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If you have a broken table leg, there are a few steps you can take to fix it. First, assess the damage and determine if it can be repaired or if a replacement leg is needed. If it can be fixed, gather the necessary tools and materials such as wood glue, clamps, and screws. Remove any existing glue or nails from the broken area and apply wood glue to the joint. Use clamps to hold the leg in place while the glue dries. Once dry, reinforce the joint with screws for added stability. Sand and paint the repaired area to match the rest of the table for a seamless finish.
When a table leg breaks, many people would throw away the table and buy a new one. However, if the table is still in good condition or has sentimental value, it is possible to fix the broken leg. If the break is a clean, straight horizontal edge, it can be repaired using carpenter’s wood glue. If the break is at a diagonal angle, some additional steps are necessary to reinforce the broken area and make it strong enough to support weight.
Step 1
If possible, move the table outdoors or to a garage. If moving the table is not an option, cover the floor with a plastic tarp to prevent any damage during the repair process.
Step 2
Turn the table upside-down so that the legs are pointing up in the air.
Step 3
Fit the broken leg piece back into its original position, aligning the broken edges as closely as possible.
Step 4
Secure the leg in place by wrapping masking tape around it three to four times.
Step 5
Insert a 1/8-inch drill bit into a drill.
Step 6
Drill two holes into the table leg at a 90-degree angle to the tabletop. These holes should be located at the point of the break and should go through both the section attached to the table and the broken-off portion of the leg. Both holes must go through the entire combined leg.
Step 7
Insert a nail into each hole, making sure it extends through the other side of the table leg. Use a hammer to gently tap the nail in if necessary. Remove the masking tape from around the leg.
Step 8
Apply carpenter’s wood glue to the break on the table leg. Start at the location of the break and squeeze the glue bottle gently to insert glue into the entire break. Press the leg pieces together with your hands to ensure the glue is evenly distributed.
Step 9
Take a 1-foot-long piece of wax paper and wrap it around the table leg, with the wax side facing the leg. Secure the wax paper with masking tape. Allow the table to sit for 24 hours to let the glue dry.
Step 10
Remove the masking tape and wax paper from the table leg.
Step 11
Use wire cutters to cut off the protruding ends of the nails as close to the surface of the table leg as possible.
Step 12
Smooth down the four remaining ends of the nails using a metal file until they are flush with and smooth on the table leg. Turn the table right side up and place it back in its original position.
