How to Loosen Chair Joints

Over time, the glue and nails holding a chair's joints together may come loose. When this occurs, the chair develops a wobble. Ignore the wobble and sooner or later that chair will break and dump you or a loved one onto the floor. Fortunately, a wobbly chair isn't a lost cause. By taking the chair apart and repairing the loose joints, you simultaneously stop the wobble and extend the life of the chair. You must loosen and detach the chair's joints in order to re-attach them properly and make the chair sturdy once more.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Locking pliers
• Deadblow hammer

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Label the different parts of your chair with numbers or letters written on masking tape. Doing so helps you put the chair back together properly.

   • 2

     Examine the seat, rungs and legs of the chair for small screws or nails. Pull out any screws or nails with locking pliers.

   • 3

     Lay the chair on its back or side, with the joint you plan to loosen flat against the floor. Strike the chair next to the joint with a deadblow hammer. Begin striking gently and gradually increase the intensity of the blows until the joint comes loose.

   • 4

     Strike and loosen the rest of the chair's joints in the same manner until the chair comes apart.