How to Fix a Recliner That Won’t Close

Recliners are meant to serve us with comfort and to make us relaxed. But after the use of years, instead of making us comfortable, they start causing issues. And why should they not be, everything has its lifespan, so recliners do as well.

However, from the list of tens and hundreds, the most heard and common issue associated with the recliner is its inability of getting closed back.

Surprisingly, not knowing “How to fix a recliner that won’t Close?” many end up replacing it with the new one.

But do you know what?

You should not do this. Because fixing a recliner that won’t close is not harder at all. You can get it fixed in your home with just a few tools by your side.

Here’s how;

How to Fix a Recliner That Won’t Close

The problem can be solved easily, but before starting off the process, you need to know the reason behind it. Otherwise, all of your efforts will be in vain.

So before moving on to the process of fixing it up. Let us help you know all the potential reasons behind this so that you can take the action accordingly.

Possible Reasons Why Your Recliner Won’t Close

There is not only one strict reason behind the failure of it not getting closed, but many. Though luckily, the reason will always turn out to be hidden in its internal mechanism. Because this is what makes the footrest go in and out.

But bear in mind, depending on the type of internal mechanism of your recliner, the reason can be the variation of the following reasons;

Here they are;

• Cable release Issue
• Loose latch mechanism
• Internal screws getting loose
• Broken or worn-out screws
• Loose recliner springs
• Poor lubrication
• Worn electric wiring
• Burned Components

Tools You Need!

There are tools you will need to have before you start fixing a recliner that won’t close, irrespective of the reason behind the issue.

Have a look at them, and get them by your side to start off instantly;

• Screwdriver
• Small wrenches
• Lubricating oil
• Rags
• A file

Fix a Recliner that won’t close | Step by Step Guide

Here we are going to expose you to 2 different methods to get the problem fixed. The First one will be the basic method that can be helpful in the minor problems.

Whereas, the second one will be the advanced one that will be more useful in a complex problem and comes in handy if the basic method does not work for you.

Basic Method to Repair Recliner that won’t close

The basic method is good enough to solve the range of problems including wear and tear and the problems associated with the lack of maintenance.

Here is the method (step by step);

• Safely turn over your recliner, while ensuring it does not get
• Give a look at all the internal screws of the internal mechanism and validate whether they are tightened properly or not. If you find any screw loosened, just tighten it up instantly.
• Now use the rag to cover all and protect the chair’s upholstery.
• Spot all the moving parts of the mechanism, and lubricate them by spraying the oil. However, if you don’t have a spray-able oil, you can use the rag to proceed with the lubrication of moving parts.
• Not to forget, lubricating the handle part as well with the same oil.
• That’s all, now you just need to clean up the excess oil with the spare towel or the rag, to avoid your oil spill everywhere.

You might be thinking, this method was about applying oil on moving parts and dealing with the rust only.

But do you know what?

This helps out in most cases because people tend to avoid keeping their recliners maintained.

Not to worry, if that does not work for you.

Here’s another method!

Advanced Method to fix a recliner that won’t close

• Here the first step is also to turn over the chair. But this time opposite to the side, where you find the footrest handle.
• Right after turning it over, use the handle to extend the footrest more than it normally gets extended, until you spot the small spring inside.
• Once, you see the small spring inside. Now is the time to navigate the L-Shaped Rod, which holds that spring.
• Use the file to pull it off, so that you can work on smoothening the metal evenly.
• Once done with that, put the spring back to its place to start retracting the footrest smoothly.
• Now apply some oil to the L-Shaped rod for ensuring smoothness. Not to forget, cleaning up the excess oil by using the rag/towel. (Surely, the oil has to be applied, after protecting the chair’s upholstery and covering it up properly).

How to fix the springs of A Recliner Footrest

If during fixing a recliner, you found the spring of your recliner, broken or rusty, you will have to fix it up to make the footrest work fine.

However, it is too common that almost every old recliner have to deal with this issue, so you won’t have to worry much about it;

Here’s what you need to do in such a situation;

• Turn over the recliner
• Find the spring connected with the footrest by extending it out with the handle.
• Detach the spring by removing its screw with the help of the screwdriver.
• Replace the old spring with the new one, and put it back inside in the same position in the same manner as it was installed before.

Final Thoughts

Reaching the end, you must have learned how to fix a recliner that won’t close by yourself. But if even after applying all of the methods, your recliner keeps staying up all the time. You must consult the expert, as it could have some serious issue, which a non-technical person won’t fix easily.

Once you are done with fixing it up, you should also keep it maintained from the next time to avoid facing the same problem again.

To keep it maintained, here’s what you need to do after every 3-4 months;

• Keep all the internal screws tighten
• Ensure that the internal cables have tension
• Apply oil to the moving parts and the joints