Can Lazyboy Recliners Be Taken Apart for Moving? (How‑To Guide)
Can Lazyboy Recliners Be Taken Apart for Moving? Short answer: Yes. Most Lazyboy recliners let you remove the back from the base using locking clips or latches. Many power models also allow you to unplug the remote, transformer, and motor leads so you can move the chair in lighter pieces. Follow the steps below for a safe disassembly, transport, and reassembly.
What You Can (and Shouldn’t) Take Apart
Safe to Disassemble
- Removable back: lifts off metal rails after unlocking clips.
- Power connectors: unplug remote/handset, transformer, and actuator leads; label them.
- Dust cover: lift a few staples if it hides the clips; re‑staple later.
Generally Avoid
- Separating arm frames or upholstery from the seat box.
- Unbolting the mechanism from the frame (not needed for moving).
- Opening gearboxes/actuators (sealed units).
Tip: Removing the back usually reduces depth by 6–10 in (15–25 cm) and weight by 25–40%—often the difference for tight doorways and stairs.
- Flat & Phillips screwdrivers
- Needle‑nose pliers
- Staple remover or putty knife (for dust cover)
- Painters tape + marker (label connectors)
- moving blankets, stretch wrap, zip ties
- furniture sliders or a dolly
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Prep: Close the footrest, return the back upright, unplug power, and clear space. Remove loose pillows and accessories.
Identify Your Back Locking System
| Lock Type | What It Looks Like | How to Release |
|---|---|---|
| Spring clip (most common) | Small metal tabs at the seam where back meets base | Insert a flat screwdriver under each tab and pry outward while lifting the back |
| Thumb latches | Plastic/metal levers you push up with your thumb | Push each latch up to unlock, then lift the back straight up |
| Set‑screw retainers | Small screws at the lower back brackets | Loosen screws a few turns; lift back off the rails; retighten on reassembly |
Manual Recliners: Remove the Back (Step‑by‑Step)
- Close & reset: Footrest down, back upright.
- Find the clips: Feel along the lower back seam. If hidden, tip the chair forward and lift a few staples in the dust cover.
- Unlock both sides: Pry spring clips outward (or raise thumb latches) while keeping upward pressure on the back.
- Lift off: Rock the back straight up and away from the rails. Don’t force at an angle—get a helper if needed.
- Secure loose parts: Zip‑tie the D‑ring cable and any linkages so they don’t snag during the move.
Power Recliners: Extra Steps for Cables & Modules
- Unplug power: Remove the transformer (power brick) from the wall outlet. Disconnect battery pack if present.
- Label connectors: Tag handset lead, actuator plugs, and splitters (e.g.,
remote → control box,motor → port 1). - Disconnect handset & PSU: Unplug the handset from the side pocket/control box, and the transformer from the chair lead.
- Record routing: Snap a quick photo of wire paths through the mechanism. Replace zip ties later so wires stay clear of scissor arms.
- Remove the back: Release the clips/latches and lift the back off, feeding any wires through carefully.
- Bag modules: Place the transformer and remote in a labeled bag taped to the base so they don’t get lost.
- Wrap the back and base separately with moving blankets; use stretch wrap to hold blankets.
- Keep the base upright to avoid bending linkages; use sliders or a dolly for long carries.
- Don’t stack heavy items on the back cushion to prevent foam creasing—secure with stretch wrap instead.
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Reassembly Checklist
- Align the two metal rails/posts on the base with the channels on the back.
- Slide the back straight down until fully seated; you should feel/hear the clips click.
- Tug upward gently on both sides—there should be no lift if clips are engaged.
- Reconnect labeled power cables (handset → control box, motors → correct ports, transformer → chair lead).
- Route wires along the original path and secure with new zip ties, clear of moving parts.
- Re‑staple any dust cover staples you removed; test a full open/close cycle.
Troubleshooting After the Move
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix | Helpful Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back wiggles or lifts | Clips not fully engaged or missing | Reseat back until it clicks; replace broken clips | Back Clips |
| No power | Loose connector or bad transformer | Check all plugs; try another outlet; replace PSU if needed | Power Supplies |
| Handle pulls, no release | Cable snagged or unhooked | Re‑route cable; verify S‑hook/clevis connection | D‑Ring Cables |
| Cables rub during motion | Mis‑routed wires/zip ties | Re‑route with gentle curves; secure clear of moving arms | Zip Ties |
FAQ
Do all Lazyboy recliners have removable backs?
Most do, including many rockers and wall‑recliners. Some older/special models use different clip styles—check the lower back seam for the release mechanism.
Can I remove the base from the seat?
Not typically necessary. Removing just the back reduces bulk and weight enough for most moves.
How many people do I need?
Two people make it safer—one stabilizes the base while the other lifts the back straight up off the rails.
Will removing the back void my warranty?
No. Backs are designed to be removable for delivery and service. Avoid damaging clips or upholstery.
Conclusion
Yes—most Lazyboy recliners are designed to be moved in two pieces: the removable back and the base. For manual chairs, releasing the back via spring clips or latches is usually all you need. For power chairs, label and disconnect the handset, transformer, and motor leads, then remove the back and protect the wiring during transport. Use moving blankets, stretch wrap, sliders, and a dolly to protect the chair and your floors. On reassembly, make sure the back clicks into place and that cables are routed clear of moving parts.
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