If your recliner has a broken mechanism or you need to clean the upholstery, you will need to remove the back. This can be a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple with the right tools and knowledge. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to remove the back of a recliner. We will also provide you with some tips on how to avoid damaging your recliner in the process.
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Hammer
- Pry bar
Once you have gathered your tools, you are ready to begin. First, identify the screws that are holding the back of the recliner in place. These screws are usually located on the back of the recliner, near the top and bottom. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to lift the back of the recliner off of the frame.
If the back of the recliner is still attached to the frame, you may need to use a pry bar to remove it. Be careful not to damage the recliner when using the pry bar. Insert the pry bar between the back of the recliner and the frame and gently pry the back of the recliner away from the frame. Once the back of the recliner is removed, you can access the mechanism or upholstery that you need to repair or clean.
Detaching the Arms
Detaching the arms of a recliner can be a bit more challenging than removing the back, but it is still a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps:
- Locate the screws that attach the arms to the recliner. There will typically be two screws on each side of the arm, located near the top and bottom.
- Remove the screws using a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the arms should be able to be lifted off the recliner.
- Be careful not to damage the fabric or upholstery when removing the arms. If the fabric is particularly delicate, you may want to use a soft cloth to protect it.
- Once the arms are detached, you can proceed to remove the back of the recliner.
Tips:
- If the screws are difficult to remove, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen them.
- If the arms are particularly difficult to remove, you may need to use a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry them loose.
- Be careful not to overtighten the screws when reattaching the arms.
| Screw Location | Number of Screws |
|---|---|
| Top of arm | 1 |
| Bottom of arm | 1 |
Removing the Back Frame
Now it’s time to remove the back frame. Here are the steps:
1. Locate the Screws
The first step is to locate the screws that hold the back frame in place. You can usually find them by feeling around the edges of the back frame. Once you’ve found the screws, use a screwdriver to remove them.
2. Carefully Lift Away the Frame
Once the screws are removed, you should be able to carefully lift away the back frame. If it’s stuck, try gently prying it loose with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Disconnect the Cables
Once you’ve removed the back frame, you’ll need to disconnect the cables that are attached to it. These cables are usually connected to the seat frame. Simply unplug them from their connectors.
4. Remove the Seat Frame
The seat frame is now held in place by only a few screws. Remove these screws, and then lift the seat frame away from the chair.
5. Remove the Seat
The seat is now free. Simply lift it away from the chair.
6. Clean and Inspect the Components
Now that you have the chair disassembled, it’s a good time to clean and inspect the components. Look for any broken or damaged parts. Clean the fabric or leather with a mild detergent and water. Allow the components to dry completely before reassembling the chair.
A step-by-step instruction for point 6
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnect the fabric from the frame. |
| 2 | Clean the fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| 3 | Dry the fabric completely. |
| 4 | Inspect the frame for any damage. |
| 5 | Clean the frame with a mild detergent and water. |
| 6 | Dry the frame completely. |
Disassembling the Back Cushions
The back cushions are typically held in place by clips or Velcro.Locate the clips or Velcro at the back of the cushions and carefully unclip or detach them.
Once the clips or Velcro are detached, gently pull the cushions away from the recliner frame.Be careful not to tear the fabric or damage the frame.
Step 1: Remove the Headrest
If the recliner has a headrest, it will need to be removed before disassembling the back cushions.Locate the screws or bolts that secure the headrest to the frame and remove them.
Step 2: Unzip the Back Cushion Cover
The back cushion cover is typically held in place by a zipper.Locate the zipper and carefully unzip it.
Step 3: Remove the Foam Cushions
The foam cushions are usually held in place by fabric straps or Velcro.Locate the straps or Velcro and carefully detach them.
Step 4: Remove the Back Cushion Frame
The back cushion frame is typically held in place by screws or bolts.Locate the screws or bolts and remove them.Once the screws or bolts are removed, carefully lift the cushion frame away from the recliner base.
Step 5: Inspect the Cushion Frame
Once the cushion frame is removed, inspect it for any damage.If there is any damage, it will need to be repaired before the cushions can be reassembled.
Step 6: Reassemble the Cushion Frame
Once the cushion frame is repaired, it can be reassembled.Place the cushion frame back on the recliner base and secure it with the screws or bolts.
Step 7: Reinstall the Back Cushion Foam
Place the back cushion foam back into the cushion frame.Secure the foam with the fabric straps or Velcro.
Removing the Fabric or Leather from the Back
To remove the fabric or leather from the back of your recliner, follow these steps:
- Loosen the fabric or leather. This can be done by using a pry bar or screwdriver to gently pry the edges of the fabric or leather away from the frame.
- Remove the staples or tacks. Once the fabric or leather is loose, you can use a staple remover or tack puller to remove the staples or tacks that are holding it in place.
- Unhook the fabric or leather. Once the staples or tacks are removed, you can unhook the fabric or leather from the frame.
- Remove the recliner back. Once the fabric or leather is removed, you can remove the recliner back by unbolting it from the frame.
Replacing the Fabric or Leather
To replace the fabric or leather on the back of your recliner, follow these steps in reverse order:
- Attach the new fabric or leather to the frame. You can do this by using a stapler or tack hammer to attach the fabric or leather to the frame.
- Hook the fabric or leather to the recliner back. Once the fabric or leather is attached to the frame, you can hook it to the recliner back.
- Tighten the fabric or leather. Once the fabric or leather is hooked to the recliner back, you can tighten it by using a pry bar or screwdriver to gently push the edges of the fabric or leather back into place.
| Tools Required | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Pry bar or screwdriver | New fabric or leather |
| Staple remover or tack puller | Staples or tacks |
How to Remove the Back of a Recliner
Removing the back of a recliner is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with the right tools. Here are the steps on how to do it:
-
Locate the screws that are holding the back of the recliner in place. These screws are typically located on the sides of the recliner, near the top.
-
Remove the screws using a screwdriver or drill. Be careful not to strip the screws.
-
Once the screws are removed, the back of the recliner will be loose and can be lifted off.
People Also Ask:
How do I remove the back of a lazy boy recliner?
To remove the back of a lazy boy recliner, follow these steps:
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Locate the two release levers on the sides of the recliner.
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Pull both levers inward simultaneously.
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Lift the back of the recliner up and off.
How do I remove the back of a power recliner?
To remove the back of a power recliner, follow these steps:
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Unplug the recliner from the power outlet.
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Locate the screws that are holding the back of the recliner in place. These screws are typically located on the sides of the recliner, near the top.
-
Remove the screws using a screwdriver or drill. Be careful not to strip the screws.
-
Once the screws are removed, the back of the recliner will be loose and can be lifted off.
