Sofa accordion does not fold, what should I do?

Types and types of mechanisms

Today, furniture production has a large number of types and types of mechanisms. The photo below shows only some of them (the most common):

Click-clack

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Sofa mechanisms Click-clack

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Sofa mechanisms Click-clack

The click-clack mechanism has three positions, one for lying down and two for sitting. Usually installed on modern lamella-type models.

Meralax

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Meralax sofa mechanism

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Meralax sofa mechanism

Meralax is one of the reliable French clamshell layout mechanisms. It has an orthopedic effect in two versions - lamella and metal weaving.

Dolphin

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Dolphin mechanism

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Dolphin mechanism

The “dolphin” mechanism is exactly the option that combines compactness and convenience. The seat is attached to the side parts of the frame, pulling the mechanism out of the niche “towards you” to the upper horizontal position by the transverse bar and we get a full-fledged sleeping place.

This is the simplest of all existing mechanisms. When made of high quality, it is stable and durable, but, as a rule, the metal from which it is made leaves much to be desired.

Accordion

The “accordion” mechanism is one of the most popular mechanisms for transforming sofas; it has three layout positions.
One part is fixed, the other two have moving parts that are secured with locks.

Now it is installed mainly on modern models of upholstered furniture.

The most common mechanism is installed on a sofa book. It is quite simple in layout and has a number of advantages over other models. The entire structure is made of thick metal and high-quality rivets.

You can also familiarize yourself with other types of sofa transformation mechanisms in the article Review of sofa transformation mechanisms.

The models presented in the photo have their own individual characteristics. Here, not only the angle of inclination plays a role, affecting the lowering and raising of the weight, but also the material from which they are made.

Many manufacturers use thin-walled metal and very low quality rivets for these mechanisms, which is why the furniture becomes unusable in a very short time.

If it is not possible to replace broken mechanisms with new ones, you can make repairs at home. Of course, it won’t always be possible to do everything as it should, but it is quite possible to extend and give a “second” life to the furniture.

What is a “click-clack” sofa?

The sofa with a click-clack mechanism has a reinforced back and a steel frame that rests on the top of the linen drawer. The design is characterized by increased strength, which allows the furniture to withstand weight up to 300 kg.

Does it have armrests

All “click-clack” models are divided into three types – with movable armrests (“ears”), with classic fixed ones (quite rare) and without.

The presence of movable armrests, which are an extension of the sofa and have four possible positions, provides the following advantages:

they can be completely lowered or raised, which changes the appearance and functionality of the furniture;
If you raise the armrests at the head when the sofa is disassembled, they can replace the pillows.

Before choosing a model with armrests, decide whether you really need such furniture or not. This sofa has a non-standard appearance and dimensions that do not fit into any interior.

Types of click-clack sofas

There are three types, each of which has its own characteristics:

Direct. A universal model that is suitable for any room. If necessary, the transformer can not be folded out and used as a single bed.
Angular. Spacious furniture, suitable for rooms where you need to completely occupy a large corner.
Modular. A type of corner model, consisting of several components that can be used as poufs or armchairs.

Features: linen box, removable cover, pillows

Depending on the chosen model, a sofa with a click-clack mechanism may have a linen drawer, a removable cover and pillows. Now let's look at the features of each of these elements:

The linen box is made of wood or laminated chipboard, which makes it strong and durable. In addition, the box is always roomy, so you can store all the necessary bedding in it;
Removable covers help to preserve the appearance of the upholstery for a long time, since if necessary they can be removed and washed. If the set includes several covers at once, this will allow you to diversify the design of the furniture and not rush into washing;
pillows play a decorative rather than practical role. If they are two-tone, they can be flipped, thereby slightly changing the appearance of the furniture.

Repair of the “sofa book” mechanism

Before starting repairs, you need to determine the extent and cause of the breakdown. As a rule, it is mainly the rivets of the guide strip that are bolted to the sofa frame that break here. They fly out completely or wear appears, leading to an increase in gaps.

For work we will need tools:

Drill or screwdriver
Rivets
Hammer
Anvil or any other massive stand

It is necessary to firmly fix the mechanism on the table surface, for example, using clamps. Using a drill, we drill out the broken rivet, starting with a small drill and gradually moving to the desired size.

To select the required drill diameter, the size of the rivet and its thickness, we measure it with a caliper. We insert it into the hole, with the cap down, and the part that will be riveted should face up.

If it is not possible to repair the mechanism using rivets, the bar can be secured using a bolt and nut.

Here it is very important to choose the right length so that the bolt does not rest against the frame from the inside, because cutting it off after installation will not be very convenient!

Repair of the accordion sofa mechanism

This design has a number of small details that affect the correct layout of the sofa. Naturally, repairs will have their own difficulties, but with the right approach this issue can be resolved.

The figure shows the main elements of the “accordion” (its most vulnerable parts), since they bear the main load.

After the expiration of operating time, some of them require, at best, repair, and at worst, replacement.

The rollers must be replaced . At home, you can change the polyurethane wheel base by choosing the desired size (height). Having drilled out the mounting axle, it can be replaced with a regular bolt with two nuts for better fixation of the wheel.

Beech slats, due to their rigidity and strength, are almost impossible to break, although there are exceptions to the rule. Mostly the fasteners that “hold” the lamella break.

The photo shows that the lamella insert is attached to the metal frame using rivets.

Specialized stores sell almost all furniture fittings, including the “pockets” we need.

To replace them we will need a drill with which we need to drill out the rivets. We check their width and thickness to ensure that there are no unnecessary gaps.

Riveting can be done using smaller or larger hammers or using a special rivet setting tool.

But the best option for installing the slat holder would be a regular bolt and nut.

Repair of a sofa roll-out mechanism

The roll-out mechanism of a sofa is one of the most durable and reliable structures, but, as it turns out, it can also become unusable in a very short time.

The reason for this fragility is the poor quality of the layout elements, in particular the rollers. For reliable disassembly and assembly of the mechanism, the rollers must rotate easily and slide unhindered across the surface.

Watch the video of how a home mechanic changes the guide roller of a sofa with a Dolphin mechanism:

This article described only the main causes and options for breakdowns of sofa transformation mechanisms, which almost any owner can do without special training.

Eurosophist

Folding systems on a metal frame are reliable and durable. Perfect for active daily use, they can easily withstand rearrangements and moves.

How to unfold it: press the edge of the backrest from top to bottom – it will smoothly lower and take a horizontal position. To reverse the transformation, pull the backrest frame up.

What’s good about it: it has a metal frame at the base and does not require moving the sofa away from the wall.

What you should remember: the only drawback of such systems is the relatively high cost.

The sofa, which contains a “dolphin” mechanism, unfolds with particular ease and speed. The device was named after the animal of the same name due to the similarity of movements.

Typically found in corner sofas. The frame of the berth is held in place by special brackets at the level of the main part of the sofa. Thanks to its compactness, this model will fit well into the interior of a small room, and a spacious linen drawer under the corner will help hide home textiles and household items.

How to unfold: slide the frame out from under the seat and pull it up.

Like a cat's tread, sofas with the Puma mechanism unfold as quietly and neatly as possible. No scratches from legs or dented tracks from wheels - even the most demanding floor covering will not suffer from daily unfolding. When transforming, minimal effort is required: pull the seat up a little, and then the mechanism will do all the work.

How to unfold: pull the berth towards you by the seat, and the part located below will appear behind it.

What’s good about it: noiselessness and gentle treatment of the floor covering, easy to unfold.

Something to keep in mind: straight models do not have a drawer for linen. For corner models it is located behind the ottoman.

Warning

You should always remember that only a trained specialist with the necessary set of tools can carry out a major repair of the sofa folding mechanism. He will always be able to accurately determine and eliminate the cause of the breakdown at a high quality level.

Without the proper experience, such repairs can lead to even greater malfunctions, therefore, if a problem is discovered, very carefully study the cause of the breakdown of your favorite sofa, evaluate the complexity of the design and your strengths, and also, if you still decide to repair the sofa mechanisms yourself , approach the process itself very responsibly.

Step-by-step instruction

To reupholster the backs and seat of a sofa with your own hands, you need to:

Disassemble the soft part into individual elements.
Remove upholstery and repair necessary parts.
Cut out a new one.
Fasten the fabric.
Collect all the parts.

Each of the points has its own characteristics.

Stage 1

Disassembling the soft part is much easier than then reassembling it correctly. Therefore, it is recommended to perform all actions slowly and carefully. You can record the whole process on video:

Detach the sides.
If there is a seat and backrests, remove them.

Modern upholstered furniture is produced taking into account high maintainability, so this stage does not cause difficulties.

It is advisable to put all fasteners (nuts, screws, bolts) in one place so as not to lose them, since they will be useful during assembly

Stage 2

At this stage the following actions are performed:

Worn fabric must be removed carefully and slowly, as it will be needed when cutting new material.
Pull out the fastening brackets carefully so as not to damage the old upholstery.
It is recommended to check and, if necessary, repair metal parts, springs, and filler. If you neglect this, then in the future they may cause new upholstery defects.

The internal cavities should be cleared of dust and debris.

Stage 3

A high-quality result can only be achieved if the parts are cut correctly. To do this you need:

Place the new material on a flat horizontal surface.
Use chalk to outline the elements of the previous upholstery, adding 3-4 cm on each side for hems.
Cut out the parts strictly along the marked lines.

Patterning the parts is the most important stage in reupholstering a sofa.

Stage 4

In order to secure the new fabric, you need to do the following:

Apply the prepared patterns to the details of the sofa.
Stretch the fabric evenly, tucking the edges, otherwise the material will puff up and look sloppy.
Initially secure with several staples from a furniture stapler.
Use construction staples or special nails to secure the fabric at a distance of 3-4 cm.

Stage 5

It is recommended to inspect all updated parts before assembly. Then assemble the elements in reverse order.

The sofa book does not fold out

Usually this problem does not occur suddenly. Often it is preceded by completely harmless phenomena: it becomes a little more difficult to unfold, you have to make a little more effort when changing position, the seat somehow suspiciously presses against the armrest.

If you pay attention to minor defects in a timely manner, you can avoid serious damage. After all, it is usually enough to tighten a couple of screws or rivets in order to extend the service life of the entire mechanism.

Possible reasons

By indirect signs you can understand what prevents the sofa from taking the required position. If the problems are related to wear of the locking mechanism, then this is indicated by:

lateral play of the seat;
skewed towards one of the armrests;
absence of a characteristic click;
the clanging sound that occurs when transforming.

It happens that the book does not fold out due to a broken frame beam. In the folded position, this is indicated by the sagging edge of the seat. When unfolded, there is an uncharacteristic bump at the location where the position locking device is attached.

Remedies

The true scale of the problem can only be assessed by looking at the condition of the mechanism. To do this you need to remove the armrest. It is usually attached to the box with bolts, which are quite easy to unscrew. Having completed the task, they begin to inspect the problem area.

Often the culprit is loose fasteners to the frame beam. If these are bolts, then you can simply tighten them by first inserting additional washers. When the fixation mechanism is attached to the beam using screws, then:

they are replaced with analogues of a larger cross-section;
the timber is drilled further and bolts are used;
reduce the diameter of the holes using wooden choppers.

In a situation where the problem was identified untimely and the wood burst, there are several ways to solve the problem.

If the crack is longitudinal, then you can tighten the beam using metal clamps.
Transverse indicates the need to strengthen the frame with a plank. It is filled from the side opposite to the mechanism.
A completely burst timber is first glued. To do this, PVA is applied to the surface of the fracture, the fragments are connected and clamped with clamps. A day after this, the frame is strengthened using one of the above methods and the sofa is assembled.

Much less often, the cause of a breakdown is loosening of the rivets on the mechanism for fixing the book positions itself. After inspecting the removed device, even to an inexperienced person, the degree of its wear becomes obvious. Depending on the situation, rivets:

compact;
exchange for new ones;
if the design allows, replace them with suitable size bolts with a disc head.

Sometimes the book does not unfold due to a foreign object getting into the mechanism. Most often this happens in systems equipped with springs. This problem can be solved easily - just remove the blockage, and the sofa will work properly.

Manufacturing defects often cause excessive efforts to be made when transforming furniture. As a result, the rods may bend. They are leveled using a regular hammer.

After the repair, you should make sure that the sofa can be easily converted. If defects are discovered in the operation of the mechanism, it makes sense to purchase a pair of new ones, since this indicates severe wear and the imminence of another breakdown.

The sofa book does not fold out

Possible reasons

By indirect signs you can understand what prevents the sofa from taking the required position. If the problems are related to wear of the locking mechanism, then this is indicated by:

lateral play of the seat;
skewed towards one of the armrests;
absence of a characteristic click;
the clanging sound that occurs when transforming.

Remedies

they are replaced with analogues of a larger cross-section;
the timber is drilled further and bolts are used;
reduce the diameter of the holes using wooden choppers.

In a situation where the problem was identified untimely and the wood burst, there are several ways to solve the problem.

If the crack is longitudinal, then you can tighten the beam using metal clamps.
Transverse indicates the need to strengthen the frame with a plank. It is filled from the side opposite to the mechanism.
A completely burst timber is first glued. To do this, PVA is applied to the surface of the fracture, the fragments are connected and clamped with clamps. A day after this, the frame is strengthened using one of the above methods and the sofa is assembled.

compact;
exchange for new ones;
if the design allows, replace them with suitable size bolts with a disc head.

Sometimes the book does not unfold due to a foreign object getting into the mechanism. Most often this happens in systems equipped with springs. This problem can be solved easily - just remove the blockage, and the sofa will work properly.

Manufacturing defects often cause excessive efforts to be made when transforming furniture. As a result, the rods may bend. They are leveled using a regular hammer.

Principle of operation

Potential buyers are wondering: how is this an accordion mechanism in sofas? The furniture got its “musical” name because the process of unfolding it is reminiscent of stretching the bellows of an accordion or button accordion. The structure consists of three blocks. Each of them has a frame made of wood, often metal. It is filled with wooden slats or battens, as furniture makers usually call them. The elements are located at some distance. Two blocks form a sleeping place, the armor here is as far apart as possible.

The third is a seat, and when unfolded it extends the sleeping area. This area is the most vulnerable, so the slats are placed at a shorter distance. When assembled, the first two blocks are folded close to one another and form the backrest. They are located perpendicular to the seat. During the unfolding process, the latter moves forward and, as it were, pulls along the remaining elements, which move apart and form a sleeping place.

Sofa click clack protection against back diseases.

Thanks to the use of slats in sofas of this design, the function of an orthopedic bed is implemented, protecting against diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Thanks to this, a person receives quality rest and relieves tension in the muscles of the neck and back. The listed properties are ensured by the correct position of the body during sleep. Waking up in the morning, a person does not feel pain or stiffness due to the even distribution of the load on the joints of the body during sleep. Unloading the spine will allow you to avoid osteochondrosis, the occurrence of arthrosis, scoliosis, and is an excellent prevention of radiculitis. And this will have a beneficial effect on overall well-being and performance.

Features and types of design

Folded furniture looks neat and does not take up much space. The features of the transformation mechanism allow us to produce products of different sizes: from single chair-beds to spacious double structures. Variations are possible with or without armrests. In the first case, both wide and narrow elements can be installed. It all depends on the model. The armrests are made entirely or partially from wood; soft, fabric-covered variations are possible.

There are three design options with the accordion mechanism:

Standard straight. Folds forward, has two sleeping places and three seats. Depending on the design, it can be intended for spacious or small rooms.
Corner design. It is a straight block with a stationary corner module. Thanks to the latter, when unfolded, you get the most spacious mattress for sleeping. Ideal for living rooms and halls as it has a large number of seats.
Chair-bed. The most compact option, designed for one person. Convenient to use in small apartments as a permanent or temporary bed. It can be a good addition to the main product if it is made in the same style.

Materials used in the manufacture of the sofa.

When buying a sofa, be sure to pay attention to the material of the upholstery and covers. This will help avoid additional expenses in the future. The service life of the furniture depends on the type of material.

Velor is a capricious material, it wears out quickly, although it is very beautiful. It is worth stopping at if you have the means to constantly change covers or upholstery.
Flock - perfect for the living room, kitchen, children's room - easy to clean, dense. Jacquard - pleasant to the touch and durable. Afraid of wet cleaning, stains easily remain.
Chenille is the best choice for a children's room. Hypoallergenic, not subject to deformation, does not lose color. The downside is that it easily leaves snags and scratches, not suitable if you have a pet.
Tapestry - a large amount of cotton makes the material environmentally friendly and safe for others. It washes well.
Leather is the most prestigious type of sofa exterior. Not suitable for a home, but in an office reception area it will highlight the status of the organization. Afraid of direct sunlight and chemical cleaning agents.

In addition to the above, pay attention to the frame material. Recently, in addition to metal ones, many manufacturers are equipping klik klyaks with wooden frames. This makes the design cheaper, but at the same time reduces operational capabilities. A wooden frame does not tolerate constant movement of the mechanism; cracks appear at the joints, leading to premature failure of the furniture.

How to fold an accordion sofa

You don't need to put in much effort to arrange the furniture. The instructions are very simple, everything is done in two steps:

Raise the seat a little. So that you can hear a characteristic click. He will say that the safety mechanism is blocked and no longer holds the structure.
With little effort, pull the seat towards you. The blocks are placed in a flat bed. To understand how the accordion sofa unfolds, you can watch the video. It clearly shows that the easiest transformation occurs with special roller legs.

Equipment

The accordion sofa looks worthy in any interior. Consumer demands force manufacturers to constantly improve familiar furniture. Very often, such sofas have a linen drawer at the bottom. This is a very convenient device. The box is especially needed by those people who sleep on this sofa every day. Bed linen is easy to put away in the morning and easy to take out in the evening.

Also, quite often the package includes several decorative backrests. Thanks to this, the sofa harmonizes with any type of interior.

Design advantages

The system appeared relatively recently, but has managed to become very popular. This is due to a number of advantages that make its use very convenient:

The sleeping area is absolutely flat, without joints or height differences. Sleeping on it is very comfortable, especially if the filling is chosen correctly. Models are available with orthopedic mattresses; they can be used as a bed for daily sleep. They are comfortable and practical.
There is no need to move the product to unfold it. If necessary, it can be moved close to the wall, this will not interfere with the arrangement of furniture. The sleeping mattress only moves forward. This must be taken into account before purchasing and free up space in front of the system so that it is convenient to use.
There is a drawer for storing bedding items. It is roomy enough to put a blanket and pillows in it. Access to the box is not difficult; just lift the seat and you can put in or take out the items you need.
Long term of use, subject to compliance with operating instructions. The accordion is one of the reliable mechanisms, designed for a large number of transformation cycles. Breakdowns are certainly possible, but they are quite easy to deal with.

The design features allow us to produce a large number of different furniture options. Sizes vary. For example, the width can vary from 70 to 200 cm. Another changing element is the armrests. They can be completely absent, which is an advantage for a small room. For spacious rooms, models are available with shelves, niches, etc. built into the armrests.

How much material to buy

After the material has been selected, it is necessary to calculate how much of it to purchase. The easiest way to calculate the amount of fabric is to add the length and width of the sofa. Double the resulting amount. For example, a sofa measuring 2.5 x 1.8. In this case, you need to purchase about 7 meters.

To make the calculation as correctly as possible, it is recommended to adhere to the following instructions:

Take accurate measurements of all elements of the sofa. In this case, you need to measure the longest and widest parts of the back, seat, armrests and pillows, adding a few centimeters for seam allowances.
Draw a diagram of the sofa, be sure to ensure that the parts are positioned correctly.
Add all vertical values and divide by 100. The resulting value is approximately equal to the required length of fabric in meters.
To determine the width of a piece of fabric, you need to take the widest part from the horizontal piece.
For a more comfortable cut, it is recommended to add 1 meter for every 5 meters to the resulting length and width.

The approximate material consumption depends on the type of sofa:

2-seater - about 10-14 sq. m;
3-seater - up to 15 sq.m. m;
kitchen corner - up to 6 sq. m;
corner sofa - about 22 sq. m.

Material consumption increases if a complex pattern is applied to the fabric, which must be selected when connecting elements of the sofa, in the absence of a project and pattern.

Mechanism problems and how to solve them

Like any other furniture, this one has its pros and cons. The latter include the need to apply some force when folding. Another drawback is common to all withdrawable systems. When unfolded, the legs may scratch the floor covering. Laminate, parquet and similar materials are especially sensitive to such effects. Therefore, everything must be done carefully, without sudden jerks.

Some people don't like the slightly unusual appearance of the sofa. They think the back is too wide. This is due to the fact that it consists of two blocks stacked close together. This can hardly be considered a disadvantage, rather a subjective opinion. Despite the fact that the mechanism is considered reliable, it has “weak” points that break most often. This:

Frame, especially if it is made of low-quality materials.
Hinges that hold the frame.
Battens and fittings holding them.
Wheels.

If a problem appears, you should study the accordion sofa mechanism on video or from photos and listen to specialists. They claim that repairs are most often possible. Moreover, it can be done at home. It's very easy to change the rollers. You need to select the appropriate size wheels and install them to replace the worn ones. In this case, the mounting axis can be drilled out and a bolt can be placed in its place, securing it with two nuts.

Armor, if it is made of high-quality material, is extremely difficult to break. More often than not, the fasteners that hold them fail. They are a kind of metal “pockets”, the latter are attached to the frame using rivets. Replacing fittings will not be difficult if you purchase an analogue at any furniture store. Rivets are installed using a special device. You can use regular bolts instead.

Secrets of purchase and use

Available models can always be found in the online store; choose affordable exclusive models with home delivery.

Advantages of purchasing a sofa online:

fast delivery to the apartment
Convenient selection and choice of upholstery
online consulting
there is no third party (seller).

After receiving the sofa, check the hinges and bolts, ask the craftsmen to tighten and lubricate the mechanism to remove squeaking.

How to choose the best sofa

Choosing furniture is quite an important step. In order not to waste money, you need to take into account at least two points.

Product dimensions

They can be very different. The main determining factor in the choice here will be the area and shape of the room where you plan to install the furniture. It can be placed close to the wall, which is usually the case in small rooms, or placed closer to the center, thereby zoning the space. It is important to remember that the distance from the wall to the unfolded mattress should not be less than half a meter.

The accordion sofa mechanism, the design of which is quite simple, allows the use of various types of filling. Let's look at the most popular options:

Polyurethane foam. Dense elastic filler of varying hardness. Easily takes the shape of the body, after which it restores its previous configuration. It is very comfortable to sit on, but can be hard to sleep on.
Dependent spring system. The top is covered with a thick coating and a sheet of foam rubber. Not the best option since the elements are connected to each other. This quickly leads to subsidence of the surface; the sharp parts of the springs may extend beyond the upholstery if broken.
Block of independent springs. Each of the elements is in an individual cover, which ensures its durability and maximum comfort for the person lying on such a mattress. The most convenient option for sleeping.

In some models, the filling can be combined, but this is quite rare.

The accordion sofa is a practical and convenient solution for a wide variety of rooms. Depending on the model, it will fit well into both a spacious and a small room. It is only important to choose the right filling. Furniture with an orthopedic mattress is good for daily use; it will become a complete replacement for a bed.