Repairing Guides

how to repair wooden chair legs

by Dr. Tony Mueller Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Using your fingers, separate the broken part of the leg. ...
  2. Take wood glue and squeeze it through the broken part of the leg. Now bring together both the parts, and press them gently.
  3. Take a wood clamp and apply it around the broken portion of the leg. It will squeeze the break firmly, allowing both the parts to join.
  4. Keep the chair in that position for 24 hours, as it will allow the glue to dry and stick.
  5. Now remove the clamp from the affected area. Using a fine-grit sanding pad, sand the affected area, which will make the breakage line invisible.

Part of a video titled How to Repair Wooden Chair Joints - Furniture Restoration
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You have tight joints here so you want to use wood glue pva carpenter's glue. So typical yellow glueMoreYou have tight joints here so you want to use wood glue pva carpenter's glue. So typical yellow glue is what you want if you're working on an antique you want to use a hide glue.

Full Answer

How to use wood filler to repair chair legs?

Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Area Download Article

  1. Sand down the area until it is smooth and even with the wood. Use an orbital sander or standard sandpaper to sand down the area.
  2. Check that the hole is filled in. Run your hand over the repaired area to see if it's smooth. ...
  3. Apply primer if you're painting the area. ...
  4. Paint or stain the area. ...

How to repair a loose back on a wooden chair?

There are three options:

  • Screws
  • Nails
  • Tight fit with glue and shims

How to refurbish a wooden chair?

  • Chemical stripping products come in a liquid, spray or gel form. ...
  • Use a stiff paint brush to spread the stripper over a surface of the wood in a thick, even layer. ...
  • Allow the stripper sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer. ...
  • With a putty knife, scrape away some of the varnish. ...
  • Remove as much paint or varnish as you can with a putty knife.

More items...

What is the best glue for chair legs?

  • Exceptionally strong bond
  • Reversible glue
  • Plenty of time for the carpenters to assemble
  • Easy to sand
  • Doesn’t require heating

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Can wood glue fix a broken chair leg?

Apply glue to the inside surfaces of a splintered leg. Use a PVA or hide-type wood glue, which creates a bond stronger than the original wood fibers. Carefully set the pieces together snugly and clamp them together using spring or C clamps, being careful not to damage the finish with the clamps.

What is the best glue to repair wooden chair legs?

Hide glue is the all-natural choice for wood furniture repair. Basically boiled animal collagen, hide glue comes in two forms: liquid and solid crystals melted in a hot water bath and applied with a brush.

How do you fix a broken dining chair leg?

9:3114:27How To Repair A Broken Chair Leg Or Table Leg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on the very top of of the where the leg. Goes. And just spread the glue out evenly i'm thenMoreAnd on the very top of of the where the leg. Goes. And just spread the glue out evenly i'm then going to put my dowel in and tap it in place.

How do you fix a stripped chair leg?

0:436:38DIY Repair Stripped Screw Hole (For Pennies!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I'm going to do is just take some regular in my case I have these round toothpicks. I canMoreSo what I'm going to do is just take some regular in my case I have these round toothpicks. I can fill this entirely.

What is the strongest glue for wood repair?

Polyurethane Wood Glue Polyurethane glue is one of the strongest and most durable types of wood glue. It is very versatile as it can be used for a lot of different materials like wood, plastic, stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, and concrete.

Is Gorilla Glue stronger than wood glue?

Gorilla glue will adhere to more substances but Titebond III gives a better wood to wood bond. Gorilla Glue cannot be washed off your hands...it must wear away while Titebond III cleans up with water. Gorilla Glue foams excessively upon curing. The foam is gap filling but has no strength.

How do you glue a wooden chair leg back together?

0:062:10Chair Repair using Elmer's Carpenter's Interior Wood GlueYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've applied. And have glue on both surfaces just bring them together to get a good bond. AndMoreOnce you've applied. And have glue on both surfaces just bring them together to get a good bond. And you will have some access that's fine just take a damp cloth and wipe some of it off.

How do you join two pieces of broken wood?

No parts specified.Step 1 How to Reattach a Broken Piece of Wood. ... Check that the fragment fits well into the break in the furniture. ... Apply glue to both the fragment and the furniture. ... Insert the wood fragment into the glued spot on the furniture. ... Wipe away any excess glue using a damp rag. ... Clamp the two pieces together.

How do you clamp chair legs?

0:271:03How to Repair & Restore an Old Chair : How to Clamp the Chair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd clamp the sides. That's pretty good don't worry too much if the old spindle doesn't go back inMoreAnd clamp the sides. That's pretty good don't worry too much if the old spindle doesn't go back in the hole.

How do you fix a stripped thread in wood?

0:446:22How to Fix Stripped Screw Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd get some toothpicks for this hole right here three ought to do it just place them in the hole.MoreAnd get some toothpicks for this hole right here three ought to do it just place them in the hole. Like that break off the excess.

How do you fix a stripped bolt hole in wood?

Cut some thin strips or shavings from a piece of scrap wood from the same (or similar) species of wood. Dip the tips of the strips into wood glue and tap them lightly into the hole with a hammer until the hole is filled. Let the glue dry for a few hours.

How do you fix a screw in leg of wood?

1:094:55Repairing Furniture and Sofa Legs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I found the best way to fix. These I know there's several methods you could use some people useMoreAnd I found the best way to fix. These I know there's several methods you could use some people use a toothpick method where they push. Several toothpicks in here with glue.

How do you glue a wooden chair leg back together?

0:062:10Chair Repair using Elmer's Carpenter's Interior Wood GlueYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've applied. And have glue on both surfaces just bring them together to get a good bond. AndMoreOnce you've applied. And have glue on both surfaces just bring them together to get a good bond. And you will have some access that's fine just take a damp cloth and wipe some of it off.

Is Gorilla glue good for wood furniture?

Gorilla Wood Glue, unlike Original Gorilla Glue, is a water-based adhesive. You can thin Gorilla Wood Glue by adding water (not to exceed 5% weight). Will Gorilla Wood Glue bond plastic/vinyl/rubber? Gorilla Wood Glue is intended for use on hardwoods, softwoods, cardboard, cork, and composite lumber.

Can Gorilla glue be used on furniture?

0:091:55Easy Assembly of Pre-Fabricated Furniture with Gorilla Glue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA common problem with prefabricated furniture is that after a couple uses it can become wobbly andMoreA common problem with prefabricated furniture is that after a couple uses it can become wobbly and unstable a perfect way to fix this is by using gorilla glue to stabilize the joints.

How strong is Gorilla Wood Glue?

It's a reliable and very strong adhesive, water-based, and of a thick consistency that makes the application and spreading of it easy. It works well with hardwoods, softwoods, and wood composites, does not expand, dries quickly, and leaves a clean line.

What are the most critical parts to be considered while fixing loose chair legs?

As the strengthening crosspieces in the structure of a chair, rungs are probably one of the most critical parts to be considered while fixing loose chair legs. How do you go about it?

How to assess a chair for loose parts?

Thoroughly assess your chair for loose parts by jiggling to examine and note the extent of legs movement.

How to reinforce a loose leg?

The top way to reinforce a loose leg is to make a drill in the dowel rod. You get this in hardware stores. A ¾ inch long and 1/8 inches in diameter would be the best for a standard leg chair.

How to paint braces to match the color of your chair?

If you wish to paint the braces to match the colour of your chair, ensure you buy a printable type. Fix the braces where the legs meet the seat. Bend the braces, where necessary, to ensure they flush against the chair leg thus eradicating any gap between the brace and the legs.

How to make a chair with a rung?

Start by removing the old glue then sand the ends of the rung clean, down the piece of wood. Insert wood glue into the opening of the leg by use of a syringe. This ensures the glue lands on its intended position without completely removing the rung. Insert the rung. Clamp your chair tightly until the glue dries.

What is a chair glide made of?

Glides are normally made of metal or cork and may be sitting to the base of the legs. When an old glide is missing, you need to replace a new one or something changed a broken glide as well. Buy a chair leg glide from the hardware shop and use it to the base of the chair leg. There is a pre-drilled hole.

Why do chairs get loose?

After years of being pulled and pushed here and there, chairs often become loose, thanks to their old wood that dries as it continues to age. As their vascular tissues shrink, the legs begin to break away from the glue that had held them to the seat for decades. It all starts with small creaks, some wobbles and before you know it, ...

How to fix a broken chair?

Take the broken part and a similar undamaged part to the millwork or woodworking shop for duplication. Carefully clean the old adhesive from the joints. Then reassemble the chair with the new part, gluing each joint. Clamp the chair with strap clamps until the adhesive dries, and then refinish the chair completely.

How to reinforce a broken piece of wood?

The best reinforcement is a dowel (wooden peg) pinning the broken pieces together. Use 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch dowel, depending on how thick the broken part is; drill the dowel holes with a bit the same size.

How to cut a tenon rung?

Very loose legs or rungs can be wedged to fit if the tenon is sound. Clamp the part in a vise or have a helper hold it, then saw very carefully into the center of the tenon end. The cut must be square and centered, roughly the depth of the part that fits into the socket -- about 3/4 inch. For small parts, use a hacksaw or a coping saw to make the cut; for thicker parts, use a backsaw or combination saw.

How to fix loose rungs?

Loose rungs or spindles -- and, where no bracing is used, loose legs -- can sometimes be mended by forcing glue into the joints. But a part mended this way may work loose again. For a more permanent repair, carefully separate the part from the frame. If both ends are loose, remove the entire piece. For very stubborn joints, twist the part slightly to break the glue bond; if necessary, use self-locking pliers. Pad the part to prevent damage to the wood from the pliers.

How to fix a cracked tenon?

If the tenon end is cracked, you'll have to reinforce it. Apply a thin coat of glue to the tenon, and wrap it tightly with silk thread. If necessary, apply more glue and cover the tenon with another layer of thread. Let the threaded tenon dry for a day, and then glue the reinforced end firmly into the socket.

How to test a tenon wedge?

To test the wedge, insert the end of it into the saw cut and tap it down with a screwdriver handle. If you see the wood on both sides of the cut start to spread, the wedge is too wide. Finally, apply glue and reassemble the joint as above. ©If the tenon is very loose, enlarge it with a small wedge.

What to do if you catch a loose joint?

If you catch a loose joint in time, repair it with glue. If the joint is broken, you'll have to disassemble it and replace the dowels. The triangular glue blocks will probably be glued and screwed to the frame, and the dowel joint might even be supported with hidden nail or screw fasteners.

Why do you sit and jiggle your feet?

Sit and jiggle them to test and note exactly what moves.

Is a wobbly chair safe?

Wobbly chairs are not only uncomfortable, but often carry a safety risk.

How to fix a broken leg on a chair?

If the leg is split, remove all the casters on the piece. Apply glue along the split, and press the glued edges firmly together; wipe off excess glue. To reinforce the break, bind the split with several wraps of fine black steel wire. On many pieces of furniture there is a ridge or a crevice at the caster point; if you wrap the wire around the leg at this point, the repair will not be obvious. If the leg doesn't have any carving or decoration at this point, you can notch the wood all the way around with a triangular file, and then wrap the wire in the notch. Treat all legs the same way so that they match.

How to repair a gap in a wood table?

This is a very strong repair and will give the piece a real handmade look, so you don't have to match the wood exactly. Assemble the joint with glue and countersunk small nails. Drive the nails where they won't show, and fill the holes with wood filler. Even if the holes are visible, it won't look bad.

How to tighten loose casters?

To tighten loose casters, use metal or plastic caster sleeve inserts, which are available in several sizes. Remove the loose caster, and tap the insert into the hole in the leg. No adhesive is needed. The sleeve should fit snugly; if it doesn't, use larger inserts. Insert the caster into the sleeve.

What to do when one leg is shorter than the rest?

One Leg Shorter Than the Rest. When one leg on wooden furniture is shorter than the rest, you may be tempted to cut the other legs down to match the shorter one. Don't do it. Instead, build up the short leg to match the others.

Can you push furniture when moving?

The legs and feet of furniture pieces -- especially heavy cabinets, dressers, and bookcases -- are subjected to both weight and lateral stress when they're moved. Pushing a heavily loaded piece of furniture can cause problems even if it doesn't cause immediate breakage, and these problems are very common in old pieces.

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Loose Joints

Loose Legs, Rungs, and Spindles

  • Loose legs, rungs, and spindles can sometimes become loose on wooden chairs that are used excessively. But those problems can often be repaired. Loose rungs or spindles -- and, where no bracing is used, loose legs -- can sometimes be mended by forcing glue into the joints. But a part mended this way may work loose again. For a more permanent repair, carefully separate the par…
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Broken Back Rails, Spindles, and Slats

  • On chairs with horizontal rails across the back, the rails are mortised into the side posts; on chairs with vertical spindles or slats, these parts are mortised into a curved or straight top rail. Rails, spindles, and slats can all be replaced easily, but replacement may be fairly expensive -- don't bother if the chair isn't worth the investment. To replace a broken or missing part, have a millwor…
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Broken Nonstructural Rungs and Spindles

  • Splits and breaks in nonstructural rungs and spindles can be repaired with glue. Separate the broken ends of the part, and apply glue to each piece. If the part is only cracked, force glue into the crack with a glue injector. Join the pieces carefully, pressing them firmly together, and remove any excess glue. Wrap a piece of wax paper around the p...
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Broken Arms, Legs, and Other Structural Parts

  • Where strength is important, the broken part must be reinforced. The best reinforcement is a dowel (wooden peg) pinning the broken pieces together. Use 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch dowel, depending on how thick the broken part is; drill the dowel holes with a bit the same size. Separate the broken ends of the part. In the center of one end and at a right angle to the break, drill a 1-inc…
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