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Description
Adjustable Recliner Release Cable for Manual Recliners
This exclusive Sofa Rehab adjustable recliner release cable has been designed to solve one of the most common problems with replacing manual recliner cables: choosing the correct exposed hook-end length.
Most standard recliner release cables are fixed length, so the customer has to remove the old cable, measure the exposed wire, match the barrel size and hope they choose the right replacement. Our adjustable cable removes most of that guesswork for 6mm barrel recliner handles.
The exposed hook length adjusts from 75mm to 150mm before fitting, allowing you to install the cable and adjust the release tension to suit your recliner mechanism. It is suitable for many manual recliner chairs, sofas and lounges that use a 6mm barrel release cable.
No Need To Match The Old Exposed Cable Length
This cable is supplied at the longest exposed setting, then adjusted shorter if required once fitted. If your handle pulls but the footrest does not release, simply adjust the cable tension until the recliner opens correctly.
This makes it a practical one size fits most replacement for many manual recliners using a 6mm cable barrel. Instead of choosing from multiple fixed exposed cable lengths, you can order this adjustable cable, fit it and tension it to suit your recliner.
Please note, this cable has a 6mm barrel fitting. If your old cable has a smaller 3.5mm barrel, we recommend choosing one of the matching handle options with your cable.
Choose Cable Only or Add a Matching Handle
Choose the cable only option if your existing recliner handle is still in good condition and accepts a 6mm cable barrel.
If your handle is cracked, worn, loose, missing its retaining clip, uses a 3.5mm barrel, or you are simply unsure what setup you currently have, choose one of the handle options with your cable. This gives you a new matching handle and adjustable cable together, making the repair easier and reducing the need to match the new cable to an old or unknown handle.
Available options include:
Cable only
With small oval plastic handle, measuring 91mm wide x 75mm high, with a 6mm barrel fitting
With large oval plastic handle, measuring 115mm wide x 70mm high x 38mm deep, with a 6mm barrel fitting
With large oval metal handle, measuring 112mm wide x 68mm high x 40mm deep, with a 6mm barrel fitting
To choose the right handle, compare the size and shape of your current recliner handle with the options above. The small oval handle is a more compact style, while the large oval plastic and large oval metal handles suit recliners with the larger oval handle opening. All handle options in this listing are supplied to suit the 6mm barrel adjustable cable.
All handle options are supplied with the matching handle retaining clip. The handle and cable are packed separately to help protect the parts during delivery. They are easy to assemble before fitting, and our instructions and video guide will show you how.
Designed and Manufactured Exclusively for Sofa Rehab
This is not a standard fixed-length recliner cable. We had this cable designed and manufactured to our own specifications to create a better replacement option for DIY recliner repairs.
The cable is made with a black high-flex PVC outer sheath, a metal coiled inner wall for strength, a quality alloy adjustable collar and locking nut, plus a strong steel inner wire. The adjustment is made at the handle end using the threaded collar, then locked in place with the nut once the correct tension is achieved.
It is a premium long-life cable designed for repeated recliner use and a smoother replacement process.
Fitment Notes Before Ordering
This adjustable release cable is designed for manual recliners that use a handle-operated cable release system. It suits many recliner chairs, sofas and lounges with a hook-end cable connected to the release mechanism underneath the chair.
The cable is best suited when:
Your original handle accepts a 6mm barrel cable
Your recliner uses a hook-end release cable
Your old cable has failed, stretched, snapped or lost tension
Your handle still works but the footrest no longer releases properly
You want to avoid measuring and matching fixed exposed cable lengths
If your recliner footrest still does not open or close correctly after the cable has been fitted and adjusted, the issue may be with the recliner mechanism, release spring or another internal part rather than the cable itself.
You Can Do It Yourself and Save
Replacing a manual recliner cable is a DIY-friendly repair when you follow the correct steps. You will need basic tools such as a Phillips head screwdriver and long nose pliers, plus enough space to safely tip the recliner forward onto a protective blanket.
The old handle and cable assembly is removed first, then the new adjustable cable is fitted into either your original 6mm handle or one of the new matching handle options. Once connected to the recliner mechanism, the cable tension can be adjusted before the handle is screwed back into place.
Follow our step-by-step tutorial and video guide to install the cable, adjust the tension and get your recliner working again without the cost of a professional call out.
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Adjustable Recliner Release Cable Specifications
| Product Type | Adjustable manual recliner release cable |
|---|---|
| Suitable For | Manual recliner chairs, sofas and lounges with a handle-operated release cable system |
| Exposed Hook-End Adjustment Range | 75mm to 150mm, measured before the cable is fitted into a handle |
| Supplied Setting | Supplied at the longest exposed wire setting of 150mm |
| Adjustment Method | Tool-free adjustment at the handle end using the threaded collar and locking nut |
| Overall Cable Length | 1000mm inner wire overall length |
| Outer Sheath Length | 700mm |
| Outer Sheath Material | Black high-flex PVC with metal coiled inner wall |
| Inner Wire | Steel inner wire, 1.2mm thick |
| Handle End Fitting | 6mm barrel |
| Barrel Size | 6mm diameter x 7mm long |
| Mechanism End Fitting | Hook end |
| Hook Size | 4mm thick x 20mm long |
| Adjustable Collar Length | 97mm |
| Tools Recommended | Phillips head screwdriver and long nose pliers |
Available Buying Options
| Option | What You Receive | Best Choice If | Handle Size | Barrel Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Only | 1x fully assembled adjustable recliner release cable | Your existing recliner handle is still in good condition and accepts a 6mm barrel cable | Use your existing compatible handle | 6mm |
| With Small Oval Handle | 1x adjustable recliner release cable, 1x small oval plastic handle, 1x matching handle retaining clip | You need a compact replacement handle or your old small oval handle is broken, worn or uses a 3.5mm cable barrel | 91mm wide x 75mm high | 6mm |
| With Large Oval Plastic Handle | 1x adjustable recliner release cable, 1x large oval plastic handle, 1x matching handle retaining clip | You need a standard large oval plastic replacement handle with a matching adjustable cable | 115mm wide x 70mm high x 38mm deep | 6mm |
| With Large Oval Metal Handle | 1x adjustable recliner release cable, 1x large oval metal handle, 1x matching handle retaining clip | You want the large oval handle shape with a stronger metal handle option and matching adjustable cable | 112mm wide x 68mm high x 40mm deep | 6mm |
Handle and Cable Assembly Notes
| Cable Only Option | The cable is supplied fully assembled and set to the maximum 150mm exposed hook-end length. Fit it into your original compatible 6mm barrel handle, then adjust the cable tension to suit your recliner. |
|---|---|
| Handle Options | The selected handle and adjustable cable are supplied separately in the package to help protect the parts during delivery. Assemble the cable into the handle before fitting to the recliner. |
| 3.5mm Barrel Handles | This adjustable cable uses a 6mm barrel. If your original handle only accepts a 3.5mm barrel cable, choose one of the handle options so the new cable and handle match correctly. |
| Installation Support | Follow our step-by-step instructions and video guide before fitting and adjusting the cable. |
How To Tutorial
How To Tutorial
How To Fit and Adjust Your Recliner Release Cable
These instructions apply to both the cable only option and the handle and cable options. The fitting process is the same, except cable only customers fit the new cable into their original 6mm barrel handle, while handle option customers fit the cable into the new handle supplied.
The cable is supplied at its longest exposed wire setting of 150mm. Start by fitting the cable at this setting, then only shorten the exposed length if more tension is needed.
Tools and Preparation
| Footrest Position | Start with the recliner footrest fully closed. |
|---|---|
| Tools Required | Phillips head screwdriver and long nose pliers. |
| Floor Protection | Place a blanket or protective sheet on the floor to protect the furniture and flooring. |
| Chair Position | Tip the recliner forward so the arm tops and headrest cushion are in contact with the floor. |
| Important Safety Note | Do not tip the recliner backwards or onto its side, as this makes the mechanism harder to access and harder to test correctly. |
| Helpful Tip | Take a photo of the original cable setup underneath the recliner before removing anything. This gives you a reference if needed. |
Step 1: Remove the Old Handle
- Keep the recliner upright and make sure the footrest is fully closed.
- Remove the screws holding the old handle to the recliner arm.
- Carefully pull the handle out from the side of the recliner.
- Keep the screws in a safe place so they can be reused later.
Step 2: Tip the Recliner Forward
- Place a blanket or protective sheet on the floor.
- Tip the recliner forward so the arm tops and headrest cushion are resting on the protected floor.
- Get help if required, as recliners can be heavy and bulky.
- Keep the footrest closed while working underneath the chair.
Step 3: Disconnect the Old Cable From the Mechanism
- Locate where the old cable connects to the release mechanism underneath the chair.
- Find the hook end connected to the release lever.
- Find the black retaining clip fitted into the mechanism slot.
- If there is a screw fitted into the rear of the retaining clip, remove it first and keep it with the handle screws.
- Using long nose pliers, pinch the rear of the retaining clip to release it from the mechanism slot.
- Access the retaining clip from the inside seat cavity side of the mechanism where possible.
- Unhook the cable end from the release mechanism.
- Once the hook and retaining clip are detached, feed the old handle and cable assembly back out through the recliner arm.
Step 4: Fit the New Cable Into the Handle
If you are reusing your original handle: remove the old cable from the back of the handle. If a metal retaining clip is fitted over the cable sheath, pinch the clip together with your thumb and forefinger to release the tabs from the handle slot, then lift it clear. Remove the cable sheath collar, barrel and inner wire from the handle.
If you purchased a new handle option: remove the retaining clip from the back of the supplied handle using the same method. The handle and cable are supplied separately to help protect the parts during delivery.
- Fit the 6mm barrel of the new adjustable cable into the handle hole.
- Feed the inner wire through the groove toward the back of the handle.
- Push the metal cable collar down into the handle slot until it clicks or seats firmly into place.
- Refit the handle retaining clip over the cable and into the handle slot.
Step 5: Feed the New Cable Through the Recliner Arm
- With the recliner still tipped forward, feed the hook end and exposed wire through the handle opening in the recliner arm.
- Guide the cable down through the arm until the hook end appears underneath the chair.
- Leave the handle loose in the arm opening.
- Do not screw the handle into position yet, as the cable tension may need to be adjusted first.
Step 6: Connect the New Cable to the Release Mechanism
- Route the cable as directly and smoothly as possible from the handle to the release mechanism.
- Avoid tight bends, twists or routing the cable tightly around the internal timber frame.
- Attach the hook end of the cable to the release lever mechanism.
- If the mechanism has multiple holes, start with the hole nearest the seat frame. This is usually the hole furthest away from the floor end of the mechanism when viewing the recliner from underneath.
- Clip the black retaining clip into the mechanism slot.
- Listen or feel for a click to confirm the retaining clip is seated correctly.
- If your original setup had a screw securing the retaining clip, refit the screw.
Step 7: Test the Cable Tension
- Tip the recliner back into its normal upright position.
- Pull the handle as if opening the recliner.
- If the footrest opens smoothly and closes properly, the cable tension is correct.
- Once the tension is correct, secure the handle to the recliner arm using the original screws.
Step 8: Adjust the Cable If More Tension Is Needed
If the handle pulls but the footrest does not open, or the handle has to be pulled all the way before the footrest releases, the cable tension is too loose. The cable can be adjusted shorter to increase the pull on the release mechanism.
- Pull the handle back out from the recliner arm opening.
- Grip the handle and the metal collar of the release cable.
- Turn the handle and outer collar anti clockwise to shorten the exposed wire and increase tension.
- Adjust in 5 full rotations at a time.
- Test the handle again after each adjustment.
- Repeat until the handle releases the footrest correctly.
- As the collar is adjusted, more thread will become visible. This is normal.
- Once the correct tension is achieved, wind the locking nut up the thread until it touches the base of the outer collar.
- Secure the handle to the recliner arm using the original screws.
Important: the cable is supplied at its longest exposed wire setting, so it cannot be made longer on the first attempt. It should either be correct or too loose when first fitted. Only turn the collar clockwise if you have over tightened the cable and need to reduce the tension.
Step 9: If the Cable Is Too Tight
If the footrest opens but will not lock shut, or the handle feels too tight, the cable may have been adjusted too short.
- Pull the handle back out from the arm opening.
- Turn the handle and outer collar clockwise to lengthen the exposed wire and reduce tension.
- Test again until the footrest opens and closes with ease.
- Once correct, lock the adjustment with the nut and screw the handle into place.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Footrest opens but will not lock shut
Likely cause: The exposed wire is too tight.
Suggested fix: Turn the handle and outer collar clockwise to reduce the cable tension until the footrest opens and closes properly.
Problem: Handle needs to be pulled all the way to release the footrest
Likely cause: The cable tension is too loose.
Suggested fix: Turn the handle and outer collar anti clockwise in 5 full rotation steps, testing after each adjustment.
Problem: Handle feels too tight
Possible causes: The cable may be over tightened, twisted, routed poorly or fitted on the wrong side of the release lever.
Suggested fix: Check the cable route is smooth and direct. If needed, unhook the cable and refit it on the correct side of the release lever. If the route is correct, turn the handle and outer collar clockwise to reduce tension.
Problem: Footrest still will not open or close after adjustment
Likely cause: The fault may not be the cable.
Suggested fix: Check for a mechanism fault, broken spring or another internal recliner issue. Contact us if you need help identifying the problem.
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FAQs
FAQs
Will this adjustable recliner release cable fit my recliner?
This cable is designed to fit most manual recliner chairs, sofas and lounges that use a handle-operated release cable with a 6mm barrel fitting. The exposed hook-end length adjusts from 75mm to 150mm, so you do not need to match the old exposed cable length like you would with a fixed-size cable.
Do I still need to measure my old recliner cable?
In most cases, no. If your existing handle accepts a 6mm barrel cable, this adjustable cable can be fitted and tensioned to suit your recliner. If your old cable has a 3.5mm barrel, choose one of the handle options so the new cable and handle match correctly.
Should I buy the cable only or choose a handle option?
Choose cable only if your existing recliner handle is still in good condition and accepts a 6mm barrel cable. Choose a handle option if your handle is broken, worn, uses a 3.5mm barrel, or you want an easier all new matching repair with a new handle and adjustable cable.
How do I adjust the recliner cable tension?
The cable is supplied at its longest exposed setting. Fit the cable first, then test the handle. If the footrest does not open or the handle needs to be pulled all the way, rotate the handle and outer cable collar anti clockwise in small steps to shorten the exposed wire and increase tension. Once the tension is correct, tighten the locking nut against the collar.
Why does my recliner footrest open but not lock shut after fitting the cable?
This usually means the cable tension is too tight. Turn the handle and outer collar clockwise to reduce the cable tension, then test again until the footrest opens and closes properly. If the recliner still does not work after adjustment, there may be a mechanism, spring or internal recliner issue rather than a cable fault.
