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Bed slats are prone to breaking from kids, or even adults, hopping or jumping on the bed. You’d be left wondering how to fix a broken bed slat and the solution depends on the material of the bed slat.
Fixing wooden slats can be as simple as using a strong glue. Then add an adjustable support to the slat.
Different materials of the bed slats require a different solution. For example, metal bed frames will require a drill and support with metal brace brackets.
There are two types of bed slats, wooden and metal. Read on to find out how to fix broken bed slats at home, for both wood and metal slats.
Method 1: How to Fix a Broken Bed Slat – Wooden
Wooden bed slats are popular because they don’t squeak and offer support to the mattress like a box spring.
Step 1: Inspect the bed frame
First, you will need to remove the bed cover, mattress, and box spring.
Inspect the bed frame in case of cracks. The bed slat may not be the only spot that there is damage.
You may need to use a screwdriver to disassemble now or when you are doing the repair.
Step 2: Inject glue at the crack of the bed slat
You will need a strong carpenter’s glue that is made for wood.
to woods. Inject the glue on the crack of the bed frame.
Smear the glue on the cracked part.
These glues are made especially for the purpose of repairing wood materials.
Step 3: Place a clamp
Depending on the location of the break, you will need to place a bar clamp on it to hold it while the glue dries.
Place the bar clamp on the bed frame and make it tight. You will need to keep the bar clamp on the bed frame overnight.
Step 4: Measure the length of the cracked frame
You will want to add additional support to the broken bed slat after you repair it to give it the support structure. This can be done with plywood (Steps 4 and 5) or with an easy-to-install support leg (Step 6).
If the location of the crack needs more support, you will need to do this step.
Measure how long the crack of your bed frame is. After measuring the length of the crack, add 6 inches with the result.
Once you are done measuring the length of the cracked frame, you will need to cut a piece of plywood.
To cut the plywood, you will need a miter saw. If you don’t have plywood, you can also use scrap wood as an alternative.
Step 5: Drill holes in the plywood
Now, use a drill to drill holes in the plywood. Keep at least 2 inches of space between each hole.
Then, you will need to apply glue on one side of the plywood. Now place the plywood on the crack.
Use wood screws to place the plywood with the bed frame crack.
Step 6: Add a slat support
Add a support leg to the bed slat that you’ve repaired.
The metal construction adds durability and strong support to the bed’s wooden slat. The nylon bottom protects your floor from scuffs.
Use a screwdriver to install the support. Then extend it to the height that you need.
How to Fix a Broken Bed Slat – Metal
Step 1: Inspect
Inspect the location of the crack.
Bend the metal if needed. Use the help of a rubber mallet for small bends.
Step 2: Fit the metal brackets
Use straight metal brackets to repair broken metal bed slats.
Choose the size of the metal brace that corresponds to the bed slat.
Mark the holes that you need to drill.
Step 3: Drill the holes
Use a drill to drill the marked holes.
Step 4: Install the metal brackets
Then install the metal brackets onto the broken bed slat. This repairs the broken part of the bed slat.
Step 5: Optional, Add a Slat Support
Metal brackets make a strong repair. However, if you feel the repaired slat needs support, add a support leg to the bed slat that you’ve repaired.
The metal construction adds durability and strong support to the bed’s wooden slat. The nylon bottom protects your floor from scuffs.
Use a screwdriver to install the support. Then extend it to the height that you need.
How to Repair the Metal Bracket Joints of Bed Frames
This problem occurs most on antique beds. The joints of the antique beds can loosen after several years of using the bed.
If you want to repair the bed frames of a metal bed that has joint problems, you can replace the metal brackets.
To replace the brackets, the first thing you will do is remove the existing metal brackets.
Use a screwdriver to remove all the brackets that are installed in the bed frame.
The metal brackets are installed at four corners of the bed frame. You will need to remove all of them.
Step 1: Tap the joints with a rubber mallet
You will need a rubber mallet for this step. Check the joints of the bed frame if they are loose. In the case of loose joints, you will need to fix them.
Step 2: Use glue for the tenon
Use a wood glue made for woodworking projects.
Apply the glue at the loose joints. Now, you will need to attach the glued joint tenons together.
If the joint is too loose, you will need to attach wood tape to stabilize it.
Remove the tape once the project dries.
Step 9: Reassemble the bed slat
After you are done with all these steps, you will need to reassemble the bed frame. Use a screwdrivver this process.
Attach the new metal brackets.
Use new wood screws to attach the metal brackets again.
Attach the screws on the metal brackets tight enough so that the joints don’t squeak.
If you follow the steps mentioned above, you will be able to fix broken bed slats and bed frames.
If you’re using carpenter’s glue, give it enough time to dry thoroughly. That can take at least 1 hour, depending on the formula of the glue.
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