Repairing a Broken Chair | Furniture Repair & Restoration

In this video I repair a crack in a chair.
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[@FixingFurniture]

I have a few tips for you based on my repair experience: - there are tools for extracting broken screws which don't damage the wood around the screw. I've used mine several times - use a small cotton thread to spread the glue in deep cracks. Use a sawing motion to distribute the glue - a full length dowel is easier to fill a hole, just let the glue dry and the flush trim it with a flush cut saw I hope these tips help you in your woodworking journey. Scott

[@namewithoutdigits]

Cool to see the additional problem-solving required when a repair doesn’t go as expected. Thanks for sharing.

[@cellgrrl]

Yes, for me any project I undertake never goes as I expect. Something stupid always goes wrong such as that screw breaking. For me it would have meant the end of the project.

[@jaclynjaye9416]

Yes! Exactly. This is stuff that happens to my hubs and I. No one ever shows you how to problem solve for us novice DIY beginners. Thanks, good stuff.

[@createdezign1840]

I've seen people use dental floss and glue to get into the crack as well.

[@bobhob34]

That is what I was about to post, thread it through, and work it down. Also good for teeth!

[@createdezign1840]

@@bobhob34 lol

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

That's a good idea. I'll try it next time.

[@djoobstil]

I use a sheet of paper to spread it nice and even deep down cracks. Floss would have the added benefit to not get soggy if the application takes longer than expected.

[@madieestouch8526]

nice job, you are very good in woodwoking, but I think you had glue on your floor in 2.35 😀. I have repair my broken bar stool too (you can check it out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/poa1anusjN-nq8U)

[@arontotheleft]

"I'm okay with its imperfections."

[@lindan.137]

❤️😭

[@MerryPerry95]

I give the video a like before I watch it because I know that it is going to be great quality. Please never stop creating content. We enjoy it immensely.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you!

[@ada9983]

We bought an old old farmhouse a year-and-a-half ago. The previous owners left a lot of their family's Furniture behind. Everything from Eastlake, Art Deco, mid-century Etc. I'm having a good time repairing the pieces and your videos are very helpful. Over the holidays I fixed a chair with a wobbly arm. Your info on the glue syringe and also the clamp with the pivot is very helpful for future fixes.

[@FurnitureRefinishingStudio]

There are many improvements that can be implemented on your techniques. Sorry to sound negative, but you made a really easy repair really difficult. Here are a few tips based from my 35 years of being a professional restorer: 1) My personal method is using compressed air blown into the split to send glue to the bottom/harder to reach areas for those with a compressor. As others have said, Dental floss works to spread glue deep into the crack for those without a compressor. 2) Screws should be a last resort, not a first choice. I was happy to see you go with the dowel after the screw fail, but that should be the first choice if the repair requires a fastener. Proper clamping on that joint would never require an extra fastener. 3) The button plug....need I say more? A flush plug would require no more work or just cut the dowel flush. I had to stop watching at that point. I couldn't take it anymore and didn't make it to the end lol. Please know this is meant as constructive criticism and I'm not hating on the video, I am just an advocate of teaching proper techniques, especially from one with such a large stage. It's an obligation we KZbin creators should be taking seriously.

[@Supreem28]

I was also wondering why the dowel wasn’t just cut flush?? Seems like extra unnecessary work.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Who’s cutting dorks?

[@Supreem28]

😅@@DashnerDesignRestoration Damn auto correct!!

[@jenniferk4336]

"And that's why you don't lean back in chairs." What a dad comment. 😂 Loved it. Thanks for another great video!

[@karenfornwalt9235]

Jiffy K lol, that's so true, except when dad decides to lean back in his chair 😉

[@LLopez-sx1jr]

Lol loved that

[@rayvin357]

i never listened to my dad-i'm 82- and i never broke the damn chair- btw - i don't know any one who leaned back in any chair-must be the chair quality-not built like they used to!

[@nezumitd8529]

"I am not worried about making it look perfect " Makes it look perfect anyway

[@craig9802]

For what it is worth, I've seen people use an air nozzle from a compressor to blow glue deeper into a crack for repairs also. I also like the dental floss idea mentioned earlier. Nice work!

[@irinakotyukova4505]

Oh, thank you! Santa brought me a pair of Czech shell chairs from 1959 with ugly screws in it's legs right at the loose joints. Now I've got an idea what should I do with it

[@TheBatman-1989]

I wanted to save this till tonight, but I can't!!! This channel is like my crack, and I've gone long enough without it!

[@jimhoward1655]

Wetting the crack with wet rag before applying the glue helps get the glue further into all the crannies.

[@TheRestorer]

super

[@1959Berre]

When leaning back, which is the cause of the break, the top end of the crack is stressed, so that is where the break starts, then the crack runs down. It is not really important to reinforce the bottom end. When the top end of the crack is well glued, it will not break again. Nice job, BTW.

[@non7sens]

Add tape by the sides so the only way the glue goes is down. Also if the glue is too thick you can dilute it a little.

[@jean-lucmaurin761]

Liked before watching.... As usual... Many thanks from Brittany France.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@indie825]

That has to be the smallest sanding block ever! Great job. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@adamcboyd]

I like my repair shows to have the feel of a Bergman movie. Good job!

[@roberto9743]

can you make a restoration of a furniture bitten by a dog please, It would be really useful?

[@karenfornwalt9235]

Roberto ooh that's a great idea. I have an antique side table with 2 fold over ends. You slide out these beautifully carved support legs to hold up the ends when needed. My little shihtzuu ( yes, really) chewed at the bottom of one support leg. 😣 I ignore it as best I can. 😒🐾

[@DwightMS1]

Another way fo force glue into a crack, devised by Frank Ford the guitar tech, is to place a suction-cup outside the crack and "pump" it in.

[@amyworman4196]

Whew, that was a lot of work!

[@lizday8140]

Oh, I think the dowel is a better option, anyway! Also, they do make drill bits that will back a broken screw out, rather than having to remove any wood from around it. (I have learned a few things while watching Public Television!) 🤣

[@monicamiramontez5762]

Wait a minute! This looks actually interesting and satisfying at the same time! how is that? I'll tell you one thing, if you think you don't have anything to do in the house or at all during the day, stop making excuses! This man takes his time, occupies his mind, to take care of one (1) chair...can you imagine how many millions of things can be done in a house or a yard?....trillions! I thought of Jesus Christ restoring a chair in His time and being gently and patient like that man. I have a few broken legs and seats on a few chairs because we lean back on them! lol!... and just bought some super glue the other day for something else, I hope I can use it for fixing a chair with it. I'll save my husband a chore after a long day's hard work.;) Great job and greetings from Grand Prairie, Tx!

[@aquariuslady777]

Well done - what seemed to be an issue turned into the best solution

[@nowvoyagerNE]

i hope you and yours had a great holiday season! thanks for posting this video!

[@Barbie4U2]

Incredible, that required a lot of patience. 😉 great video as always. Hope your feeling better 💗

[@barbaracatalano6299]

Great job! No more leaning back though..lol

[@caribmedical57]

Just what I needed before the Vikings game today. A Dashner video. That was very informative, as always. By the way, the chair is very nice. Go Vikings!

[@peterpanassow7814]

Hopefully another video is coming. I'm in withdrawal. 😲

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

I’m actually editing the next video as we speak. Thanks for watching!

[@peterpanassow7814]

@@DashnerDesignRestoration woohoo!!! Can't wait. 👍

[@leozmaxwelljilliumz3360]

I know it sounds crazy and it's definitely more prep to make sure glue doesnt go everywhere..but an air compressor and the attachment for filling up sports balls(if you clipped the end and made it smooth) on low air pressure works pretty good for spreading glue in cracks

[@yokonda66]

you are awesome Thank you for sharing

[@ellahatfield6914]

Is there a reason why you chose a screw before a dowel? (Sincerely asking, not sarcasm) love the videos you upload!

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

It seemed like less work at the time. Of course, it turned out to be more work in the long run. But the dowel probably makes a stronger joint anyway. There is more surface area to grip the wood compared to the smaller screw.

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

Never use screws or metal of any kind!

[@ambercrombie789]

A dowelled joint would be substantially stronger than a metal fastener anyway, right?

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Yes, there's a lot more surface area on that dowel than the screw. So I guess it worked out for the better.

[@ambercrombie789]

@@DashnerDesignRestoration Very nice work, btw.

[@martinruhlmann1288]

This is the video I've been waiting for. I have found a nice older armchair that I want to repair and I have exactly the problem described in the video. Thanks for making the video bro.

[@deirdreh1892]

Great job , your patience is impeccable ❣️

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@jazziered142]

That is a pretty chair.

[@warwickdennis4114]

Great video, thanks 🙏

[@danielattencio579]

Drill a dowel in the other leg. You know you're going to lean back again. Danny

[@Meowdean]

yay! a new video! love your videos!! x

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thanks for watching!

[@davesteelss3454]

Where did you go.... we need you.

[@grahampickering1560]

I love the way you used the dowel rather than the screw. The joint will be so much stronger. Great job 😊

[@kathrinekerns8398]

That's really creative fix.

[@Bloomsss]

Which glue u used?

[@Maxprofits101]

Its possible that the glue had began to delaminate. That being the case, it may have been possible to completely open the joint up if you had used a heat gun to apply hot air to the joint, ensuring the you don't scorch the timber. Aluminum foil can be used to heat shield if necessary. Apply moderate pressure to join as heat is applied to assist in opening the joint up. Nothing wrong with how you did it either, just making a suggestion.

[@williamfindspeople4341]

I learned long ago, screws and chairs don't match. Many became firewood because of that combo. I use dowels and biscuits whenever possible. Also I found out that glue has a life expectancy of about two years. Any ideas about glue types??

[@ghazanfarjawed5290]

Hi. I watched this video wherein you have repaired a broken leg of a dining chair. It was an excellent repair. Unfortunately, I have an old dining chair made of harder wood with some designs on the leg. The lower 1/3 piece of a leg has been split like yours. Would you mind if I share the pictures of broken part of the leg with you and seek your advice if possible. I had a similar idea to repair it. I am to put 2 screws because the broken piece is long and putting screws opposite to each might work. Waiting to hear from you. Kind Regards

[@creamdoormusicschool1642]

Thank you teacher

[@ShojoBakunyu]

02:02 What if you were to tape up the sides to act as a dam to allow the glue to flow down deeper into the crack instead of squeezing out the sides?

[@cokihihe8025]

Ich liebe Ihre Seite! Sie machen einen tollen Job !

[@thatgirl3757]

I too would have went the extra mile to save the chair. At 50 yrs old, it's a keeper and they don't make them as sturdy these days and when they are built well, they're so darn expensive!! Some good tips, thx

[@williamrobelen8718]

My father always used wax (from a broken wax ring he kept) to lubricate screws going into hard woods. He said it's tempting to use soap but soap can eventually cause the screw to rust as well as stain the wood black. Hoping his tip lives on.

[@aceadman]

Broken screws are intolerable. And happen far too often!! What can be done!?!? Alas... nothing I fear. Just shed tears, gnash teeth and get ready to dig. Well done! Thanks for sharing your hard work.

[@war7334]

There is one furniture repair gentleman that works the glue in to the cracks with dental floss.Seems to be effective..

[@pagefoster]

Button plug. 🤣

[@samuroma700]

Great work as always, and thanks for the explanation and tricks. You do such good clean works everytime!

[@samuroma700]

9:14 and thank you for sharing

[@rayvin357]

i thought that i was the only person to lean back in a kitchen chair. every night i woukld get h*** from my father (75 yrs ago). But do you know i never did break a chair nor my back nor the kitchen floor. of course i did turn out to be a good boy! You are a delight and excellent work. but i do say you too can lean back in your chair.

[@jwmoreland]

Hey, I like your restoration videos. Would you be able to post links to some of the tools or products you use? Even if it’s an affiliate link where you get a cut is fine. It helps us novices get the right product. Thanks

[@francoisfouche2568]

Hi, I was always told that new glue does not stick to old glue very well. I realize there is no possible way to clean out the old glue from the crack ... my question, will the repair hold ? Regards

[@stevesiefken6432]

Where do you get your syringes? I need to repair a small crack in a coffee table. Thanks!

[@cathrynrosencrans-etienne8294]

What kind of glue do you use and where did you get the glue syringe from?

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

The glue is Titebond II and the syringe is from Rockler.

[@gordonadams5891]

An old timey carpenter warned me about using soap to lubricant a screw. It can rust the screw and make it difficult to remove later. He said use wax.

[@InFltSvc]

NICE JOB! I love mid century stuff

[@dku001]

I would have used a dental floss to bring the glue into the deepest part of the crack. Also a dowel is definitely better than a screw. Good work, man.

[@aminahmed719]

The best way to get the glue all the way down is too work a string to the bottom before the shim goes in. Then fill the break with glue syringe and then periodically take the string in both hands hold taut and raise it the top of the break and the down to the bottom. Finally pull the string out of one side and remove shim, and clamp n clean. GTG!

[@zulfikranzulmos4066]

Thx for your vid.. My kitchen chair got broken.. Going to repair it with glue and dowel..

[@annpane1227]

Beautiful. A real Craftsman!

[@colinmartin9797]

Why not just thin the glue out with some water? That's what I did for an identical break on a chair right around that spot, and it got all the way down really well. Repaired it about 5 years ago and it's still rock solid.

[@roninrtist560]

You can also try using a thin feeler gauge to try and spread the glue down the crack. They come in a set that go down to just a few thousandths of an inch thick. I have used them to good effect for similar cracks

[@dorcaspowellpowell5971]

Amazing work as usual.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@daijoubu4529]

GRK makes screws that can replace nails so they are not as brittle and are more malleable, perhaps the wood was so hard that a larger pilot hole would have been required.

[@patrickryan353]

Soooo nice

[@mehrit1648]

Good job.

[@rpc717]

Awesome! But why not take this opportunity to just refinish the whole chair?

[@zeevtarantov]

Because he's not selling it.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Chairs are very time consuming to refinish. I'm ok with it as it is. Maybe someday I'll give it a total refinish.

[@rpc717]

Thanks - good to know! I was considering refinishing some. 😂

[@carolusay1011]

To be able to get glue deeper into a crack you could use dental floss and that would work the glue deeper into the crack.

[@janschoice3855]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏻

[@roncanizares9966]

What is the glue you used and where did you get the button plug?

[@k.sirisha8775]

I like to learn corpentery, plz make a video on basic corpentery

[@margeryk000]

Great work as always. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. ATB : )

[@luisarashirovideo]

Why did you drill that beautiful chair. I love your work btw

[@andrewholdaway813]

Good save... but that screw must've been made of cheese.

[@redbed1604]

You can use dental floss to work glue into narrow cracks.

[@FromAlphaToOmega]

I was wondering if you could recommend a glue syringe? I've been looking around and would prefer not to use disposable syringes. Or would you recommend disposable? Thanks, Tom

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

I got mine at Rockler and it is reusable. I just wash it out when I'm done with it.

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

Go to a vet supply store .35 cents for 19 gauge needle. Mix 50/50 with water. GTG

[@justaguyandsomemovies6492]

Do you have a website where you sell the furniture

[@Shekharan52]

Which glue suitable and long lasting strength of back rest of a wooden chair which has come off from the joint

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

Titebond 3

[@HH-vv2sk]

What type of glue did you use

[@robertrichardson4699]

Great job that is a handsome chair 👍

[@chriswilkes4350]

Very nice video. Thanks.

[@yloby]

I liked the dowel better anyway.

[@edmizzimizzi]

great tutorial, thanks

[@stephenburns3678]

Good result's.

[@joyroussel3870]

Can you tell me the name and brand of the clamps used in this video? Specially the ones that have toggling feet. Also what diameter drill bit did you use when drilling the 1st pilot hole? And what size (diameter) drill bit did you use to create the counter-sinking? I know you ended up going with a dowel, but I think I can use the 1st method you present. I’m need to fixing broken things and need a know the specific sizes, names of the items you used! Love the video. Great way to teach a beginner like me.

[@artemisentrerifan3797]

wanted to say really enjoy videos...starting trainee sprayer/french polisher role monday ,watching vids..help alot...keep well n safe.

[@ryandowney9124]

Where did you get the syringe and needle from? What size was the needle? I have a similar project and while the syringe part is pretty basic I'd like to know what gauge of needle works best for most repair scenarios.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

I got the syringe at Rockler. I don't know the size of the needle but the syringe comes with an assortment of sizes.

[@ryandowney9124]

@@DashnerDesignRestoration Ok, I'll check their website. Thank you!

[@brookesays5184]

Going to attempt this. I was very glad to find such a detailed video for my exact problem. Thanks.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Nice chair - you can pick up some nice stuff from Thrift Stores, and with a little bit of work - Bingo. You just need to see the potential. :-)

[@PJG1710]

I liked using the splint to open the crack for more glue. My situation is the side piece that sits under the cushion... Split but difficult yo inject any glue... Suggestions?

[@joeymoore1105]

I have a question. I've noticed our dining room chairs are getting really loose in the joints. The kids will lean back in them from time to time, against my constant efforts to get them not to. Their mother is convinced the chairs are worn out because they were used and it has nothing to do with the leaning back in them and even says that does't cause the joint fatigue that eventually ruined our chairs. Can you please shed some light on this as we just got a brand new table and chairs and are again having this discussion because I want these chairs to last. Please help! haha

[@libby2012]

“I’m okay with its imperfections” ... I see you taking problems and solving them beautifully. That is perfection.

[@corydriver7634]

Seems like this was more about practicing repair technique than aesthetics. Good job getting the broken screw out I’d have quit at that point 😂. Another option would be to drill the hole before the glue up and use that hole to inject glue when you spread the joint at the top. Just a thought.