Re-Gluing Wood Furniture Joints
Buy a glue that says on label it is made for wood.
Remove all old glue from both parts to be re-glued with
sandpaper or steel wool. Sometimes vinegar will soften
some old glues, but be sure wood is clean and dry before
re-gluing. Check fit of parts before gluing. If joint is
loose, put narrow strips of cloth over ends of loose-
fitting piece to fill space, and check fit again.
Traditional wood glues call for a priming coat of
glue on each part, to set until tacky, and then a second
coat of glue before joining parts at once. Follow
directions exactly on glue you use as there are many
different types. Spread glue evenly as directed, and join
parts. Apply pressure on joint for time specified on glue
label. Use a C-clamp, or tourniquet of rope of
clothesline for pressure. Pads of folded cloth, paper
towels, or magazine pages may be placed at points of
pressure to prevent marring wood.
Weak corner joints may be braced with angle irons,
and triangles of wood.