Welcome to our comprehensive tutorial on unboxing and setting up your Herman Miller Embody chair. Whether you’re enhancing your workspace or setting up a brand-new chair, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from unboxing to troubleshooting common assembly issues.
What’s Inside the Box?
Upon opening the box, you’ll find:
Chair Parts:
- Spine
- Back
- BackFit Adjustment Knob
Assembly Tools:
- Two Allen wrenches (long and short)
- Back bolts
- Metal rod (for spine assembly)
- Two plastic hinges
- Screws for fastening
Everything required for assembly is included. There’s no need to source additional tools.
Tools You’ll Use:
- T27 torque Allen wrench (provided)
- T40 torque Allen wrench (provided)
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
1. Assembling the Back and Spine
- Position the spine under the antler and dome of the backrest.
- Take the metal rod and carefully align it with the hole in the spine.
- Push the rod through the spine until it fully extends to the other side.
2. Securing the Hinge Covers
- Identify the two plastic hinge covers, noting they are left- and right-specific.
- Align the rod inside both hinge covers and push them firmly into place.
- Ensure the hinge covers snap securely around the rod.
3. Locking the Spine Assembly
- Insert bolts into the holes on the left and right sides of the hinge covers.
- Use the T27 torque Allen wrench to tighten the bolts securely. Apply downward pressure while tightening to ensure a snug fit.
4. Attaching the Back to the Base
- Align the two holes at the bottom of the backrest with the protrusions on the chair base.
- Push the back firmly into place, ensuring a proper fit.
5. Securing the Back to the Base
- From the back side of the chair, insert the short bolts and use the T40 torque Allen wrench to tighten them securely.
- Insert the long bolts into their designated spots and tighten them securely.
Pro Tip: If the long bolts don’t catch the thread, the nut may be slightly misaligned. It’s a normal issue for Embody chairs. Lay the chair on the ground to stabilize the thread and nut. Push the back firmly into place to ensure alignment, then proceed to tighten the bolts. This does not mean your chair is damaged or defective, and no return is necessary. Follow this step for a proper assembly.
6. Attaching the BackFit Adjustment Knob
- Align the BackFit adjustment knob with its slot on the back of the chair.
- Push it into place securely.
- Twist the knob to adjust the lumbar support to your preferred position.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Loose Height Adjustment Cable
If the height adjustment function isn’t working or the cable feels loose:
- Hook the cable into the cylinder by pushing it in as demonstrated. This will re-engage the mechanism.
Misaligned Bolts
- If bolts don’t thread easily, ensure the chair is laid on a flat surface. Stabilize the parts and try again, as described in the Pro Tip in Step 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools are included in the box to assemble the Herman Miller Embody, and how do you attach the back and spine?
The box includes a long and short Allen wrench, back bolts, a metal rod, two plastic hinges, and screws for fastening. To assemble the back and spine, position the spine under the antler and dome of the backrest. Take the metal rod and carefully align it with the hole in the spine, then push the rod through until it fully extends to the other side.
What should you do if the long bolts do not catch the thread when securing the back to the base?
If the long bolts do not catch the thread, the nut may be slightly misaligned, which is a normal issue for Embody chairs and does not mean it is defective. To fix this, lay the chair on the ground to stabilize the thread and nut, push the back firmly into place to ensure alignment, and then proceed to tighten the bolts securely.
How do you fix a loose height adjustment cable or re-engage the mechanism during assembly?
If the height adjustment function is not working or the cable feels loose, you can easily fix it by hooking the cable into the cylinder and pushing it in as demonstrated in the OfficeLogixShop tutorial. This action will re-engage the mechanism so you can continue with the final adjustments and testing.
Final Adjustments and Testing
After completing assembly:
- Test all chair functions, including height adjustment, lumbar support, and recline.
- Ensure all bolts are tightened securely to avoid any instability.
Bonus Tips:
- Check out our detailed Embody Chair Adjustment Guide to fine-tune the chair for your perfect ergonomic fit.
- Consider adding an Embody headrest from OfficeLogixShop to complete your setup. It’s available in various colors and fully ergonomic for enhanced comfort.
Your Embody Chair is Ready!
Congratulations! By following this guide, you’ve successfully assembled your Herman Miller Embody chair. You’ve made an excellent investment in your comfort and productivity, and your workspace is now equipped with one of the most advanced ergonomic chairs on the market. Enjoy your new Embody experience!