How to Install Hardware for Supporting a Hinged Table Leaf

Drop, or folding leaf, tables provide a handy way to grow a table for two to a table for four whenever you have company. Created with three table spaces with two folding down, this creative piece of carpentry places the legs only on the center table piece, allowing hinges to be installed that hold the other pieces upright, without taking up any legroom.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Power drill with screwdriver bits
• Wood screws, 1/2-inch

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Position the table upside down and set the completed leaves in place.

   • 2

     Place the hinges along the table legs and against the underside of the leaves, and mark the screw holes with a pencil.

   • 3

     Drill small pilot holes into each marked screw hole to make drilling the screws easier. However, don't drill too deeply, or you'll make a hole through the leaf.

   • 4

     Position the hinges and screw them into place.

   • 5

     Turn the table right side up and test the hinges.