How to Reglue Joints of Chairs and Tables

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. 

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

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

8. Wipe away excess glue with a damp rag.

9. 

   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.

10. 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.

11. 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.