Wood Furniture Repair: Fixing Broken Arms, Legs and Other Structural Parts
Like any other repair job, the first step is to gather the tools and the materials needed for the repair job. While each repair is different, and will require different tools, there are some basics that are standard in just about any instance. For starters, a good set of screw drivers, both standard and Phillips is a good idea. Other useful tools include a claw hammer, sand paper, wood adhesive, a wood planer, and various clamps including C-clamps and strap clamps.
The first step is to inspect the broken piece. If it can be easily removed and replaced, replacement of the part is usually the best way to go. By replacing the piece entirely, you eliminate the possibility of future weak points in the piece, and add strength that simply cannot be guaranteed by repair.
If however, the broken piece cannot be replaced, or it can be easily repaired, the process of doing so is fairly straight forward.
When repairing an arm or leg on a wooden chair, strength is very important. If you think about it, in most cases, these portions of the chair have to withstand added weight, sometimes even the entire weight of a human. Therefore, the broken part must be reinforced, if not replaced completely. The best way to reinforce is to use a dowel or wooden peg pinning the broken pieces together. Depending on how thick the broken piece is, the dowel should be between 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch. Also, be sure to use multiple dowels depending on the length of the broken piece. Usually, a standard dowel can support approximately 1.5 inches of a broken piece.
Once you’ve determined the best places to reinforce the broken piece, mark the dowel location. By drilling into the one end of the part, and inserting a nail, either with a broken head or a small one. Press the two broken pieces together, and use the nail to mark both dowel locations on each piece.
Now that the two points for the dowel points are marked on each piece that you want to join together, the next step is to drill out the holes for the dowels. Be sure to use the same size drill bit as the dowel rods that you are trying to use. Remember, the thicker the pieces you want to join together, the thicker the dowel needs to be.
Separate the broken ends of the broken piece. In the center of one end and at a right angle to the break, drill a hole that is approximately 1 inch deep for each dowel that you are using. Taking note of the marked previously made by the nail on the opposite side, drill into the opposite side, again to a depth of approximately one inch. At this point you should have two holes for each about one inch deep on either side of the break for each dowel that you are going to use.
Next, measure the dowel holes, and cut a piece of dowel 1/4 inch shorter than the total depth to allow for glue buildup. Score the sides of the dowel with pliers and round the ends with sandpaper. This allows the glue to be more easily distributed, making the insertion easier. Apply the glue to one end of the dowel and insert it into the one end of the broken piece. Then apply glue to the protruding end of the dowel, and insert it into the matching hole on the other side of the break.
Slowly push the two sides together until they meet. Once the two pieces have been secured and the crack is even, wipe away the excess glue and secure the entire area with clamps. Allow the area to dry at least overnight, and preferably for a few days.
Once the broken piece is repaired and the glue has dried completely, the entire piece can be refinished or painted as necessary to give it the look you want.
