How do I repair wooden tray tables?

Question

I have a set of wooden tray tables and they're all wobbly. The new ones are so expensive and I think that there must be a way to fix the ones that I have. Any help?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

See if this answers your question. homeguides.sfgate.com/fix-shaking-folding-table-54671.html

MN Mom · Answer

These are folding trays like what we used to call TV trays? It may be something as simple as tightening or replacing the screws in the cross section where the tray tables fold. If you can, take one with you to the hardware store. A professional there should be able to help you. Good  luck!

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

There are many ways to fix this and if there are hinges or screws which have worked themselves loose, then you can take the screws out, insert toothpicks and screw back in place. If you want to be sure the screws won't go anywhere, Gorilla glue! This stuff is marvelous and there is also a wood Gorilla glue I have tried too which is great. Pictures would help of th tables and where they are loose if you can

Hope Williams · Answer

Hi Marjorie-Anne.  I agree with above answers for the most part.  Try flipping them over and checking all screws, bolts, hinges, slides, anything that involves movement or track.  Tighten everything up you find.  You might need Allen wrenches most likely.  If you find that something just continues to turn freely, you will have to decide what you'll need to make it tighten up.  With no pictures, there is no absolute way of knowing how to advise you.  So most answers will be general and not specific.  You can purchase all kinds of bolt type thingys, for screws or Allen wrench screws to go into.  I'll attach a pic of a 'bolt' I just replaced that I was quite surprised that was sold individually.  It's a screw but it's a bolt too!   If your table has rivets in places, I've seen them, you'll need to again figure out what to use to replace it.  If you need more detailed help, please post a pic in this post and someone will be happy to help you out!  Good luck Marjorie!

Winnie Conners · Answer

Why not try to level them by attaching those little felt pads to the legs.

Doriemuglia · Answer

Gorilla Glue at weak point

Carmen Valentine · Answer

I have a set of these wooden TV trays...they are wobbly at the spot where the legs criss-cross, and the 'bolt' is the non-removable kind that cannot be tightened.....what are these strange bolts called, and how can they be removed? I would rather replace them with standard bolt/nut sets.

Phil · Answer

I have them same question but nobody is answering it!!!

Elaine · Answer

Those bolt thingys are called rivets. They allow the legs to move in order for them to hold the table part. Depending on just how loose it is, you may be able to strengthen the rivet by using a ball peen hammer (round end) and work it from middle to sides.

If you choose to use a bolt, you will have to cut off the rivet with a hacksaw and metal cutting blade. Be aware of the type bolt as it needs to be smooth for the wood to move and the nut may get in the way of leg movement

Joanne · Answer

I just recently bought the same thing at a yard sale and they are all super wobbly. My husband said that the little pins need to be cut off and replaced with new ones. We have not trued it yet as I am not sure that it will work but I am going to try. I have already tightened all the screws but as most of you know they have no part in the leg area.

Kathy1220 · Answer

I’m THINKING adding a firm brace across the lower part of the legs would add stability.

Of course, you wouldn’t be able to fold the table flat anymore, but mine stays up beside the couch where my Mother sits all the time, anyway.

Barbe Mulvihill · Answer

I am definitely not mechanical but wonder if you can use a few of those little C-shaped washers, that can slide around the non-removable rivet, then push in to lock in place like spacers

Mimi Hoang · Answer

The problem seems to be the horizontal bar at the bottom that connect the two legs. I drilled a screw on each side and ta-da! It’s not wobbly anymore!!!

Ron Currier Jr. · Answer

Try putting the screws on the sides off the bottom and top crossbars...bar that goes across. Mine has no rivets. Predrill, and use a 2in. screw at least, maybe 2.5'in. If you replace rivets with bolts you would need smooth bolts and probably 3 spacers/washers or 2 not counting flat head of bolt.

How do I repair wooden tray tables?

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How do I repair wooden tray tables?

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