DIY Repair a Recliner

Noisy Recliner

• 1

  Press the lever at the recliner’s side and bring the footrest to the upright position. Spreading newspaper sheets on the floor protects the carpeting underneath from oil spray.

• 2

  Have an assistant help you turn the recliner on its side so it rests on the newspapers. Spray lubricant on the joints and spots where metal rubs against the springs, creating friction. Completely cover the parts with the lubricant. Wipe away excess spray.

• 3

  Turn the recliner back to its original position. Lower the footrest on the recliner and test it for any squeaks or noises it still makes. If it still makes noises, turn the recliner back on its side and spray more lubricant.

Footrest Repair

• 4

  Loosen and remove the four bolts securing the footrest to the metal frame. Use needle-nose pliers to loosen and remove the staples securing the upholstery to the footrest. Slide the upholstery and padding from the footrest and set them aside.

• 5

  Place the footrest on a sheet of wood matching the footrest’s thickness. Trace around the footrest to transfer its dimension over the plywood. Insert the tip of the pencil into the footrest’s mounting holes and mark these on the wood. Remove the broken footrest.

• 6

  Cut along the outline on the wood with a handsaw. Drill holes over the spots on the plywood. Cover the wood cutout with padding and upholstery. Turn the plywood board upside down and wrap the padding and fabric around it before inserting staples to secure the assembly.

• 7

  Set the board over the frame. Insert bolts through the frame and into the holes. Tighten the bolts with a wrench securing the footrest.

Other Repairs

• 8

  Examine the recliner for loose nuts and bolts. Tighten these with a wrench as you go. Replace missing nuts or bolts with identical ones. Tighten loose screws with a screwdriver.

• 9

  Examine the fasteners securing the handle to the recliner. Tighten these if the handle that operates the footrest is loose.

• 10

  Apply a bead of wood glue into cracks in the base of a wood recliner. Clamp the damaged section until the glue dries.