How to Glue to Fix a Wobbly Bookshelf

Prevent a tall wobbly bookshelf from toppling over.

Due to its size and the weight of books it holds, a wobbly bookcase can be irritating and even dangerous. An uneven floor or uneven legs may be affecting the sturdiness of your bookshelf. In either case, a wooden shim can steady the unit. A wooden shim is a tapered piece of wood that fits underneath the bookcase. When glued into place, the shim can help keep your bookcase from wobbling and toppling.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden shim
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Remove all books from the bookcase.

2. Rock the bookshelf slightly to determine where it's uneven.

3. Push a wooden shim underneath the bookshelf, tapered end first. Press the shim in until the bookshelf stops rocking

4. Pencil a line across the shim where it touches the bookshelf. Mark where the shim was on the bookshelf as well, then remove the shim.

5. Cut along the penciled line on the wooden shim, using the utility knife.

6. Turn the bookshelf over on its side.

7. Press the wooden shim to the bookshelf edge, holding it together until the glue sets.

8. Allow the glue to cure according to directions on the packaging. After the glue is cured, the bookshelf is ready to be used.

References

• Home Addition Plus: Wood Shims
• Easy Renovate: The Many Uses of Wood Shims