Don't know how to reassemble sling chairs

Susan
by Susan
We took apart our high quality sling patio chairs to replace the worn fabric with new and now we can't figure out how to reassemble them. During the dis-assembly we found that some of the chair frame bolts were rusted tight and were damaged beyond repair. We need to insert a nut (female end) into the inside of the leg tube of the chair to hold the frame together with a bolt (male end). Note that the bolt does not go all the way through the leg -- only into the hollow tube. We don't know to get the nut in place inside the leg tube and, even if we could, we don't know how to hold the nut in place to enable us to screw in the bolt. We are seeking any advice and also a source to replace the original nuts in the leg of the frame that accept the bolts.
The 1st photo shows the connection on a chair that we haven't disassembled yet. The second photo shows an undamaged connection on a disassembled chair. The last photo shows one of the damaged connections. You can see that the external portion of the original nut broke was rusted an broke of during the dis-assembly. I hope the photos load properly. Any help will be appreciated.
  10 answers
  • Angie Angie on Aug 22, 2015
    You could try to find a bolt anchor large enough to fill the hole, then the bolt would grab & lock onto it.
  • Ellen DeVilbiss Ellen DeVilbiss on Aug 23, 2015
    Unfortunately the original "nut" was an intrigal part of the tube. You can't replace it. You would need a threaded insert welded to the tube. You will have to find a work around. Such as drilling all the way through the tube and using a longer, thicker bolt and nut.
    • Susan Susan on Aug 23, 2015
      @Ellen DeVilbiss Yep -- that sounds like what I am seeing. We were hoping to avoid drilling all the way through but that's our back up plan. Thanks for the input.
  • Rus1058682 Rus1058682 on Aug 23, 2015
    check your local auto parts store or lowe's\Home Depot. In the "specialty fasteners" department.. They have a lot of different types. The key here is DON'T GIVE UP after checking just one store.. Autobody fasteners might be just what you need. they pop into the hole, and then you can screw the bolt through them.. Hope this helps.. R
    • Susan Susan on Aug 23, 2015
      @Ruslzplace Thanks. Have tried Lowes and Home Depot but not any auto parts stores. Good idea.
  • Ree1630203 Ree1630203 on Aug 23, 2015
    Try drilling the hole straight through and then place a long bolt with nut to the chair. Again, Lowe's or Home Depot can help with the length needed.
  • Venetia Pihota Venetia Pihota on Aug 23, 2015
    Definetly watch the YouTube video from sailrite on how to replace sling fabric. We used the car jack per the video with great results. I can't imagine trying to do it without that. Am not sure if they sell any chair parts but worth checking. They do have great sling fabric and thread selection.
    • Susan Susan on Aug 23, 2015
      @Venetia Pihota Thanks Venetia. We watched several YouTube videos but not the sailrite one. I will definitely do that. The car jack reference has me really intrigued.
  • Rus1058682 Rus1058682 on Aug 23, 2015
    Just remember what I said about autobody fasteners, I think they will be your best bet. Please note that you might have to redrill the holes in the chairs, but at least you won't have to worry about it next time . most are plastic. Good Luck... R
  • Anne fenske Anne fenske on Aug 24, 2015
    anne fenske wpg,can. Try using a bolt with a screw end that allows u to put a lock nut on. They can be spraypainted for decorative look. They will be much stronger than a screw and easier to insert. Make sure u measure for length size also measure hole size. Might be better to take measurements before purchase as some are in metric. Hope this helps.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Aug 24, 2015
    We bought our furniture like this at lowes. Went on lowes web site and found a similar patio set was able to locate the manufacturer through lowes if you can email them a picture they may be able to send you exactly what you need!
    • Susan Susan on Aug 24, 2015
      @Funnygirl Thanks. Unfortunately the set is nearly 30 years old and the manufacturer has gone out of business. Good advice though.
  • Holly Schimpf Holly Schimpf on Aug 24, 2015
    I wonder if you could use some sort of heavy duty wall anchors that you use in hollow core doors or walls. They bend to fit behind the object you're putting them in. Just an idea that might work. I never tried it myself, so I'm not sure they would with stand any weight. Hope this helps.
  • Susan Susan on Aug 24, 2015
    Thanks to EVERYONE who tool the time to share their thoughts with me. We don't have a firm solution yet but are pursing your great ideas. If we can't come up with anything else we will drill through the back side of the tube (Plan B). Holly I hope you don't mind my using this reply to reply to everyone.
    • Holly Schimpf Holly Schimpf on Aug 25, 2015
      @Susan Not a problem Susan. I do hope, what ever you use, works for you. They are really nice chairs. If you end up drilling thru the legs, remember to put the bolt on the outside so the nut is on the inside. I'm sure if you paint the end of the bolt no one will notice. Let us know how it goes and add a pic of the finished product.