Most Common La-z-boy Back Frame Repair

[@DavidSmith-bt5wq]

Thanks for the video! I thought that I would have to purchase a new chair because the back was twisted and tipped to one side. Because of your video I was able to take apart the back and reinforce the joints with glue and screws. Saved my chair, thank-you!

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@David Smith - You're welcome - good job!

[@allenschott4360]

We had one side separate from the frame. I tried to squeeze the outside arms in to no avail. Then I noticed that the sides were not even with the bottom frame member. Just had to find a #30 Torx key, removed the hardware and found the problem - the framing staples were completely out of the wood. Using the spacer that you showed on the video made all the difference in the repair. Removed the staples, installed the temporary spacer, pre-drilled the holes and installed the bottom frame to the side frame with a little gorilla glue and it is done. Greatly appreciate the clarity of the video and your simple instructions.

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Allen Schott - Good job! But I wouldn't recommend using gorilla glue -- unless they make a carpenter's glue version that's easy to sand. Should that same area need some attention sometime in the future, if the glue used cannot easily be sanded down, the area may no longer be repairable.

[@JeffersonClockWorks]

I'm in a wheelchair and needed to get my recliner fixed or replaced. My lazy boy had a sagging left side back frame problem. Just like you showed. I separated the bottom wood enough to get a gap for glue, clamped and put four zippy screws in. 24 hours later the chair is like new again. One slide bracket had also broken the Torx Screw in the blind nut. I punched it out and replaced it with a counter sunk double nut and bolt. Thanks so much!!

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Al Takatsch - You're welcome -- good job, Al!

[@Ninjaofkonoha1]

Great videos!! Getting my first La-Z-Boy recliner in a few weeks. Your videos have answered a ton of questions! I now know the ins and outs of a chair I don't even own yet. lol Pretty excited now that I know how they work on the inside. Keep the videos coming! I have 2 or 3 weeks to kill. HAHA!

[@katbird158]

How did the lazboy work out for you.

[@nancy2u2]

so happy I found your channel, I have had a recliner that is in excellent condition "leather" love it, except now a piece of the frame that attached to the footboard broke, the chair wouldn't close so I removed the piece of wood and now need to repair it so the seat doesn't sag. The chair has sentimental value so I would love to fix it.

[@BradyRay_333]

Grateful you've taken the time to make this channel. Thank you for your effort.

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Brady Hight - You're welcome!

[@OfficeIcarusLLC]

I'm liking this video for effort they put into that backdrop lone! Srsly how many other [buried treasure] repair/mod tutorials take that much care with presentation?? This video saved my parents from buying a new recliner; after my luddite dad to a cursory look at the problem and just took a hammer to it -- ripping the frame -clean- outta the long staple nails, on one side [breaking the corner block's staple-nail] -- rendering an uncomplicated fix, near-catastrophe. Srsly would have pitched their La-Z-Boy Reclina-Way if not for this video. obliged 💯

[@Spathephoros]

It would be cool to see how you take the upholstery off beforehand

[@SoulStarSista]

Yes mine is all stapled in with seat belt like tensions ..

[@joeylayton4620]

I work at La-z-boy. This is a slip on back. Undo the upholstery staples and black paper. Or it has a zipper if not.

[@alohachristine]

Can I just say ThAnK YoU!

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@alohachristine - Sorry, no easy way to make a back taller. If you haven't already, check out my video, 'How to Buy the Right Recliner' on the ReclinerRepairGuy.com website. And thanks for your kind words.

[@BeardedBaldGuy87]

I have a 433 CRANDELL BIG-MAN ROCKER RECLINER by lazyboy. It has an extended foot rest that fits my 6'5" body.

[@alohachristine]

@@BeardedBaldGuy87 thank you, I'll check it out!

[@elizdonovan5650]

Lots of La-Z-boy negative reviews appearing on you tube etc. thank you for posting. I thought they were good but have changed my mind. Won’t be buying their product. Again thank you. 🌲🌝☘️

[@DavidDavisL]

Another helpful video, thank you. Deck screws seem like a good choice that along with the wood glue will last a very long time. Why doesn't La-z-boy use screws to begin with for these joints? Is saving a few pennies to the detriment of their reputation really a wise business move?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@David Davis - I can't speak for La-z-boy, of course. You'd have to ask them. But I can tell you that they did make a much stronger version of this same frame design decades ago. And yes, they did use screws. But unfortunately, the quality of today's mass-produced furniture brands (not just La-z-boy) is quite poor compared to those older versions. And to be clear, I should mention that it was not just the addition of screws at the joints. They also used better-quality (& thicker) frame materials at that time. So to be fair, it would take more than a few pennies to give you a strong, well-built frame. Because back in those days, frames were strong because they were over-built. That's definitely not the case today. At least not with the mass-produced furniture brands.

[@DavidDavisL]

@@reclinerrepairguy4155 Thanks for the reply and that is helpful information to know. Good point about the overall frame construction quality decreasing - not surprising, but disappointing. We have a 4 month old La-z-boy recliner that is already experiencing some separation at the bottom joint where the side and rear framing pieces connect. As this is still under warranty, I'll see what the repair tech can do. If this was out of warranty I would be tempted to beef up the frame with more solid pieces especially since it is basically hidden from view. Just the times we live in I guess. Thanks again.

[@MrWolfSnack]

As a carpenter, looking at all this cheap flimsy chipboard and laminated plywood held together with smooth shank uplholstery staples is just a design nightmare, they fully intended for this chair to break apart after a period of use.

[@nexus.shadow]

I recently moved cities, once loaded all my belongings into a open top trailer I was on my way, 10minutes into the journey, disaster ! The top(backrest)section of my favourite recliner blew off the trailer on the highway, I didn't notice until the next offramp, I went back and found the piece, it was 2am so I was hoping it was only slightly damaged from the fall, but alas it had been run over, one side panel of the frame is shattered and there is a tear in the leather, I plan to replace rebuild the destroyed parts of the frame by copying the still good side, I already have some leather for a patch and filling if needed, it's just a daunting job as it's basically splinters on one side.... I'll be watching the rest of your videos first..... I'm going to go assess how bad it really is as I was too bummed out when it happened so I just hid the piece away while I moved....

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Nexus Shadow - You can always get a quote from La-z-boy as to the cost of a replacement back frame. If the price is right, you'll just need to transfer the cover and padding to the new frame and you're done. Or have an upholsterer do it for you.

[@texasnatv]

One thing I was looking for was how the black piece attaches to the pawl for reclining. A "friend" took the bottom off to move the recliner and the spring is missing as well. Where can I find another spring? I'd appreciate any help anyone can provide. Thank you!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

This is great to know!!!!! I never knew the back needed repair never gave it any thoughts tell saw this video!

[@warrenbrown8670]

A shopvac works great to suck glue into tight spaces.

[@benbrodbeck3699]

Any idea why one slide of the seat back (where your right shoulder would be) leans back further than the other side? When no one is sitting in my lazyboy recliner, the right side is leaned back.

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Ben Brodbeck - The back -- or back bracket -- may have come loose on one side, where it connects to the seat. Or there may be a problem with the back frame, as shown in the video. Also, the "posts" where the back slides on may have come loose from the inside arm frame. To see what's going on, simply remove the back & inspect those areas.

[@fiction8495]

I'm a framer for lazyboy. We hammer down the clips to those springs so they are secure and don't come off. Whoever framed that used the wrong conerblocks and judging by the size of those staples the wrong gun too. May be wrong because I couldn't see the staples clearly but we use two separate staple guns to frame. Edit: nor did he shoot the outside of those conerblocks to give it more stability. If my supervisor found out that I didn't do that they'd call back the units did for that day and make me tear it down and fix it 😂 and I make an average of 75 chairs a day

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Fiction849 - Yeah, that frame is at least 5-6 years old now. I know they use a different corner block style today. Also, the frame in the video uses a osb board cross support at the bottom of the frame. More recent back frames I've seen are using a solid wood board at that location, which is much better.

[@fiction8495]

@@reclinerrepairguy4155 I've been a framer for the past 5 years for La-Z-Boy the bottom board varies what what we have in stock. So it'll be either osb or solid depending on what we have. For the past 5 years that I know of we've used a bigger/longer conerblock at the bottom. It's likely a new hire framed this and their trainer just wasn't paying attention and the uphosters went ahead and built it anyways which is honestly one of the biggest downsides

[@chrislove9772]

I have a Lazy Boy Devon power recliner and the left side is starting to separate from the back. do you have a video to show how to repair that?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@chrislove9772 - Step 1 is to remove the back to see what's going on where the arm frame meets the back on that side. The arm frame may be leaning, have a separated frame or perhaps is broken. For an overview on arm frame repairs, see this video --------> kzbin.info/www/bejne/poGxi4F-pMlgl9U

[@chrislove9772]

@@reclinerrepairguy4155 Thanks. I did end up removing the back - two latches and the back slides off. Then I drilled a second hole through the frames connecting the main assembly to the side arm to reinforce it. Added a second bol and re-assembled it. 1 hour of work and the sidearm is back to original state. Your videos were helpful - thank-you.

[@cynthiamedina008]

Thanks for the video! You rock!

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

Cmedina9 - You're welcome! :)

[@richardmilham2880]

I have a Lazy Boy Couch that the armrest is loose on. I can't lean on it or lay on it because it flares outward like it wants to break. Flimsy feeling. I know the couch back folds forward for delivery or when we want to move thru doors to different rooms. But I don't know how to get to the flimsy armrest. Do you have any suggestions. Did you ever do a video on how to fold the couch so that one might turn upside down and get to the hardware in the armrest. When we first got it a long black machine crew was found on the floor. We didn't think much of it because the couch armrest was not acting up. A year later (after warranty was up) the armrest became flimsy. Moving out and back. Can you help?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Richard Milham - Frame repairs are typically the most time consuming & difficult to perform, especially if you've never done one before. I'd recommend hiring an experienced repair tech instead. If you want to learn more about the repair principles involved, see ----> 'Recliner Arm Frame Replacement - Part 1' kzbin.info/www/bejne/poGxi4F-pMlgl9U

[@inmatejason]

Is there a way to get rid of the creaking wood?

[@ericj2102]

The upper back spring broke on my lazy boy recliner. Are the seat springs the same as the 2 back springs? And where can i get a back spring?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@ericj2102 - The back springs are different. Check out this video for ordering La-z-boy parts -----> kzbin.info/www/bejne/a36ZlWdmp917Y9U

[@ericj2102]

Thank you, I may do that. I found a back spring on ebay for $15. Not positive it's exactly right but I think it is. It was worth a try.

[@ricalcott8891]

Had the back spring clip break away from frame. How to I repair this?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@ricalcott8891 - If the clip simply popped loose & is in good condition, you can reattach it. Add a small screw to hold it in place, if needed. If the clip is broken or cannot be reused, install a new clip.

[@phongpotpatcharapakdeekamt5871]

Hi May I ask why you don’t keep the spacer there? It looks more help on the strengthen the frame angle.

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Phongpot Patcharapakdeekamtorn - Yes, the frame would be stronger, but less comfortable. Especially when reclined, because you'd feel that frame board (spacer) against your lower back. And by adding screws when performing this repair, you are making the original design a bit stronger since screws have far more holding power than the framing staples used by the manufacturer.

[@phongpotpatcharapakdeekamt5871]

@@reclinerrepairguy4155 I got it, thank you man, you're really a LZB fan

[@robbyddurham1624]

I wonder how much extra time and expense it would be to glue and fasten these recliners better in the first place? Another 100 bucks? It's a shame, You have to do something yourself to do it right.

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

Robby D Durham - Unfortunately, companies that make mass-produced furniture (all brands) have traditionally used framing staples to assemble wooden furniture frames. And those staples have a smooth shaft, which has little holding power, when compared with screws. That, combined with the use of lighter, thinner framing materials is why frame separation issues are so common with modern furniture.

[@hdman97]

Too bad the frame wasn’t built like that to start with

[@brookiebitchhh]

What are the dimensions on the wood spacer you used?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Lauren Tish - I have a few different sizes, as La-z-boy has different size frames, resulting in different widths of those frames. Measure for the spacer length as recommended in the video.

[@RyanSmith-qc3qf]

Thanks!

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Ryan Smith - You're welcome!

[@gnhun101]

I thought you would leave the spacer for added rigidity? Does that interfere with any of the mechanisms in the chair?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@no oneherre - You can do that and it would improve rigidity and overall frame strength. But it won't be comfortable. You'll feel the extra frame board against your lower back when you sit in the chair. That's why the back frame is designed without it.

[@OfficeIcarusLLC]

0:25 _"...be sure and see this video..."_ Which video? *_404 Page Not Found_* ?? Couldn't you just put the link (or video title) in the description?? fyi: Several videos appear in custom annotation(s) card, with leading video 404'd.

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Office Icarus - Thanks for reporting the problem. The link to the video is here ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZobVYpyljdqNq9E

[@khmersar8421]

Nothing but junk!! Haven't had mine a week and already there is something wrong with it

[@Tony-rs1cv]

I’ve just got mine 2 days ago and it does nothing but creak!! $1000

[@paulbehne914]

I will never buy another Lazy Boy It looks like they are made from old skid pallets. Only steel frames for me.

[@argonxu1498]

better wear gloves when do this repair, the tools can be dangerous to your hands.

[@theneurotheologist2937]

The video that you point to around the 26 second mark, about removing the recliner back, is throwing a 404 Not Found error. I think the URL is reclinerrepairguy.com/lazyboy.htm#lazybackremove . Do you have a working URL available?

[@reclinerrepairguy4155]

@Mark Aldrich - Yes, sorry about that. Try this one ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZobVYpyljdqNq9E