How to Lower a Headboard Bracket on a Mattress Frame

Some vintage headboards have bolt holes that don't precisely align with more modern metal bed frames. Rather than drill new bolt holes into the bed frame, it's possible to make adjustments to the headboard brackets, the metal pieces that connect the bed rails to the headboard. Bolt holes on the headboard plates allow you to affix them to the headboard with bolts and nuts. If the headboard brackets need lowering to accommodate a lower headboard, you can make some adjustments to get it to fit with your modern bed frame.

Wrench
Pencil
Drill with carbide bit

Instructions

- 1
  Take the mattress and box springs off the bed rails and set them aside.
- 2
  Remove the existing headboard bracket from one rail. Use a wrench to loosen the nut and then twist it off with your fingers. Repeat for the headboard bracket on the other rail.
- 3
  Examine the headboard bracket. If there are multiple levels of bolt holes on the bracket, align the highest bolt hole with the hole on the rail. Screw the bolt back in and secure it with the nut. Repeat with the other headboard bracket. Setting the headboard bracket as low as it can go will allow you to attach it to a lower headboard.
- 4
  Prepare to drill a new bolt hole if there are no others beside the main one. Hold the headboard bracket up to the rail so that the plate holes align properly with the headboard. Make a mark with a pencil on the spot where you need to drill. Repeat with the other headboard bracket.
- 5
  Drill bolt holes in the headboard bracket. Use a drill with a carbide bit that is the same size as the bolt. Repeat with the other headboard bracket.
- 6
  Bolt the headboard bracket to the rail using the bolt and nut. Double-check that the plate lines up with the lower headboard before tightening the nut completely. When you are satisfied that it measures correctly, repeat with the other headboard bracket.
- 7
  Bolt the headboard to the newly lowered brackets using bolts and nuts. Replace the box springs and mattress.

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