Unload and support furniture before repairing loose joints, hinges or runners
Stop if the item is unstable, cracked, very heavy or likely to collapse. Anchor tall flat-pack furniture to the wall where required.
MOST LIKELY CAUSES
Start with these
Loose bolt or screw
The fixing may simply need tightening.
Threaded insert damaged
The insert may spin in the timber.
Bracket loose or bent
Corner hardware may no longer hold firmly.
Glue joint failed
Traditional timber joints may have opened.
Symptom variations Match the exact looseness, movement or surface damage. ⌄
- Table rocks
- Leg twists by hand
- Bolt spins
- Corner bracket moves
- Joint opens under load
Quick checks Simple checks before dismantling furniture. ⌄
- Unload and support the item.
- Identify the joint or fitting type.
- Check screws, connectors and surrounding material.
- Look for cracks, swelling or stripped holes.
- Use parts suited to the furniture material.
Step 1 — Unload and turn the table safely Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄
Support the top before inspecting the leg.
Step 2 — Identify the joint type Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄
Check bolts, inserts, brackets or glued joints.
Step 3 — Tighten, repair or reglue Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄
Use the correct repair for the fixing system.
Common causes explained Why furniture joints and fittings fail. ⌄
A table leg loosens when bolts back out, threaded inserts fail, brackets bend or glued joints open.
Advanced diagnostics Further checks for recurring or structural failures. ⌄
- Replace damaged inserts.
- Rebuild stripped timber.
- Add corner braces where appropriate.
- Check tabletop frame for cracks.
- Clamp square during glue cure.
Parts and materials needed Common materials linked to this repair. ⌄
- Bolts
- Threaded inserts
- Corner brackets
- Wood glue
- Repair dowels
When to call a professional Conditions that should end basic DIY work. ⌄
- The furniture could collapse.
- Structural timber is cracked.
- A heavy cabinet or table is unstable.
- Damage is extensive or valuable veneer is involved.
- Tall furniture cannot be safely anchored.
Frequently asked questions Common furniture repair questions. ⌄
Should loose joints just be screwed together?
Not always. Traditional glued joints usually need cleaning, reglueing and clamping.
Can chipboard screw holes be repaired?
Yes, with repair plugs, plates or inserts, depending on the load and damage.