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Original 14" hole to hole La-Z-Boy swivel chair mechanisms as shown, can be replaced using #04 484 17 1/2" by hacksaw cutting 2 1/2" off from the front two attachment extensions. (the front has the large knob) Drill two (2) 5/16" screw holes 1/2" back from where the cut was made in the center of the angle iron to match original hole pattern. Photo shows the cut off extensions. Old mechanism is to the left.

Wing back chair (style 92 113 and similar) mechanism placement is somewhat different. Many Wing back's have an area in which the mechanism is set into a kind of depression formed by the back and front. For many this type, the Pivot Pin should be 7 1/4" from the front depression. It may be necessary to remove 2 7/8" from front and 3/4" from rear attachment extensions (angle iron) to achieve. Attach with screws after drilling 3/16" pilot holes into wood.

You may prefer to line up the 04 484 Pivot Pin with the old mechanism pivot pin which can be identified by it's nut like appearance on one side and a rivet on the opposite side. After lining up, mark, cut and drill as per above. CAUTION: Do not cut rear!

Proceed in any of these three methods:

Method 1. Screw the original screws into the front and rear of one side of the steel. Then using the new mechanism as a pattern, pre-drill a 3/16" pilot hole and install two mechanism mounting screws 3/4" to 1" in length into the chair bottom. The mechanism will be slightly off center (side to side).

Method 2. Center the mechanism, pre-drill a 3/16" pilot hole and install four mechanism mounting screws 3/4" to 1" long.

Method 3. Remove the cloth dust cover. Mark the position of where to insert new Tee Nuts. Drill for new tee-nuts and install. Replace dust cloth. Install mechanism using original Torx machine screws. La-Z-Boy uses a Torx-30 driver bit to remove/install the original machine screws.

Virtual replacement for many La-Z-Boy and many other Office chairs. Slotted screw holes permit installation width variable between 5 1/2" and 6 1/2". Mechanism is shipped as shown complete with Bell, Washer and 1" threaded Post. Meets industry BIFMA/ANSI testing standards, your assurance of quality.
La-Z-Boy with 14" length measured hole to hole.

An Overview of Mechanism installation

Most mechanism existing wood screw holes may not fit replacement mechanism holing exactly.

The Pivot (point) Pin, for mechanisms as shown, determines the proper balance of any chair. Virtually every chair manufacturer has determined a different pivot pin placement depending upon which mechanism was used.

Replacement of similar type mechanism pivot pin location should be in the general area of the original, assuming that the original was comfortable for you. See Retrofit below to determine.

After installation is completed, caution should be exercised when first "trying or testing the chair". Incorrect installation may "dump" occupant onto floor and cause bodily injury. Proceed SLOWLY to test, holding on to something secure with a firm grip to prevent any harm in case of sudden movement.

Your replacement mechanism pivot pin placement is common to many but not all Office swivel chairs. You may find after installation and testing, that your chair is too easy or too difficult to tilt back properly. The "fix" is not difficult.

Before starting, insure that the mechanism has not been installed backwards. The "hand wheel" (handle) on spring mechanisms should face the front of the chair, making it convenient to adjust the spring tension while sitting upright in the chair. Gas mechanisms usually, but not always have their height activating handles on the left when sitting in the chair.

Then, adjust the chair height (spring mechanism's only) by turning the Bell either clockwise or counter clockwise to a normal comfortable height. This is easiest accomplished when the chair is lying on it's back. Gas cylinder mechanisms can be adjusted for height by activating the height adjustment handle. Thighs should be parallel to the floor after adjustment.

Problem: Chair "falls" back too easily: The Pivot Pin has been placed too far "forward". Remove the mechanism and re-mount further rearward. Sometimes only 1/2" movement is necessary.

Problem: Too much "push" is required to tilt back comfortably: The Pivot Pin is too far "rearward". Remove the mechanism and re-mount further forward. Sometimes only 1/2" movement is necessary.

Eames® replacement Mechanisms
Eames® knockoff chairs:
Ply craft, a manufacturer no longer in business was one of the several reproducers of the famous Herman Miller® Eames® Lounge chairs. Over the years, Ply craft manufacturing used many different style mechanisms. We have found more than one of our several styles to replace broken mechanisms. But none as easily installed, so low in cost, as our style #402 or #502 which can replace many of the various styles used. Some adapting and retrofitting is required, but the difficulty has been significantly reduced.

General Installation--The outside covering is easily removed by removing several screws. This will expose the molded wood inside bottom. Simply install 4 usually 1/4" Tee Nuts, replace the covering and install the new mechanism.

Installation is made easier by comparing the *Pivot point of the original mechanism to the replacement. This is important, as the pivot determines the proper balance. If the replacement pivot point is too forward, the chair may lean back too easily. If the replacement pivot pin is too rearward, the chair may be difficult to lean back. A different adjustment tension spring may also come into play.

An efficient method to eliminate unnecessary drilling of holes and installing Tee nuts is as follows.