How to Install Folding Leg Brackets

Folding leg brackets can be installed on a card table, folding table or standard fixed-leg table.

Folding legs are commonly found on card tables and portable folding tables. Folding legs can also be added to a fixed-leg table. A table's folding leg assembly makes it easier to transport and store the table. Excess weight and wear can result in damage to the legs and the folding brackets that are used to attach them to the table bottom. You may opt to replace the entire folding leg assembly. Or, you may replace just the legs, or just the brackets.

Things You'll Need

• Electric screwdriver or power drill
• Screws
• Folding table legs
• Folding leg brackets

Instructions

1. Flip the table by placing the table surface on the floor, with the legs in the air.

2. Unscrew the damaged brackets to remove them from the table, using the electric screwdriver, or remove the screws that attach the fixed legs to the bottom of the table.

3. Screw the new brackets into the pre-drilled holes on the folding legs. The brackets will be positioned on the side at the very top of the leg.

4. Open the folding legs and position them in the corners of the table. The brackets should face the center of the table.

5. Fold the table legs to ensure that the legs don't obstruct each other when they're folded. Some legs are designed to fold toward each other, whereas others are designed to fold in a "north, south, east and west" arrangement. Open the legs once it is determined that the leg placement is correct.

6. Hold the bracket plate flat against the table bottom or mounting block, and insert screws through the bracket and into the table. Repeat this process for each leg.

Tips & Warnings

• Affix the brackets to the mounting blocks or boards that are positioned on the bottom of wooden tables. Otherwise, you risk running a screw through the tabletop.

• You may need to skip Step 3 if you've purchased a new set of folding legs. The brackets are typically attached to the new legs.

• Make note of the weight limit for the folding table legs. Placing too much weight on the table will result in damage.

• The type of leg will determine the precise placement of the brackets. Some legs are designed to fold over each other. On other tables, each leg is designed to fold in a different direction. You can visualize the brackets facing north, south, east and west, with one leg collapsing against each side of the square table.

• The bottom of a round or oval table will have a square or rectangle formed by mounting boards. Place a leg on each corner of the square or rectangle, and mount the legs to the mounting boards.

• Place a sheet or blanket under a formal, glossy-finish wood table to prevent scuffs and scratches while it's on the floor.