How to assemble an office chair

• Allen key (supplied)
• Cross-head screwdriver (sometimes)

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Five-star base
• Five castors
• Gas cylinder (with its cover)
• Seat, tilt mechanism and back
• Armrests and bolts

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn the base upside down and push each castor stem firmly into its hole until it clicks or sits flush.

2. 2

   Step 2: Turn the base the right way up and drop the gas cylinder into the centre hole. Fit the telescopic cover over it if there is one.

3. 3

   Step 3: Lay the seat upside down and bolt the tilt mechanism to it, with the front of the mechanism (the lever side) facing the front of the seat.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fit the armrests to the seat with their bolts, tightening them firmly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Remove the protective cap from the top of the gas cylinder, then lower the seat so the cylinder fits into the mechanism's socket.

6. 6

   Step 6: Sit down firmly a few times to lock the tapered joints together.

7. 7

   Step 7: Attach the back to the seat or mechanism, then test the height lever, the tilt and the back adjustment.

• Fitting the tilt mechanism backwards, so the lever is on the wrong side and the tilt pivots from the back.
• Forgetting to remove the cap on the gas cylinder, so the seat never locks.
• Tightening arm bolts before all of them are started, so the last one will not line up.