How to Reglue Joints of Chairs and Tables

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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If your kitchen chair doesn't have a leg to stand on, or your dining room table appears more rickety by the meal, it's time for a quick fix. Furniture glue and sandpaper are about all you need to secure loose or missing joints.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Furniture Or Wood Glue
Tack Cloth Or Rags
220-grit Sandpaper
Low-adhesive painter's tape

Step1

Turn the chair or table upside down on a soft surface.

Step2

Pull out the wobbly leg or arm--whatever joint has lost its grip.

Step3

Sand the top of the wobbly joint with fine (220-grit) sandpaper until all the old glue is removed.

Step4

Lightly sand the inside of the joint, using the fine sandpaper.

Step5

Wipe away the wood dust with a tack cloth or rag.

Step6

Squeeze a bit of furniture or wood glue such as Dap Swell and Lock around the inside of the hole (see A).

Step7

Place the furniture leg or arm in the hole. Turn the leg or arm once in the joint to spread the glue evenly.

Step8

Wipe away excess glue with a damp rag.

Step9

If needed, tape the leg or arm in position with low-adhesive painter's tape (see B). This tape (available at paint and hardware stores) won't leave any residue on your furniture.

Step10

Check the chair or table regularly to make sure the leg or arm hasn't moved from its proper position. Remove the tape within 8 hours.

Step11

Allow the furniture to dry for 24 to 48 hours before using.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure to use swelling glue. It expands in the joint to provide pressure against the joint and thus keeps it in place.
Carpenter's glue can stick strongly to fingers. Wipe off any excess glue immediately.
Lightly sand the parts. If you remove any wood, the parts will fit loosely and the glue won't hold.