Dining table won't open
by Chris
+1
I rescued a drop leaf dining room talbe. the drop leaves open correctly with a metal bracket (not a gate leg), but I can't expand the table. I've check the bottom and there are no locks, but I can see the extra wooden glides. Two of us tried to pull it apart when upright and again when it was up side down, with no success. What can I easily do to get it to open?
Suggested Project Book
Can you post a photo of the bottom with the slides? Its possible the wood slides just swelled over time and are jammed from non use. You can try to spray WD40 into the joints of the slides, let it set to penetrate the joints, and then try to pull it apart. Work it back and forth. If this works you may need to lightly sand the slides and grooves so they glide easy. Please provide an update. Good luck!
My thought also William . Would be interested to know if that works. It has a lot of uses.
Is it possible someone glued the two sides together? Don't know why anyone would, but just a thought. Let us know how you made out, please?
I don't know how to upload pictures. sorry. but I did use a hammer on the under side, and one side was able to slide open about one inch. the other side I can see is not lined up straight-a bit caddywampus. When my back is less painful, I will tackle this table again. It was a side-of-the-road salvage, and I don't need to use it at this time. Just like to have it available, repair/refinish to top and maybe make some leaves for it- a good summer project when I can take it onto the patio. Thanks for all your suggestions.