The recliner mechanism on this chair is terrible it is extremely stiff and awkward to use.It requires you to use one hand to to operate a lever on the side to recline or move upright. the mechanism is so stiff that is very difficult to push the armrest  
to move up or back using the arm rests as instructed. The only way to operate is to put afoot on the ground or find something to push against. The footrest is also to shortfor most people. I am very unhappy with this purchase and would send it back if it was a smaller item. 
ps I tried lubricating it but it had very improvement.