How To Fix A Barber Chair Tree

Understanding What the “Chair Tree” Is

In Barber Chair terminology, the “chair tree” refers to the central vertical support column—the structure connecting the seat to the hydraulic base. It stabilizes the chair, supports rotation, holds weight during lifting, and keeps the seat aligned. If the chair tree becomes loose, bent, misaligned, or damaged, the entire chair may wobble, rotate unevenly, or fail to lift properly.
Modern manufacturers such as Huiyi Furniture reinforce this component with thickened steel, precise machining, and heavy-duty hydraulics to ensure long-term stability in busy salon environments.

Common Problems With a barber chair Tree

1. Chair Wobbles When Turning

Indicates loosened mounting bolts or worn bearings.

2. Chair Tilts to One Side

Possible bending of the center column or misalignment of the mounting plate.

3. Chair Rotates Roughly or Gets Stuck

Dirt, hair buildup, or internal bearing wear.

4. Chair Does Not Sit Firmly on the Hydraulic Pump

The tapered connection between the chair and pump may not be fully seated.

5. Visible Bending or Structural Crack

Requires immediate repair or component replacement.

Tools You May Need

• Allen keys

• Socket wrench set

• Screwdrivers

• Lubricant (silicone or lithium-based)

• Clean cloth

• Rubber mallet

• Replacement bearings or mounting hardware

These tools allow you to tighten, realign, and inspect the chair tree safely.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix a barber chair Tree

Step 1: Remove the Chair From the Hydraulic Base

Lift the chair vertically to separate it from the pump shaft.

Purpose:

• Gives full access to the chair tree

• Allows inspection of the tapered connection

Huiyi Furniture uses precision-fit tapered connectors to ensure stability in this area.

Step 2: Inspect the Mounting Plate Under the Seat

Flip the chair carefully and examine the underside.

Check for:

• Loose bolts

• Cracked welds

• Bent mounting plate

• Misalignment

Tighten any loose bolts or replace damaged components.

Step 3: Examine the Center Support Column (Tree)

Look at the vertical tube connecting the structure to the seat.

Look for:

• Bending

• Cracks

• Worn internal sleeves

• Signs of rust or stress

A severely bent column cannot be safely repaired and must be replaced.

Step 4: Tighten or Replace Bearings

If rotation feels rough or noisy, the swivel bearings may be worn.

Actions:

• Locate the bearing assembly inside the chair tree

• Clean out hair and debris

• Apply fresh lubrication

• Replace worn bearings if rotation remains uneven

Smooth rotation is essential for barbers working around the client.

Step 5: Clean and Lubricate the Tapered Connection

The tapered joint between the pump and chair can accumulate hair and debris.

Steps:

• Wipe clean with a cloth

• Apply a thin layer of lubricant

• Ensure no buildup inside the socket

This improves stability and reduces wobbling.

Step 6: Re-seat the Chair Onto the Hydraulic Pump

Place the chair back onto the pump shaft with a straight downward motion.

Important:

• Do not force it at an angle

• Ensure the taper seats fully

• Apply a firm downward press to lock it in place

A properly seated connection removes most wobbling issues.

Step 7: Test Rotation and Stability

After reassembling:

Check:

• Chair rotates smoothly

• No side-to-side movement

• No noises from the central column

• Chair remains stable at all heights

If instability remains, deeper structural repairs may be needed.

Step 8: Replace the Chair Tree if Damaged

If the central support column is cracked, bent, or structurally compromised:

Solution:

Replace the entire chair tree assembly.

Huiyi Furniture produces reinforced support columns designed for high durability in commercial salon environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Excessive Force When Removing the Chair

Can damage the tapered joint.

2. Ignoring Hair Buildup

Hair in joints or bearings causes premature wear.

3. Failing to Realign the Tree Correctly

Misalignment leads to unstable seating.

4. Over-tightening Bolts

Can strip threads or deform the mounting plate.

5. Continuing to Use a Bent Tree

Unsafe and may lead to sudden mechanical failure.

How Huiyi Furniture Improves barber chair Tree Reliability

Huiyi Furniture enhances structural stability with:

• Reinforced steel support columns

• Precision-machined tapered connectors

• Heavier, wider hydraulic bases

• Strong welds and mounting plates

• Smooth-bearing rotation systems

• High load-bearing design for commercial use

These engineering improvements minimize wobbling, extend lifespan, and ensure safe operation.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Problems

Lubricate monthly

Keeps rotation smooth.

Tighten bolts regularly

Prevents structural looseness.

Clean hair from moving parts

Avoids bearing damage.

Check seating on pump shaft

Ensure chair is fully locked onto the base.

Inspect linkage and backrest support

Stability relies on all connected mechanisms working properly.