How to Reinforce a Loose Joint With Dowels

Reinforcing joints with dowel rods is a task, that while fairly simple, may take some patience. It is essential that you work slowly and cautiously to ensure that all parts are where they belong and that every joint fits tightly and is indeed reinforced. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clamp
• Dowel
• Glue or wood adhesive

1. Disassemble the joints using a rubber mallet to help pull them apart, being careful not to damage the wood. If the joints were assembled using screws or nails, remove them before you break the adhesive barrier.

2. Clean all of the old adhesive and dirt off the disassembled joints by either scraping it off with a chisel or sandpaper, being careful not to damage the wood when you do so.

3. Re-glue the joints with epoxy and leave them out of service for a few days or until you are sure that they are dried.

4. Find dowels that are about the same width and about twice the length of the tenon (the prong of wood), and cut off then tenon, cleaning all wood and excess epoxy out of the hole (the mortise).

5. Plug the mortise by gluing in a wood plug and trim it flush. Use the glue according to the instructions on the bottle. Use plenty to get the job done and wipe up any excess glue.

6. Drill holes into the plugged mortise to fit the dowels.

7. Score the sides of the dowels to allow for better glue distribution and more support. Apply glue and attach the dowel, tapping the joints together with a rubber mallet. Wipe any excess glue, clamp it and let it dry for a few days or until the glue is dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Work slowly and carefully making sure everything fits snug so you don't run into the same problems in the future. When clamping for drying, don't change the shape of the joints.