How do Lazy Boy recliners come apart? understanding this is essential for anyone looking to move, repair, or simply refresh their beloved chair. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to disassembling your Lazy Boy recliner.
Step 1: Preparation
Before you begin the task of disassembling your Lazy Boy recliner, it’s crucial to prepare your workspace adequately. This step ensures safety and efficiency throughout the process.
Select a Suitable Area:
Choose a spacious and well-lit area in your home, such as a living room or a garage. The space should be large enough to accommodate the recliner in various positions – upright, fully reclined, and possibly turned upside down.
Clear the Space:
Remove any nearby furniture or objects that could obstruct your movement or get damaged during the disassembly process. This includes coffee tables, decorative items, or other chairs.
Ensure Adequate Lighting:
Good lighting is essential for seeing small components and understanding how parts fit together. If the natural lighting isn’t sufficient, consider setting up additional lamps or a portable work light.
Gather Necessary Tools:
Although many Lazy Boy recliners are designed to come apart with minimal tools, it’s wise to have a few on hand.
These might include a Phillips-head screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench. Having these tools within reach will save time and prevent interruptions.
Protect Your Flooring:
Disassembly can sometimes scratch or scuff floors. Lay down a drop cloth or old blanket under and around the recliner to protect your flooring, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors.
Safety First:
If you’re not confident about handling heavy parts alone, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. It’s better to be safe, especially when maneuvering bulky items like the back or base of the recliner.
Take Photos for Reference:
Before you start, consider taking a few pictures of the recliner from different angles. These photos can serve as a useful reference when you reassemble the chair.
Step 2: Locate the Release Mechanisms
Locating the release mechanisms on your Lazy Boy recliner is a crucial step in the disassembly process. These mechanisms are typically found on the back of the chair and are designed for easy access.
Position the Recliner:
Carefully tilt the recliner backwards or turn it over to access the underside. Ensure the chair is stable in this position to prevent any sudden movements.
Identify the Release Mechanisms:
Look for any levers, screws, or latches along the back of the recliner. These are usually located at the lower end of the backrest and may be concealed under the fabric or upholstery.
Understand Different Types of Mechanisms:
Lazy Boy recliners may have different types of release mechanisms. Common types include:
Levers: These are typically metal and may require a firm push or pull.
Screws: These might need a screwdriver, preferably a Phillips-head or a flat-head, depending on the screw type.
Latches: These could be simple flip latches that you can release with your fingers.
Check for Fabric or Upholstery Coverings:
Sometimes, the release mechanisms are covered by fabric or a flap of upholstery. Gently lift or move these coverings aside to gain access.
Examine the Mechanism Closely:
If it’s not immediately clear how the mechanism works, take a moment to inspect it. Avoid forcing any parts, as this could damage the recliner.
Step 3: Removing the Back
Once you’ve successfully located and understood the release mechanisms, the next step is to carefully disengage them to remove the back of the recliner.
Disengage the Mechanisms:
If there are levers, gently push or pull them as required. They should move smoothly without excessive force.
If screws are present, use the appropriate screwdriver to loosen and remove them. Keep these screws in a safe place as you will need them for reassembly.
For latches, gently flip or slide them to release the back.
Remove the Back with Care:
Once the mechanisms are disengaged, stand behind the recliner. Firmly grasp each side of the backrest and gently lift it upwards.
The back should slide off the main frame. If it doesn’t, check if there are any additional fasteners or if the release mechanisms need further disengagement.
Avoid Jerky Movements:
Lift the back steadily and avoid any sudden jerks. Jerky movements could damage the alignment or the locking mechanism.
Ask for Assistance if Needed:
If the back is too heavy or awkward for you to handle alone, don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s important to prioritize your safety.
Step 4: Detaching the Seat
After removing the back of your Lazy Boy recliner, the next step is to detach the seat from the base. This step is essential for a thorough disassembly, especially if you’re planning to move the recliner through narrow doorways or tight spaces.
Inspect for Fasteners:
Begin by examining the area where the seat connects to the base. Look for screws, bolts, or other types of fasteners. These are typically located along the sides or underneath the seat.
Choose the Right Tools:
Depending on the type of fasteners used, you’ll need an appropriate screwdriver (Phillips-head or flat-head) or a wrench. It’s advisable to have a set of different sizes handy, as the size of the screws or bolts can vary.
Loosen the Fasteners:
Carefully loosen and remove each screw or bolt. If you encounter resistance, do not force it as this might strip the screws or damage the recliner’s frame. Instead, apply a lubricant like WD-40 and allow it to penetrate before trying again.
Organize the Components:
As you remove each fastener, keep them in a safe place. Using small containers or zip-lock bags to hold screws and bolts can prevent them from getting lost.
Labeling these containers based on where each fastener came from can be extremely helpful during reassembly.
Note the Assembly:
Pay attention to how the seat is attached to the base. Observe any brackets, clips, or additional components that might be part of the assembly. Taking pictures at this stage can be very useful for remembering the correct orientation and placement of each part.
Gently Detach the Seat:
Once all fasteners are removed, gently lift the seat off the base. It might be helpful to rock the seat gently to ease it off any alignment pins or clips.
Handle with Care:
Be mindful of any wires or mechanisms that might still be connected between the seat and the base, especially in recliners with electrical components like heating or massage functions.
Seek Assistance if Necessary:
If the seat is heavy or difficult to maneuver, don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s important to handle each part safely to avoid personal injury or damage to the recliner.
Step 5: Separating the Base
The separation of the base from the rest of your Lazy Boy recliner is a pivotal step in the disassembly process. This step requires careful handling to ensure that the base is removed without damaging the chair.
Examine the Base Connection:
Start by closely inspecting how the base is attached to the rest of the chair. Look for any visible fasteners such as bolts, screws, or clips that might be securing the base.
Identify Any Fasteners:
If there are retaining bolts or screws, identify the correct tool needed for their removal. This could be a specific size of wrench or screwdriver. Make sure the tool fits perfectly to avoid stripping the fasteners.
Remove Fasteners Carefully:
Unscrew or unbolt any fasteners you find, doing so gently to avoid damaging the recliner’s frame or the base itself. Keep a steady hand and apply even pressure.
Lifting the Base:
Once all fasteners are removed, prepare to lift the base. If the base is heavy or awkward to handle, it’s wise to ask someone for help. Lift with your legs, not your back, to prevent injury.
Check for Connected Mechanisms:
Before completely separating the base, ensure there are no cables, wires, or mechanical links still connected to the rest of the chair, especially in power recliners.
Store the Base Safely:
Place the base in a designated area where it won’t be tripped over or damaged. If possible, rest it on a soft surface to prevent scratches or dents.
Step 6: Organizing Components
Organizing the components of your Lazy Boy recliner during disassembly is key to a smooth and efficient reassembly process.
Keep Track of All Parts:
As you remove screws, bolts, and small parts, keep them in a safe and organized manner. Small containers, zip-lock bags, or envelopes can be very useful for this purpose.
Label Each Set of Components:
Labeling each container with a description of where the parts came from will save time and confusion during reassembly. You can use a marker or sticky notes for this.
Take Photographs:
In addition to labeling, consider taking photographs of how the parts fit together before removing them. This visual reference can be extremely helpful, especially if you encounter any confusion when putting the recliner back together.
Avoid Mixing Different Sets of Screws:
Keep screws and bolts from different parts of the recliner separate. Mixing them up can lead to confusion, as some may be specific to certain parts of the chair.
Store the Components in a Safe Place:
Choose a location where the small parts won’t be disturbed or lost. A shelf or a drawer away from high traffic areas is ideal.
Check for Missing Parts:
Before moving on, do a quick check to ensure you haven’t missed any small components. Finding a missing screw after reassembly can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Step 7: Final Checks
After successfully disassembling your Lazy Boy recliner, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection of all the parts.
This final check not only ensures that each component is in good condition but also provides an excellent opportunity to clean and repair any parts if necessary.
Inspect Each Part for Wear and Tear:
Examine each component closely for signs of wear, such as frayed fabric, weakened springs, loose screws, or worn-out padding. Pay special attention to the moving parts and mechanisms, as these are prone to wear over time.
Check Mechanical Components:
For recliners with mechanical parts, ensure that all mechanisms operate smoothly. Look for any bent or broken pieces that might impair the recliner’s functionality.
Assess Electrical Components:
If your recliner has electrical features, such as massage or heating elements, inspect the wiring and connections. Make sure there are no frayed wires or loose connections.
Clean Each Part:
This is an ideal time to clean the components. Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris from the upholstery, frame, and mechanical parts.
For metal components, a damp cloth can remove dust and prevent rust. Be careful not to use too much water or cleaning solution on any electrical parts.
Repair or Replace Damaged Parts:
If you find any damaged parts, decide whether they can be repaired or need to be replaced. Simple repairs can often be done at home, but for complex issues or replacement parts, you may need to contact a Lazy Boy service center or a professional.
Lubricate Moving Parts:
Apply a suitable lubricant to any moving parts, such as reclining mechanisms or swivel bases, to ensure smooth operation. This helps in reducing friction and wear.
Re-check Fasteners:
Make sure that all screws, bolts, and nuts are accounted for and in good condition. Replace any that are missing or damaged.
Organize for Reassembly:
Finally, organize all the parts in the order they will be reassembled. This strategic arrangement can simplify the reassembly process.
For more articles on recliners, click here: Recliners: Your Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Living
Conclusion: How Do Lazy Boy Recliners Come Apart?
Disassembling a Lazy Boy recliner is a straightforward process if you follow these steps. Remember to take your time and handle each part with care to ensure a successful disassembly and subsequent reassembly.
