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To disassemble a table from its legs, follow these steps:
1. Clear the table: Remove any items or decorations from the table surface to make it easier to work with.
2. Locate the fasteners: Look for screws, bolts, or other fasteners that are holding the legs to the table. These are typically located at the corners or along the edges of the table.
3. Unscrew or unbolt the fasteners: Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen and remove the fasteners. Be sure to keep track of them so they don’t get lost.
4. Remove the legs: Once the fasteners are removed, gently lift and separate the legs from the table. If they are still stuck, wiggle them slightly or apply some light pressure to loosen them.
5. Repeat for all legs: Repeat the process for each leg until all legs are detached from the table.
By following these steps, you can easily disassemble a table from its legs. Remember to keep the fasteners in a safe place so you can reassemble the table if needed.
Tables can have various types of legs, each requiring a different method of attachment. The design of the leg determines how it is connected to the table, ranging from braces and brackets to direct application. Leg assemblies are commonly used for tables with folding legs. To disassemble a table, you will only need a screwdriver or a set of wrenches. In some cases, where the leg is secured with both screws and glue, a chisel may be necessary to separate the glued joint.
How to Take Apart a Table by Detaching Its Legs
Image Credit:
KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock/GettyImages
Start from the Bottom
Place the table upside down on a bench or work surface, exposing the bottom side. This will allow you to access the screws that hold the leg assembly to the tabletop. Use a screwdriver to completely remove each screw and detach the leg assembly.
Loosen the Screws
Unscrew the screws completely with a screwdriver to remove each leg assembly. Carefully detach the leg braces. Corner braces are often used to attach legs to a table. Flip the table over and locate the corner braces. The ends of the braces fit into a groove on the apron and are secured with screws. The table legs are attached to the braces with bolts and nuts. Use a wrench to loosen the nut until the leg is free from the brace, or remove the screws that hold the brace to the apron.
Detach the Apron Legs
Remove the apron. Some legs are connected to the table apron with dowel pins and glue, and then the apron is secured to the table. The apron is attached to the table using L-shaped brackets or there may be pilot holes for screws drilled through the apron. Find the screws that hold the apron to the underside of the table and unscrew them with a screwdriver.
Remove Screws and Legs
Unscrew the legs. Flip the table over and locate the bracket secured to the underside of the tabletop. Remove the legs by unscrewing them from the bracket or remove the screws holding the bracket to the table. This method applies to both wooden and metal legs. The legs may have threads, or they may contain a threaded metal dowel that screws into the table bracket.
Glue Removal
One way to attach table legs to a table is by using a combination of screws and glue or fasteners and glue. This method involves applying glue between the leg and the apron and securing it with screws through the apron. If you need to remove the legs, simply unscrew the screws and place a chisel against the back of the apron where it meets the leg. By removing the screws, you may loosen the glue enough to separate the pieces.
If you need to dissolve the wood glue, you can create a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. Combine two cups of vinegar with warm water, ensuring that the vinegar makes up 30 percent of the mixture. Soak a soft cloth in this solution and apply it to the joint, making sure to saturate it completely so that the mixture reaches the glue. Repeat this process for each table leg and prepare another batch of two cups of vinegar water. Repeat the application. It is helpful to let the cloth remain wrapped around the joint for 15 minutes. The glue should become soft and flexible.
Tap the joint gently with a hammer to separate the parts. Always be careful when separating glued joints.
