How to Tighten a Loose Armrest on a Lazyboy Recliner
Armrests on Lazyboy recliners take a lot of stress every time you push off the chair, pull yourself up, or lean to one side. Over time, screws work loose, wooden frame holes can wear or strip out, and metal brackets may start to flex. The result is a wobbly, squeaky, or sagging armrest that feels anything but secure.
Fixing a loose armrest is usually straightforward. In most cases, you just need a few simple tools, a closer look at how the armrest is attached, and a few minutes of tightening or reinforcing the hardware.
Tools and Parts You May Need
Before you start, gather a few basic tools so you can complete the job without stopping.
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers – a basic precision screwdriver set works well for most recliner screws.
- Hex keys (Allen wrenches) if your model uses socket-head bolts. A compact Allen key set covers most sizes.
- Adjustable wrench or small socket set.
- Flashlight or headlamp to see inside the frame.
- Wood repair supplies if the screw holes are stripped, such as wood filler for furniture repair or wooden repair dowels.
- Replacement hardware, for example a small recliner repair parts kit that includes screws, bolts, and washers.
For a broader overview of common issues and parts you might encounter while working on your chair, it can help to review this guide to common Lazyboy recliners problems, solutions and parts.
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Step 1: Identify How Your Armrest Is Attached
Not every Lazyboy recliner armrest is built the same way. Some are bolted directly to the wooden side frame, while others are secured with metal brackets, rails, or a combination of both.
- Carefully slide the recliner away from the wall and give yourself space to work on both sides.
- Run your hand along the underside and inside of the armrest to feel for screws, bolts, or brackets.
- Use a flashlight to look under the arm, near where it meets the seat and back. Many fasteners are hidden slightly inside the frame, so good lighting makes a big difference.
If you are unsure about the internal layout of your particular model, you might find it helpful to look at diagrams and part breakdowns like those in the Lazyboy recliner parts diagram and manual article.
Step 2: Tighten All Accessible Screws and Bolts
Once you have located the hardware that holds the armrest in place, tightening is usually the quickest fix.
- Use the correct screwdriver or hex key to snug each screw or bolt that connects the armrest to the frame or brackets.
- Tighten a little at a time on each fastener, rather than fully tightening one side first. This helps the armrest pull back into alignment evenly.
- If you see washers that are bent or missing, replace them. A small assorted washer set is handy to have.
- After tightening, gently rock the armrest side to side and front to back. If it feels solid, you may already be done.
If tightening the visible hardware does not fully solve the problem, it likely means there are hidden fasteners inside the frame that also need attention.
Step 3: Access Hidden Armrest Fasteners
On many recliners, some of the armrest screws or bolts are hidden under fabric flaps or stapled dust covers.
- Look underneath the armrest for a fabric panel or dust cover attached with staples or hook-and-loop (Velcro) strips.
- If it is stapled, carefully lift just enough of the fabric to access the frame. A small flathead screwdriver or staple remover can help lift staples without tearing the cloth.
- Once inside, locate additional brackets or support rails that connect the armrest to the side frame.
- Tighten these screws and bolts the same way, checking that the armrest pulls snugly against the frame as you go.
If you notice metal brackets that seem bent or warped, you may need to straighten them gently with a wrench or replace them entirely using compatible pieces from a recliner bracket replacement kit.
Step 4: Repair Stripped or Worn Screw Holes
If the screws just keep spinning or will not tighten no matter how hard you turn, the wood they bite into may be stripped.
- Remove the loose screw and inspect the hole. If it looks oversized or crumbled, it needs reinforcement.
- For a quick fix, you can insert wooden toothpicks or a short piece of wood dowel with a bit of wood glue into the hole, then reinsert the screw after the glue begins to set.
- For a more permanent repair, fill the hole with a suitable epoxy wood repair kit, let it cure fully, and then pre-drill a new pilot hole for the screw.
- When reassembling, consider using a slightly longer screw of the same diameter to reach fresh wood deeper in the frame.
Re-test the armrest after the repair. It should feel noticeably firmer if the screws are now able to bite into solid material.
Step 5: Check the Recliner Mechanism Near the Arm
In some cases, what feels like a loose armrest is actually movement in the nearby reclining mechanism or side frame.
- While the chair is on its side, gently move the arm up and down and watch how the metal mechanism and side rails move with it.
- If you see play where the mechanism attaches to the wooden frame, tighten those bolts as well.
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to any noisy metal joints using a light silicone spray lubricant to reduce squeaks.
If your recliner has other issues such as squeaking, footrest problems, or trouble reclining smoothly, it may be worth reviewing a broader guide like how to repair your Lazyboy recliner while you have the chair opened up.
Step 6: When to Replace the Armrest or Hardware
Sometimes tightening and wood repair are not enough. If the armrest has deep cracks, the internal frame is broken, or the brackets are badly bent, replacement is the safer option.
- Inspect the internal wooden frame of the arm for splits, rot, or severe damage. If the structure itself is compromised, it may need professional repair or a replacement part.
- Check the metal brackets and plates. If they are cracked or kinked, replacing them is more reliable than trying to bend them back.
- You may be able to source compatible parts via a focused search for Lazy Boy recliner replacement parts or by contacting an authorized service center.
- Always match the new hardware to the original size and type so the armrest lines up correctly with the rest of the chair.
For more tips on sourcing parts and deciding whether to repair or replace components, the article on finding Lazyboy recliner parts is a helpful resource.
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Safety and Warranty Considerations
Whenever you work on a Lazyboy recliner, it is important to keep safety and warranty coverage in mind.
- Always unplug power recliners before working near wiring, motors, or control boxes.
- Work on a clean, stable surface and have someone help you turn or support the chair if it is heavy.
- If your recliner is still under the original warranty or a protection plan, check the terms before doing major structural repairs yourself.
- When in doubt, you can use DIY troubleshooting to identify the issue and then decide whether to call a professional, especially for complex mechanical or electrical problems.
Final Thoughts
Tightening a loose armrest on a Lazyboy recliner is usually a simple project that can make your chair feel solid and secure again. By locating all of the fasteners, tightening or replacing any loose hardware, and repairing stripped screw holes, you can often restore the arm in under an hour.
If you take the time to inspect nearby mechanisms and frame connections, you may even catch other developing issues before they turn into bigger repairs. Combine this focused armrest fix with periodic checks described in broader maintenance guides, and your Lazyboy recliner should continue providing comfortable, dependable support for years to come.
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