Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Drill ( or rotary tool)
- Drill bit the approximate size of the dowel
- Rotary auger-style bit (if applicable)
- New dowel rod same size or slightly larger
- Wood glue
- Rag or towel
- Stain, finish, or paint to match
- Pliers
- Coping saw
- Small hammer or rubber mallet
Step1
Try to remove the piece of dowel rod still in the chair. Use your hand or pliers. If the pieces cannot be pulled out, you will have to use a coping saw.
Step2
Cut the broken dowel pieces using a coping saw. Cut them so they are flush with the chair.
Step3
Drill into the dowel with a rotary tool using an auger bit. If you don't have a rotary tool, use a drill with a bit smaller than the diameter of the dowel.
Step4
Try to remove the dowel again with the pliers or with the auger bit still in the wood.
Step5
If the dowel is still stuck, drill out the hole using a bit approximately the same diameter as the dowel or slightly larger.
Step6
Dry fit the new dowel rod into the holes. It should fit, but be a tight fit.
Step7
Measure and cut the new dowel rod to the lengths you need. You might have to eyeball the length or use a stick or pencil for reference since you will likely not fit a ruler or measuring tape into the hole.
Step8
Put some wood glue into the holes (enough to cover the bottom of the hole) and place one end of the new dowel into one of the holes.
Step9
Gently tap the other end of the dowel so that it fits snugly into the hole. Then place the other end of the dowel into the other hole and gently tap on the opposite side of the wood until it fits snugly onto the dowel. Wipe off any excess glue.
Step10
Once the glue has dried, you can stain or paint the repair area if it is necessary. If you were careful enough, this should not be necessary.
Novice 
