How To Take Apart A Barber Chair

Taking apart a Barber Chair is usually done for moving, shipping, repair, or reupholstering. Because barber chairs are heavy and mechanically loaded, the key is to disassemble them in the correct order to avoid injury or damage.

This guide applies to most hydraulic barber chairs.

Before You Start: Safety First

• Clear a large working area

• Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes

• Have two people available for heavy parts

• Fully lower the chair height

• Recline the backrest fully

• Lock rotation if possible

Never attempt to disassemble a raised or pressurized chair.

Tools You’ll Need

• Socket wrench set

• Allen keys

• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers

• Adjustable wrench

• Marker or tape for labeling parts

• Small bags for bolts and screws

Step 1: Remove Headrest

1. Pull the headrest straight up or loosen the locking screw

2. Slide it out carefully

3. Set aside and label

This reduces top weight and improves stability.

Step 2: Remove Footrest

1. Locate bolts underneath or at the hinge point

2. Support the footrest with one hand

3. Remove bolts slowly

4. Lift the footrest away

Footrests are heavier than they look—support them during removal.

Step 3: Remove Armrests (If Detachable)

1. Find mounting bolts on the inside or underside

2. Remove one armrest at a time

3. Keep left and right parts labeled

Removing armrests makes the seat easier to handle.

Step 4: Separate Backrest From Seat

1. Locate recline hinge bolts at the side or rear

2. Support the backrest firmly

3. Remove bolts evenly from both sides

4. Lift the backrest straight up and away

Do not let the backrest drop once bolts are removed.

Step 5: Remove Seat Cushion

1. Turn the chair slightly if needed

2. Locate bolts underneath the seat

3. Remove fasteners

4. Lift the seat off the hydraulic column

At this point, most upholstery work can be done.

Step 6: Detach Pump Handle or Foot Pedal

1. Locate the retaining pin or bolt

2. Remove carefully

3. Pull the pedal straight out

This prevents damage during transport.

Step 7: Separate Chair From Hydraulic Base

This is the heaviest and most dangerous step.

1. Lay padding on the floor

2. With two people, tilt the chair slightly

3. Remove the center mounting bolt or collar

4. Lift the upper chair assembly straight up

5. Set the hydraulic base aside

Never attempt this step alone.

Step 8: Secure and Label All Parts

• Bag bolts by section

• Label components clearly

• Wrap upholstered parts separately

• Protect the hydraulic base from impact

What NOT To Do

• Do not open the hydraulic cylinder

• Do not release hydraulic oil

• Do not force stuck components

• Do not remove springs under tension

• Do not disassemble while the chair is raised

Hydraulic systems are pressurized and dangerous if opened improperly.

Common Reasons to Take Apart a barber chair

• Shipping or moving

• Reupholstering

• Replacing hydraulic pump

• Frame repair

• Deep cleaning

Summary: Correct Disassembly Order

1. Headrest

2. Footrest

3. Armrests

4. Backrest

5. Seat

6. Pump pedal

7. Hydraulic base

Working top-down keeps the chair stable and safe.