Fixing dining room chairs

[Michael A Clark]

Hello everyone, We bought a new dining room table w/ 8 chairs. three years ago.

Last year we had company and the seat just lifted right up! I pulled it aside and I would deal with it latter. I put the screws back in but screws again just fell out.

Now this set is expensive and I didn't want to cause any damage.  The seat portion feels like it might? be 1/2 in thick. But is it plywood? or is particule board?

 

And I've had this tool now for about a week and all I've been able to do is read and watch the video.

 

 

 

[Geoff Simpson]

Can you post a picture of the effected area?

 

 If it was expensive it might (should) be solid wood.  I doubt highly that it's particle board or plywood.  Is the seat top shaped?  I would think that the base should be 3/4" think in the very least

[Michael Campbell]

I agree with Geoff, it should be solid.  If it is screwed from the bottom i would get a wider screw, not longer and maybe lightly sand the 2 boards and a little glue. 

[Michael A Clark]

Geoff Simpson said:

Can you post a picture of the effected area?

 

 If it was expensive it might (should) be solid wood.  I doubt highly that it's particle board or plywood.  Is the seat top shaped?  I would think that the base should be 3/4" think in the very least

[Jens Jensen]

What you can do is take a wood match stick and put in hole or a dowel same size as hole glue it in and after glue sets up replace screws with just a slight size smaller.It works on screen door hinges where the screws have stripped out

[Michael A Clark]

Hey Geoff, the chairs are padded and you can't see the the bottom because of the fabric.

I don't know how to post a picture. I know just enough on this p c  to keep myself out of trouble

By giving the seat a pinch it looks like it could be 1/2 material.

I just had a thought. If I took off the seat and put a screw into the chair frame to see just how far the screw is penetrating into the seat. Then determine just how big a screw to use. either longer or thicker one.

 

[Geoff Simpson]

I'd suggest you pull the fabric and foam off before doing anything.  You'll never know for sure what you're dealing with if you don't... But truthfully, if you're uncomfortable with doing that (and i can understand that), never underestimate the power of Gorilla Glue ;)  Seriously...

 

Apart from that, you're idea will give you an idea for sure

Michael A Clark said:

Hey Geoff, the chairs are padded and you can't see the the bottom because of the fabric.

I don't know how to post a picture. I know just enough on this p c  to keep myself out of trouble

By giving the seat a pinch it looks like it could be 1/2 material.

I just had a thought. If I took off the seat and put a screw into the chair frame to see just how far the screw is penetrating into the seat. Then determine just how big a screw to use. either longer or thicker one.

 

[Elaine Czarnecki]

Geoff you are so right! and also Jens Jensen.Don't put a longer screw in or someone may snag their bottom!