Knoll Tulip Chair Maintenance Question  

When you do go to lubricate...
When you do go to lubricate this, I recommend using Turbine Oil. It will last 10 X longer, and run smoother, as it contains no detergents like a 3 in 1. Available at True Value.

Dismantling a tulip chair
There are essentially three parts to a tulip chair-- the pedestal base, the seat shell, and the swivel mechanism (which you can't see).
The swivel mechanism is screwed to the seat shell, but you can't access those screws until you remove the pedestal base. The pedestal base is attached by a single elegant little "c-clamp" (it looks like a dime-sized horseshoe, barely visible when you tip the chair upside down and examine the nub of the swivel rod that protrudes). The c-clamp clips around a groove in the end of the rod (there's also a little nylon tubular washer down there- don't lose it!). Remove the c-clamp, and the pedestal base comes right off.
Ain't easy to remove this clamp without the specific pliers made for the chore (available at most hardware shops)-- the clamp has two holes on each end which the pliers fit into. But, if you're stubborn you can get it off with two pairs of needle nose pliers (and lots of swearing).
The little c-clamp is easily replaceable, by the way-- they're sold in a variety of sizes at auto repair shops & well-stocked hardware shops.
Once you get the clamp off, the rest is easy!

This is what the c-clamp looks like:
One of these holds the whole chair together:

This
is called a snap ring.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_20032...

Here's
a C-clamp. In UK, a G-cramp.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-clamp

Also
called a Circlip. Note difference between internal and external clip.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circlip

Thanks!
Hey guys thanks for all the great info. Upon closer inspection of the base that clip appears to be stuck pretty well to the pin due to rust. I'm not quite sure sure how to attack it the rust. Should I try to chip away at it? Is there some solution that is good at dissolving it? Thanks again! I'll try to provide pics later today.

Rust removal
you can get a good rust removing spray at your local hardware store. (can't remember the brand, but ask the people at the store)

"Snap ring"-- that makes more sense!
My hardware guy insistently called it a "c clamp", although we all know a c-clamp to be a clamping device. Thanks for the correct terminology.
(knowing the correct names of parts is half the battle of doing repairs-- thank god for photography.)

Yeah --
Terminology is a b______. A pic is worth a few words (at least !).
I love "G-cramp." Reading British literature is a delight to an American. Not sure if the same is true in reverse !
US hood
UK bonnet
US top (convertible)
UK hood
US fender
UK wing
US bumper
UK fender
US driver's side
UK near side
US passenger's side
UK off side
US curb
UK kerb
US wrench
UK spanner
etc etc etc

Don't forget--
US: Sweater
UK: Jumper
One can find a lot of groovy overlooked vintage Fair Isle sweaters on Ebay, if they search "jumpers" instead of "sweaters". (But, now I'm just inviting competition.)

OK guys so I finally managed...
OK guys so I finally managed to free that C-Clamp. It only took about 5 minutes w/ some Bar Keepers Friend and it snapped right off (gotta snag a new one now). Anyway I was kinda expecting that the chair would slide right off the base but they seem to be just as attached as ever. There is some sort of round bolt looking thing that goes around the post that the clamp was attached to. Is this holding the chair together still?
I've included a picture below. Let me know what you guys think.

the "bolt" in the center
is the rod of the swivel mechanism-- it runs the length of the pedestal base, and is screwed to the seat. The circular object surrounding the bolt should be a nylon/ plastic tubular washer-- shaped like a little 1" top-hat (your photo shows the 'brim').
After having removed the snap ring (which I erroneously called a "c-clamp"), you should be able to pull the pedestal away from the seat. The metal rod will stay attached to the seat, until you unscrew it.

In the photo
I think I'm seeing some "abuse" to the end of the central rod -- as though it had been in contact with the ground (?) and gotten peened over --preventing the nylon washer from slipping off. If this is the case, some filing or grinding, or perhaps work with a serrated plier, will be necessary.