How to Repair Loose Threaded Bolts in a Wooden Chair Leg

Clear a flat and clean space to work in.

Carefully turn the chair over to gain access to the leg and the bolt holes that need reinforced.

With a properly sized socket, loosen the nut that secures the leg to the bottom of the chair.

Remove the nuts and washer and set to the side.

Now the leg can be easily removed from the bottom of the chair.

Once the leg is separated from the base of the chair, remove the threaded bolts from the leg either by hand, if loose enough, or with a pair of tongue and groove pliers.

Use 80 grit sandpaper rolled into a cone shape to clean inside the bolt hole.

Remove any excess glue residue and any loose wood that could interfere with the repair by twisting the sandpaper in the bolt hole.

Add a small amount of wood glue into the bottom of the bolt hole for the wooden dowel/toothpicks.

In the small amount of wood glue, insert a wooden dowel/toothpick into the base of the hole.

Gently roll the wooden dowel/toothpick in the wood glue to evenly coat.

Once the glue has cured and wooden dowel/toothpicks are secure, trim the excess wood flush to the leg with diagonal clippers.

Add a liberal amount of wood glue into the bolt hole.

With a small paint brush, spread the glue evenly throughout the bolt hole.

Insert the wide threaded end into the bolt holes.

Gently tighten the threaded bolt with your fingers.

Use the tongue and groove pliers to gently but firmly tighten down the threaded bolt into hole until it's snug.

Once the threaded bolt is tightened, allow the glue to cure for 15-20 min.

After the glue has cured, reinsert the leg into the bottom of the chair.

Add the washer and nut to the threaded bolt and finger tighten.

Select the correct socket size and firmly tighten the nuts to securely attach the leg to the chair base.

Carefully return chair to an upright position and test. The chair should be steady and secure.