How to fix a damaged TV tower?

[jalal]

    

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to repair a TV tower unit that was damaged during a recent move. It completely came apart, and all the existing screws and bolts are now loose or stripped.

The material of the TV unit is **chipboard laminated with Formica**. The **vertical and horizontal boards are 1.8 inchesthick**.

My plan is to screw the whole thing together again — each level, on either side — using new screws to secure everything properly. I'm thinking of using wood screws to screw directly into the chipboard from the sides (probably pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting), but I want to make sure:

1. **What type of screws should I use?**

   – Wood screws or chipboard screws?

   – Should they be coarse thread or fine?

   – What **length** and **gauge** is ideal for this thickness?

2. **Will screwing into chipboard laminated with Formica cause it to crack or split?**

   – Should I **pre-drill holes** first, and if so, what drill bit size would you recommend?

Appreciate any advice from those who’ve worked with chipboard/laminate furniture before!

Thanks in advance!

[EricL]

Hello @jalal 

In order for our members to get a better idea of the cabinet material assembly, would it be possible for you to post a photo of the side of the cabinet with the left panel off? We'll need to see if there are any solid timber sections that can be screwed together. As I am sure you are aware chipboard is not very strong when screwed together. Other repair options might need to be implemented in order for your cabinet to become structurally sound.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[jalal]

Hi Eric, 

Thank you for your reponse.

I've taken one of the panels off and please find the pictures attached.

Note all panels are pretty similar.

Im also attaching a picture of a smaller laminate free portion which shows the underlying material.

   

[EricL]

Hello @jalal 

Just one more question and I'll make my suggestions, do the shelves help in locking the panel into place or did the shelf posts pull out as well? Does it mean that there is nothing holding the panel in place and that the cam posts are all loose?

Eric

[jalal]

Thanks again for your help!

The shelves previously helped locking things in place.

They locks in the shelves are now loose...probably from the whole things tilting etc during the move 

I'd say the locks are now are around 50 percent..which means I can put together the whole thing but it appears structurally wobbly when I stand it up.

[EricL]

Hello @jalal 

I propose the following parts to fortify your TV tower.

• Carinya 40 x 200 x 1mm Flat Make-A-Bracket - I suggest attaching two of these plates at the top and bottom where the very top shelf meets the end of the side panel.
   
• Carinya 20 x 20 x 200 x 1mm Make-A-Bracket - Attach this under each shelf and link to the side panel so that it will be partially hidden and not in direct view.
   
• Carinya 100 x 100 x 25 x 1mm Galvanised L-Shape Make-A-Bracket - Attach to the back corner at the top and bottom so that it will not be in direct view.
   
• Zenith 8G x 30mm Galvanised Button Head Stitching Timber Screws - 100 Pack - I suggest using these screws to hold the brackets in place.

Let me call on our experienced members @AlanM52, @TedBear, @JoeAzza, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[jalal]

Thanks Eric!

That seems like it would work well.

Just a thought, are there black screws and brackets or any way to colour them black so it goes with the furniture?

[EricL]

Hello @jalal 

You can spray paint them black if you wish to hide them inside the cabinet. You can do the same for the heads of the screws.

Eric

[JoeAzza]

Hi @jalal , Bunnings sell black screws , they are in the screw section area. They are the Pinnacle brand that come in countersunk and round head, these are available in black or white.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-5-x-40mm-black-round-timber-screw-20-pack_p2400127. As @EricL  has advised angle brackets will strengthen the shelving.

[AlanM52]

Hi @jalal,

Taskmaster 44mm Cam Connector And Bolt - 8 Pack

https://www.bunnings.com.au/taskmaster-44mm-cam-connector-and-bolt-8-pack_p0035529?srsltid=AfmBOoq4P...

If the 'shelf slot into pin' thing is troublesome (I don't like them) just use normal shelf pins.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=shelf+pins&sort=BoostOrder

Cheers