Stop the Shake: Simple Ways to Tighten Loose Table Legs Permanently
A wobbly table is more than annoying. It spills drinks, scratches floors, and makes even a nice piece of furniture feel cheap. The good news is you usually don’t need to replace the table or call a pro. With the right fix, you can tighten loose table legs permanently and get years more use out of it.
This guide walks you through simple, long-lasting solutions that actually work, even if you’re not handy.
Why Table Legs Come Loose Over Time
Table legs loosen for a few common reasons:
- Screws slowly back out from regular use
- Wood shrinks and expands with temperature changes
- Glue dries out or cracks
- The table gets dragged instead of lifted
Once the joint loosens, the movement makes it worse. That’s why quick fixes often fail.
Check the Type of Table Leg First
Before fixing anything, flip the table over and look closely at how the legs are attached.
Most tables fall into one of these types:
- Screwed-in legs (common on dining and coffee tables)
- Legs attached with brackets or corner blocks
- Wooden legs glued into a socket or frame
Knowing what you’re working with helps you choose the right fix.
Tighten Screws the Right Way (Not the Lazy Way)
If the legs are held on with screws, don’t just tighten them and hope for the best. That rarely lasts.
What to do instead:
- Remove the screws completely
- Check the holes. If they look worn or wide, that’s the problem
- Fill the hole with wood glue and wooden toothpicks or matchsticks
- Snap them off flush
- Reinsert the screw once the glue is tacky
This gives the screw fresh wood to grip and makes the repair much stronger.
Use Wood Glue for a Permanent Fix
If the leg fits into a wooden joint or socket and wiggles even when screws are tight, glue is your best friend.
Steps:
- Remove the leg if possible
- Clean out old glue and dust
- Apply wood glue generously inside the joint
- Reattach the leg and wipe away excess glue
- Clamp the leg or keep the table upside down for at least 12 hours
Once cured, this bond is often stronger than the original build.
Add Corner Braces for Extra Strength
For tables that get heavy use, adding metal corner braces can stop movement for good.
These small L-shaped brackets:
- Attach between the leg and the table frame
- Spread weight more evenly
- Prevent twisting and wobble
They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and almost invisible once the table is upright.
Fix Stripped Bolts with Thread Lock
Some tables use bolts instead of screws. If the bolt continues to loosen, apply a thread-locking liquid.
Apply a few drops to the bolt threads before tightening. It keeps the bolt from backing out but still allows removal later if needed.
Level the Table After Tightening
Sometimes the legs are solid, but the floor isn’t.
After tightening everything:
- Place the table where it’s used
- Check for rocking
- Add felt pads or adjustable leg levelers if needed
This takes stress off the joints and helps the repair last longer.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using tape or cardboard as a spacer
- Over-tightening screws until they strip
- Using super glue instead of wood glue
- Ignoring early wobble and waiting too long
Quick fixes often require redoing the job.
Final Thoughts: A Stable Table Is Worth the Effort
Tightening loose table legs permanently doesn’t require special tools or advanced skills. It just takes the right approach and a little patience. When done properly, your table will feel solid, safe, and steady again, without the constant shake every time someone leans on it.
Fix it once, fix it right, and enjoy a table that stays put.