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How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair

Introduction

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

This guide takes you through a method of reinforcing wobbly wooden chair legs through the use of metal L-brackets. Some level of experience with a cordless drill is preferable for this fix, though some minor handling instructions are covered in the guide.

What you need

  1. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair, How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • First, thoroughly assess your chair for loose elements.

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

    Edit

  2. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 2, image 1 of 3 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 2, image 2 of 3 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Position an L-bracket as if it will brace the leg to the frame of the chair.

    • Mark the exact outline of the bracket, taking extra care when marking the center hole where your screws will hold the brace in place.

    • It might be beneficial to "x" the through the marked circles to approximate the exact center for the screw to enter.

    Edit

  3. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 3, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • If possible, detach your chair legs.

    • In the case you cannot detach your chair legs, consider buying longer L-brackets so you still have enough room to hold your drill parallel to the chair surfaces.

    Edit

  5. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Check if the drill bit is longer than the width of the chair leg.

    • If so, consider marking the drill bit to your desired depth.

    Edit

  6. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Before drilling any holes, ensure that your drill bit is slightly smaller than the width of your screw. This will result in a more secure hold.

    • Pre-drill holes through the center of your marked circles on both your chair legs and chair frame.

    Edit

  7. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 6, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Using the drill, secure your L-brackets to the chair legs first.

    • Be sure to hold the drill and screw parallel to the drilling surface.

    Edit

  8. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • For extra hold and durability, use a small amount of wood glue at the chair legs joints.

    • Be sure to wipe away any excess wood glue.

    Edit

  9. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Tighten any preexisting hardware holding the legs to the chair base before fixing the L-bracket to the chair.

    Edit

  10. How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 9, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Finally, screw the second side of the L-bracket to the base of the chair.

    Edit
Conclusion

Reassemble any remaining loose pieces as they were disassembled unless otherwise noted.

3 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Dhvani Thakkar

Member since: 04/28/17

178 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 7

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Team

UC Davis, Team S2-G6, Cole Spring 2017 Member of UC Davis, Team S2-G6, Cole Spring 2017

UCD-COLE-S17S2G6

3 Members

1 Guide authored

2 Comments

My entire corner wood pieces are broken and not fixable and the screen (bolt and nut) is bended also. I would like to purchase those small wood pieces, I am not a saavy. Need some help to find the pieces. you can mail me @ radhu_murali@hotmail.com.

Radhika Murali - Reply

My neighbor called and said she had a table. She brought it outside but before I could make it across the street someone took the legs. Miraculously I found legs from another table the next day. Unfortunately the screw hole didn’t match. The table was wobbly. This is the almost perfect fix.

WillowBees Naturally - Reply

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