Symptoms
- Sharp or metallic feeling when sitting
- Spring visible poking through the fabric underneath
- Clunking or twanging sound when weight shifts
Likely causes
- CommonBroken spring clip or tie strapSprings are held in place by clips or twine that can snap over time.
- CommonSpring detached from the frameThe spring itself may still be intact but has come loose from its frame anchor.
- PossibleFully broken or rusted-through spring coilMetal fatigue or moisture exposure can snap a coil entirely.
What to do
- Flip the couch over and remove or carefully cut open the dust cover fabric underneath.
- Locate the loose or broken spring and note whether it's detached, or the coil itself is broken.
- For a detached spring, reattach it to the frame using new spring clips or heavy-duty twine.
- For a broken clip, replace it with a matching hog ring or spring clip using pliers.
- For a fully broken coil, it can sometimes be removed and the load redistributed to nearby springs, though replacement is more reliable.
- Staple a new piece of breathable dust cover fabric back over the underside when finished.
Tools and parts
- Pliers
- Staple gun
- Hog ring pliers (for spring clips)
- Scissors
Sofa spring clips (hog rings)Search: “sofa spring hog ring clips”
Replacement sofa springSearch: “sofa coil spring replacement”
Upholstery dust cover fabricSearch: “furniture dust cover cambric fabric”
When to call a pro
A professional upholsterer can re-tie or replace springs correctly so the seat keeps even support and doesn't sag unevenly again.
Safety
Use caution
Broken springs can have sharp edges; wear gloves when working underneath the couch.