How

At first there was a creak, the sofa was difficult to unfold, and then it completely broke. Familiar situation? You can solve the problem without involving a master. To repair a sofa yourself, you need to know which mechanism is installed and choose the right parts for the restoration.

We will tell you how to do this and what tools you will need.

Types of sofa mechanisms

Different mechanisms are installed inside the furniture. In some models, the additional part rolls out from under the seat, in others the backrest is brought to a horizontal position.

But regardless of the construction device, you will need the same set of tools for repairing:

• wrenches to disassemble the case;
• screwdrivers, a screwdriver to remove some parts;
• machine oil or silicone grease for treating the mechanism;
• staples and stapler;
• drill with a set of drills.

Let's take a closer look at the popular sofa mechanisms.

Click-gag

A kind of "book". It is based on a metal frame. Some models are equipped with an armrest adjustment mechanism.

The sofa can be set in 3 different positions: sitting, reclining and reclining. The armrests are suitable for use as cushions.

Often, click-and-gag sofas come with built-in storage boxes. The mechanism needs regular lubrication of rivets and rubbing elements.

Meralax

The mechanism works according to the French clamshell principle. It can take three positions. The sleeping place can be decorated with lamellas or metal mesh.

Dolphin

At the heart of the mechanism, consisting of rollers and guides. The additional part is located under the seat and can be pulled out by pulling on the loop. One of the most popular and simple types of folding sofas.

In budget models, the frame is made of poor quality metal, which can cause the mechanism to fail.

Accordion

One of the most popular mechanisms in folding sofas. The furniture can be taken in three positions, one part always remains motionless. Layout positions are fixed with locks.

The mechanism is often used in modern models.

How to repair sofa mechanisms

If the furniture has become difficult to unfold, and the repair of the sofa frame is not required, then the reason lies in the breakdown of the mechanism.

The most common problems are:

• sagging slats or mesh;
• the springs are out of order;
• rivets are loose;
• rollers are broken or need lubrication.

If the frame looses, it must be strengthened: metal systems are repaired by welding, and in order to repair wooden elements, they must be fastened with new bolts or partially replaced.

When the first signs of breakage appear (the sofa creaks, it is more difficult to unfold), it is necessary to lubricate the mechanisms with machine oil or silicone grease. To do this, remove the armrests, disassemble the main part in order to gain access to the inner filling.

All moving or rubbing parts must be lubricated from time to time. You can use sewing machine oil, petroleum jelly, or liquid machine oil. WD-40 is not suitable for this operation. Owners of book sofas often encounter breakdowns. This model is considered outdated, and it is problematic to find components.

In order for the mechanism to return to normal, and the furniture began to unfold normally, you need:

• disassemble the sofa;
• clean the guides from debris, lubricate with oil;
• remove tension from the retaining spring;
• lubricate the axle;
• replace the roller.

The accordion sofa is repaired according to the same principle. In no case should you put pressure on the furniture if it has become jammed. Otherwise, the mechanism will finally break down and repairing the sofa-book at home will not help in solving the problem.

If a sofa with a click-gag mechanism is out of order, you need to adjust all the moving parts of the mechanism. In extreme cases, you will have to remove the upholstery, filler and change the entire mechanism.

How to replace mechanisms

To repair the mechanism of the sofa at home with the replacement of parts, first of all, it is necessary to disassemble the furniture. Usually they start with the armrests.

Important! Fold all fasteners and bolts into separate compartments of the organizer or zip-bags.

After access to the mechanism is open, you need to carefully remove the damaged elements or the entire system and replace with identical parts. It is forbidden to insert parts of another into one mechanism: at best it will be useless.

After the repair, you need to check the operation of the folding mechanism, lubricate the parts and assemble the sofa.

Important! It is impossible to mount new parts with old fittings into the existing holes. It is necessary to drill others, a few cm further than the available ones. And it is advisable to cover the old holes with epoxy or other material.

How to extend the life of a sofa mechanism

In order for the furniture to serve longer and not break, it is necessary to follow the operating rules.

They are common for all types of sofas:

• do not make sudden movements when unfolding furniture, due to careless handling, parts of the mechanism may shift;
• periodically lubricate moving elements;
• do not place furniture with pull-out mechanisms on a high-pile carpet, so as not to create obstacles for rolling out;
• do not expose furniture to unnecessary mechanical stress;
• transport only disassembled;
• it should not be allowed that a backlash of the frame is formed, as it leads to breakage of the rollers, the wooden frame, and the friction that is created damages the upholstery;
• do not get wet, make sure that no water gets into the mechanism.

When buying furniture for regular use, it is better not to save money. For the manufacture of the most budgetary models, lower quality materials are used that quickly fail.

Advice. In case of complex breakdowns, it is better to consult a specialist. An inexperienced home craftsman can permanently break a sofa when trying to fix a major breakdown.

Features of general sofa repair

In different designs of sofas, the same elements can have different purposes, therefore, it is impossible to put rollers guiding from one furniture to another. The part may not withstand the load that is not intended for it and break.

The most difficult thing is to restore chipboard furniture. this material crumbles and cannot withstand several drills. Therefore, it is better to purchase sofas with a wooden frame made of MDF or plywood. They are much stronger, easier to use, and less likely to require repair.

It is useless to straighten bent metal support elements. Soon the material will fall into disrepair again. Therefore, it is better to replace the damaged area with a new part.

Before applying the lubricant, the surfaces must be cleaned of dust and dirt. Fasteners must not be overtightened. To disassemble furniture and tighten the elements, you need to use new or high-quality hexagons.

Due to the "licked" edges, the work will seriously slow down. You can remove rust from metal elements with the WD-40.

Washers should be installed on the bolts and axles. Do not neglect installing washers on bolts and axles. If the bolt cannot be loosened, there is no need to try to loosen or pull it out. Better to cut it down.

The most important part of the frame - the pallet - is the supporting element, the main load falls on it. Its condition must be monitored.

It is better to repair furniture with a partner.

Video: book transformation mechanism - an overview of different types

Folding sofas in the photo