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How to Glue to Fix a Wobbly Bookshelf

Due to its size and the weight of books it holds, a wobbly bookcase can be irritating and even dangerous. An uneven floor or uneven legs may be affecting the sturdiness of your bookshelf. In either case, a wooden shim can steady the unit. A wooden shim is a tapered piece of wood that fits underneath the bookcase. When glued into place, the shim can help keep your bookcase from wobbling and toppling.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden shim
  • Pencil
  • Utility knife
  • Wood glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all books from the bookcase.

    • 2

      Rock the bookshelf slightly to determine where it's uneven.

    • 3

      Push a wooden shim underneath the bookshelf, tapered end first. Press the shim in until the bookshelf stops rocking

    • 4

      Pencil a line across the shim where it touches the bookshelf. Mark where the shim was on the bookshelf as well, then remove the shim.

    • 5

      Cut along the penciled line on the wooden shim, using the utility knife.

    • 6

      Turn the bookshelf over on its side.

    • 7

      Press the wooden shim to the bookshelf edge, holding it together until the glue sets.

    • 8

      Allow the glue to cure according to directions on the packaging. After the glue is cured, the bookshelf is ready to be used.