How to Fix a Shaky Desk

Even well made furniture can begin to show the effects of age as parts become loose, wobbly or shaky. Moving furniture from one building to another can also loosen legs and rattle drawer slides. If your desk wobbles or shakes or if accessories roll around on the surface when you close or open a drawer, it may be time to empty the desk and inspect the construction for ways to tighten up your work space. Start with simple adjustments before you try more aggressive techniques.

Screwdrivers
Wrenches
C-clamps
Wood glue

Instructions

- 1
  Clear off the desk surface and remove any drawers.
- 2
  Turn the desk upside down with the help of a friend and set it on a level surface to inspect the construction. Locate the screws or bolts on the inner side of each leg where it attaches to the underside of the desk
- 3
  Tighten all screws or bolts with a screwdriver or wrench. Turn over the desk with a friend's help and test the desk for stability. If it is still shaky, continue with the next phase of the repair.
- 4
  Flip over the desk once more to place it on a level surface.
- 5
  Apply a thin bead of wood glue to all desk joints. This includes the two joints where each leg attaches to the underside of the desk.
- 6
  Attach a C-clamp to each leg and the edge of the desk to apply pressure while the glue dries, typically within 24 hours.
- 7
  Wipe away any excess glue before it hardens, using damp paper towels.
- 8
  Glue and clamp the front plate on loose desk drawers in the same manner as repairing desk leg joints to restore rigidity to the drawer's box-like shape. Do not place the drawers in the desk until the glue hardens.

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