The Easy Fix for a Chair Rung That Just Won’t Stay Put
A loose chair rung is one of those small problems that can quickly worsen. One day it wobbles. The next day the chair feels unsafe to sit on. The good news is that fixing it is usually simple and doesn’t require special tools or woodworking skills.
If the rung isn’t broken and the wood is still solid, you can often repair it in under an hour. Here’s how to do it the right way so the fix actually lasts.
Why Chair Rungs Come Loose
Chair rungs loosen over time for a few common reasons:
- Regular use puts pressure on the joints
- Wood shrinks and expands with temperature and humidity
- Old glue dries out and loses its grip
The joint weakens, and the rung starts to move inside the chair leg. That movement is what you need to stop.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these basics:
- Wood glue (yellow carpenter’s glue works well)
- A small brush or cotton swab
- A damp cloth
- Clamps or heavy books
- Rubber mallet or your hand
That’s it. No fancy tools required.
Step 1: Check the Joint
Turn the chair upside down and gently wiggle the loose rung. If it slides out easily, that’s ideal. If it doesn’t come out all the way, don’t force it. You just need enough space to get glue into the joint.
Look for cracks in the rung or the chair leg. If the wood is split, this repair may not hold. If everything looks solid, you’re good to continue.
Step 2: Clean Out the Old Glue
Old, dry glue can prevent new glue from sticking properly.
If the rung comes out, scrape off any loose debris with your fingers or a small tool. If it stays in place, brush out what you can from the gap. You don’t need it spotless. Just remove anything flaky or loose.
Step 3: Apply Wood Glue
Apply wood glue generously to the end of the rung and inside the hole in the chair leg. Use a brush or cotton swab to spread it evenly.
Don’t be shy with the glue. Excess will squeeze out, and that’s fine.
Step 4: Reinsert and Align the Rung
Push the rung back into place. Use your hand or gently tap it in with a rubber mallet. Make sure the rung is fully seated and lined up evenly with the rest of the chair.
Wipe away any glue that squeezes out using a damp cloth.
Step 5: Clamp and Let It Dry
Clamp the chair so the joint stays tight while the glue dries. If you don’t have clamps, place the chair on its side and use heavy books or weights to hold it steady.
Let the glue cure for at least 12 hours. For best results, wait 24 hours before using the chair again.
Optional Tip: Tighten the Whole Chair
If one rung is loose, others may be close behind. Take a few minutes to inspect the remaining joints. Fixing them now can save you from another repair later.
Final Thoughts
A loose chair rung doesn’t mean the chair is done for. Most of the time, it just needs fresh glue and a little patience. This simple fix can add years to a chair you already like and trust.
And the next time you sit down without a wobble, you’ll be glad you took the time to fix it properly.