Office chairs have different components, each serving a specific purpose, which is to provide comfort and support for the user, such as the seat, backrest, armrests, and base. One of the most important components is the twist knob under the office chair, most people don’t even know what it’s for and how it works.
So if you don’t know about this, you have come to the right place. We will explain this small yet important component answering you, what the knob does on my chair, why is it important, what its benefits are, and how we can use it. So let’s get started!
What is the Twist Knob Under Your Office Chair?
This knob under your chair plays a most important role in adjusting your office chair and sitting experience, also known as a tilt tension knob, which is located usually on the bottom right side of your chair, you can see.
Generally, this component allows you to adjust the tension of the chair’s tilt mechanism and control the amount of resistance when reclining or leaning back by the user’s body weight.
This feature is especially useful for people who spend a long time such as 7 to 8 hours daily sitting at their desks, as it helps us to make the chair more comfortable for our body type and sitting preferences.
What is it for? And Why is it Important?
The tilt tension knob is instrumental in providing ergonomic comfort in office chairs. It controls the amount of resistance when reclining or leaning back and allows for smooth movement according to the user’s body weight.
Whenever we sit down on a chair, our body’s weight is distributed unevenly, and we tend to lean back or recline at different angles throughout the day. At this time, the knob helps us to adjust the tension and provides proper support for our body, which prevents us from fatigue, and discomfort.
However, this feature is especially helpful if you have back pain or any other health issues, as you can easily customize it according to your body weight and preference.
Understanding Different Types of Knob
Once you have understood the function, how it works, and why it is important. Now see different types of knobs that are used in office chairs. There is not too much difference in the features of these knobs, but there are slight differences in their functions. Some of these include:
Type 1: Simple Tension Control Knob
This simple tension control knob is the most common type found in office chairs. And it allows you to make straightforward adjustments to the tilt tension of the chair. You can easily turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the tension according to your preference.
Type 2: Synchro Tilt Knob
This type of knob is more advanced than the simple tension control knob and found in most ergonomic office chairs. The synchro tilt knob allows the chair’s seat and backrest to move together in a synchronized motion, and it provides a more natural and comfortable sitting experience for the user.
Type 3: Variable Tilt Knob
Variable tilt knob is the most advanced type of knob, and it offers more customization options for use like tilt angle, tension control, and more. This knob is usually found in high-end office chairs or executive chairs.
What is the Best Setting for the Tilt Tension Feature of Office Chairs?
Well, it is the most common question but there is no exact answer to this question, as it varies according to the user’s weight, sitting posture, and preference. However, you can follow some postures and make adjustments according to them.
- Start with a low tension setting and gradually increase it until you feel comfortable.
- Adjust the tension according to your body weight, meaning if you are heavier, then increase the tension and vice versa.
- Sit in an upright position and lean back slightly to test the tension.
- Make your arms relax on the armrests and adjust the tension according to how much you want to recline while keeping your arms supported.
- Your feet should be planted firmly on the ground while testing the tilt function.
These are also some body posture tips, and you will need to take tests and make adjustments, as everyone has different body weights and preferences.
What should you do if the Tension Control Knob is Broken?
Now you understand everything about the knob under your office chair, and you are using it very well, then first of all you must use your chair knob correctly. But as time passes with daily use, the knob may get damaged or broken. So, if you ever face this problem, then we also have listed some of the ways to fix it.
- Use a Wrench or Pliers: Most of the time the screws may loosen which is not a big issue, you can use a wrench or pliers to make it tight.
- WD-40: If your knob is making any squeaky sound while adjusting the tension, then spray some WD-40 into it. This is not only for Knob, you can use it for other office chair components if they make noise.
- Replace the Knob: If you have tried all these methods and still not working, then you may need to replace the knob with a new one. So, as we mentioned earlier the different types of knobs, try to replace it with the same one or you can also use a universal knob that will be compatible with most office chairs.
- Take Care of Your Chair and Knob: To avoid these problems in the future, make sure to clean your chair regularly and check for any loose screws or damaged parts, or Just Wiping Clean cloth daily can also help you to prevent these problems.
Conclusion
Understanding the function and importance of the twist knob under your office chair is easy, and it is a crucial component for adjusting your chair to suit your needs. By familiarizing yourself with this feature, you can customize the chair’s tilt tension to match your body weight and sitting preferences, ensuring optimal comfort and support.
