Putting flat washers on your table legs stabilises the table and protects the wood from damage. Washers help your table, whether it's being built for the first time or the legs are simply unstable. It's simple to attach nuts and washers to each table leg and it takes only a few minutes. Once done, your table stands properly and has less chance of falling or breaking.
- Putting flat washers on your table legs stabilises the table and protects the wood from damage.
Place a blanket or towel on the floor of your work area. Putting one on the floor before flipping the table will protect the tabletop from scratches.
Flip the table, without legs, onto its back. You should see the four sections, or L-shaped brackets or openings, where the legs are screwed in.
Place one of the legs in the proper position. If the leg is the same shape on all four sides, there shouldn't be any problem fitting it in. There should be one or two long machine screws--usually about 2 inches long--attached to the leg, on one of the sides. The side with the screws should face toward the middle of the table. The screws should be closest to the upside-down table top.
Place the washer on the screw, followed by the nut. Twist the nut, by hand, until it's tight against the washer. If desired, tighten the wing nut with a wrench. Repeat for the other three legs.
- Place one of the legs in the proper position.
- Twist the nut, by hand, until it's tight against the washer.
Test the legs by trying to "wobble" each one. If the leg doesn't move, it's secure. If it does, tighten the nut with a wrench. Flip the table back over.
TIP
Protect your back. Have someone help you flip the table upside down.