How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair

Written By: Dhvani Thakkar

Comments: 2

How to Fix a Wobbly Leg on a Solid Wood Chair

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 minutes

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.

Tools

Cordless Driver/Drill

Parts

Step 1

First, thoroughly assess your chair for loose elements.
Sit and jiggle them to test and note exactly what moves.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Conclusion

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

Author

Dhvani Thakkar

Member since: 28/04/17

178 Reputation

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 -

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 -