Published July 20, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
Most broken armrests can be fixed with two-part epoxy or a replacement armrest kit. Clean the area, apply epoxy, clamp, and let cure 24 hours. Replace the chair if the frame is damaged.
A broken armrest on your camping chair can be frustrating, but it doesn't always mean the end of the chair. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to bring you practical repair solutions. Whether the armrest is cracked, snapped, or the mounting bracket has failed, these tips can save you money and keep your chair in service.
Why Armrests Break
Camping chair armrests typically break at stress points: the joint where the armrest connects to the frame, the thin plastic near the cup holder, or the tubing itself. Common causes include excessive weight, repeated folding and unfolding, UV damage to plastic, and impact from falls. Aluminum frame chairs with plastic armrests are especially prone to cracking at the rivet points. For example, a chair left in direct sunlight for weeks may develop brittle plastic that snaps when pressure is applied. Similarly, chairs with integrated cup holders often crack around the holder rim because that area is thinner. Understanding these weak points helps you inspect your chair regularly and avoid actions that accelerate damage.
How to Fix a Broken Armrest: Step by Step
- Assess the damage. Determine if the break is in the plastic armrest, the metal tube, or the connection point. If the frame is bent or cracked, replacement is safer. For plastic breaks, proceed with repair. Look for missing pieces: if a chunk is gone, you may need to fill the gap with epoxy putty or replace the armrest.
- Gather materials. You will need: two-part epoxy (like JB Weld or Gorilla Epoxy), sandpaper (120-grit), rubbing alcohol, clamps or zip ties, and optionally a replacement armrest kit from the manufacturer or Amazon. For metal breaks, you may need a metal epoxy or a welding service.
- Prepare the surface. Sand the broken edges to create a rough surface for better adhesion. Clean with rubbing alcohol and let dry completely. If there are any loose plastic shards, remove them. For a clean break, align the pieces before applying epoxy.
- Mix and apply epoxy. Follow the epoxy instructions. Apply a thin layer to both sides of the break, then press together firmly. Wipe away excess with a damp cloth. For gaps, use epoxy putty to fill and shape.
- Clamp and cure. Use clamps or zip ties to hold the pieces together. Make sure the alignment is correct. Let cure for the full time recommended (usually 24 hours). Do not use the chair during curing. A warm, dry area speeds up curing.
- Reinforce if needed. For extra strength, you can add a layer of epoxy over the repaired area or wrap with self-fusing silicone tape. This is especially useful for armrests that bear weight when you push yourself up.
- Reattach the armrest. If the armrest was detached from the frame, reattach using the original hardware or new rivets/screws. Check the manufacturer's instructions. For rivets, use a pop rivet gun with the correct size rivets.
When to Replace the Chair Instead
Not every break is repairable. Replace your camping chair if: the frame is bent or cracked, the fabric is torn or sagging, the chair wobbles after repair, or if the armrest is missing large chunks. Safety is paramount: a chair that collapses can cause injury. Also consider replacement if the chair is more than 5 years old or if replacement parts cost more than half the price of a new chair. For example, if a new armrest kit costs $25 and a similar new chair costs $40, replacement may be more economical. Additionally, if the chair has multiple broken components, such as a torn seat and a broken armrest, it is usually better to replace the whole chair.
Preventing Future Breakage
To extend the life of your camping chair armrests: avoid sitting on the armrests, limit weight to the chair's rated capacity, store the chair out of direct sunlight when not in use, and lubricate folding joints with silicone spray. Check the current price on Amazon for protective armrest covers or a new chair if needed. Also, when setting up the chair, ensure all locking mechanisms are fully engaged to prevent stress on the armrests. Regularly inspect the armrests for hairline cracks and address them early with a dab of epoxy before they become larger breaks.
Repairing Different Armrest Materials
Camping chair armrests are made from plastic, wood, or metal. Plastic armrests are most common and can be repaired with epoxy as described. Wood armrests, found on some higher-end chairs, can be fixed with wood glue and clamps; sand and refinish after gluing. Metal armrests, usually aluminum or steel, may bend rather than crack. If bent, you can sometimes straighten them with pliers, but if the metal is fatigued or cracked, replacement is safer. For metal armrests that are riveted to the frame, you may need to drill out the old rivets and install new ones. Always wear safety glasses when drilling or grinding.
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