can't be repaired. I'm not a 'hydraulic chair repair man' but they appear to be more related to hood and liftgate struts to me and those are definitely not repairable.

 

[PWC Repair]

Does it not use a regular office chair mechanism?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty...trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&redirect=mobile

 

[jmarkwolf]

the ones before these pneumatic units had metal balls floating around between the tubes you had to pick up the stool and flip it over to get the balls to drop out of the way and have the seat lower
lol they never failed but sure was a pain

I've got a pair of jack stands that work that way. Don't use 'em for anything critical but I like 'em.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm not sure what the stool is but one of my Cman stools did the same thing.

I cut a piece of PVC pipe the correct length, used the band saw to cut it vertically, put it in place. I held it there with a couple of hose clamps and then wrapped with duct tape.

Been that way for a year and been fine.

 

[nadogail]

I'm not sure what the stool is but one of my Cman stools did the same thing.

I cut a piece of PVC pipe the correct length, used the band saw to cut it vertically, put it in place. I held it there with a couple of hose clamps and then wrapped with duct tape.

Been that way for a year and been fine.

Sounds like you put a splint on it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sounds like you put a splint on it.

Yeah, pretty much but it works.

 

[aka Larry]

Is a gas-charged cylinder considered 'hydraulic'?

 

[like2wheel]

Is a gas-charged cylinder considered 'hydraulic'?

Yes because it is still an oil filled cylinder, with a gas charge above to help it move when necessary.
If it was gas only, it'd be quite bouncy.

 

[The Cobbler]

.....a couple of hose clamps and then wrapped with duct tape.

.....

OMG, ductape has endless uses . here's another application for it!

 

[southwow]

Laughing as I sit on my sinking HF stool as I type this!

 

[Bert_]

I honestly don't remember how but I did the same thing without splitting the pipe.