How to Soften Glue in Wood Joints

Drill two or three holes around the perimeter of a glued joint that you want to separate. Use a 1/8-inch bit or a smaller bit, and drill the holes parallel to the wood inserted into the joint and about 1 inch deep. The holes should penetrate the glue joint so that you can apply a liquid into them to contact the glue and dissolve it.

Fill a syringe with vinegar and squirt some into each hole. Wipe off the excess that drips out of the hole with a rag to prevent it from damaging the finish on the wood.

Let the vinegar work for 10 minutes to an hour, then try separating the joint by twisting and pulling. If the glue has softened enough for you to move the wood but you can't pull it out, tap lightly with a smooth-faced hammer to loosen the glue bond. Squirt in more vinegar if the glue hasn't softened enough for you to move the wood.

Apply heat to the joint with a heat gun as an alternative method of softening the glue. Hold the gun about an inch from the joint and keep it moving around the perimeter to avoid scorching the wood. If the wood you're trying to separate is small enough, you can heat it in a microwave oven.

Wrap a damp rag around the joint as a third alternative. Leave the rag overnight, moistening it periodically if it begins to dry out. In the morning, remove the rag and tap the joint loose with a hammer.