Memes are dangerous
Well known for it’s signature design, a staple of tech startups, the Aeron is a highly coveted chair for individuals that usually lead a sedentary lifestyle.
In Pop Culture
I don’t actually remember when I was first introduced to the chair, but I knew I wanted one as soon as I saw it. Since then, I’ve been noticing them in TV shows from the early 2000s, such as House (2004) and The Office (2005).
It also makes an appearance on The Simpsons (S16 E19):
Finding the Chair
I’ve always wanted one ever since I knew of it’s existence, but growing up in a rural town with no car, I couldn’t really go out of my way to buy one, but when I found one in my size for a decent price, I immediately asked my friend for a ride.
‘Tis but a Scratch
It was in a pretty good condition for a chair made in 2001, but it still had some problems:
- Dysfunctional gas cylinder
- Lightly damaged lumbar support
- “Broken” tilt control
- Loose left arm rest
- Loose seat mesh
After getting told these things I was still determined to buy it.
Diagnosis & Treatment
- Gas cylinder replacement from Amazon for about $50.
- Lumbar support was still usable, glued it together and found a replacement just in case.
- Tilt control wasn’t actually broken, I just had to put the wire back into the proper slot.
- After opening up the left arm, discovered that a piece of plastic was broken. I found a replacement, but decided I wasn’t going to buy it since it didn’t affect the functionality that much.
- There’s a foam that goes between the mesh and the seat frame. It was compressed due to the age of the chair, so I got a new one for about $20, which resulted in a taut seat mesh.
Apart from that, I ordered a set of caster wheels which was recommended by many owners online.
The realization
I was able to do all the minor repairs, but replacing the gas cynlinder was a different story.
I had to somehow remove the broken cylinder that had been stuck to the chair for the last 20 years.
So I went down to the hardware store and got a pipe wrench.
Success
It took me about 9 hours on and off to remove the cylinder, at which point I was able to kick the base off.
Looking back at it, I could’ve just taken the chair outside and poured some hot water on the piece that was stuck, but it’s done now.
Review
I enjoy sitting on this chair, I’ve grown attached to it and it’s definitely the highest quality mesh chair I’ve sat on so far. I would definitely remove the cylinder differently next time (if I’m ever forced to do it again).
