Birch

We have some solid old chairs, probably 1930's vintage, that are getting loose. I'd like to tighten them up before they get any worse. Can you fellas guide me to an information source? I suppose the best way would be to totally disassemble them and reglue. If so, I would like suggestions on getting them apart without wrecking them!! Thanks for any advice.

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BrianS

I just did a Google search for "chair repair" and returned a lot of hits. This first one looks promising, but there are lots more.

Chair Repair

Brian

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Glenmore

I beleive Rockler has a repair kit. Its like a syringe and glue set that you can get right into the joints with out supposely not having to take them apart.

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bobj3

Hi Birch

Just one more way,, I use some bar clamps and drive the lock pin out of them so I can use them backwards, just drive/pull the end off then slip it back on but backwards, that way I can push with them, the cheap ones work the best for me on this type of job..

You can get a chair repair kit that has all you need in it,,,but most don't work,, glue on old glue will not hold to long...

I use a hot wet sponge on old chairs because most of the old type chairs used raw hide glue that was a water base glue....

You must go slow and easy but they will come apart with a light tap with a raw hide/rubber hammer, it's best to take them out and clean off the old glue but just do one or two items at a time...

Once one end is free you can turn the item to break the glue joint but with care, hot water is the key...you can also use a tea pot/kettle if you have one on had (steam will do the trick also)

I should note*** a work bence with a end vise and dogs works well to take them down to parts...same thing use it backwards, but with a rag or two over the dogs don't want to miss up the chairs with a deep mark in it.

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Birch

Okay fellas, thanks. The replies made me remember a couple sites I had found last year. These are not "hair loom" chairs....just some Monkey Wards 1930s oak chairs that were with a kitchen set. Probably whoel set sold for $20 back then...or less. Today you could not buy the WOOD for that amount!
Ha. Thanks again.

jerrymayfield

If they are from the thirties(and haven't been repaired) they were put together using animal hide glue. Some of the good things about hide glue are the joint will come apart with heat,water or both and it will stick to itself. Most if not all of the more modern glues will not. If you take apart any joints that are loose you can see if there is any damage,worn or broken parts etc, and repair them. No glue will stick to air. I have repaired many chairs and most are not as difficult as they first may appear.

Good Luck

Jerry

Birch

Hi Jerry: I am sure you are correct re: hide glue. In fact I am COUNTING on it! Ha! Will get on a chair as soon as I complete the wren house project and one more wood duck house. I have all this nice cedar that is on its way to becoming a collector item so I figured I'd better get busy chopping it up.
Thanks again.