How to fix broken laptop table?

[WKath]

Hi, I have a laptop table and supposed the left side is fixed on a frame by 2 screws and is non-movable

However, recently I found that even the screws are still there, the wooden board on top has come out : (

I took the board off and see that the hole drilled was enlarged and no longer hold the screws tightly, that’s why the whole board can come out, and now I cannot put anything on top of the board as it does not stay in place. : (

Is there any recommendation so that I can fix the wooden board onto the frame again (or secure it with the frame) and that I can use the left part of the table again??

Thank you very much!!! : )

[EricL]

Hello @WKath 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your laptop table.

I suspect that the insert nut holding the table in place has pulled out. Can you please take a photo of the bottom of the table where the screws use to be installed? Once we see the picture, we'll be able to determine how bad the damage is and if the insert nut can be glued back into place. 

One other option is to replace the board with a pine panel of the same thickness. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their suggestions.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @WKath 

There is a lot of weight supporting the table extension just at one end. So the first thing I would do to prevent it happening again is to add a short length of With the table upside-down, use this DAR pine (cut to around 300mm) running across the join like the metal section at the left end. This could be screwed and glued into place. If you drilled fresh holes in the metal frame about 15mm offset to the current ones you can reinsert them in a more secure part of the table top. Just be careful not to drill through the table top. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good morning @WKath 

I can think of two possible ways to repair the table top, one is more noticable then the other tho.

- Drill all the way through the timber and countersink the top side. Then use bolts, washers and nuts to secure the timber to the arm again. Zenith 1/4" x 38mm Zinc Plated Countersunk Bolt And Nut - 10 Pack There are different coloured bolts and lengths as well. Make sure you allow for a small washer on the underside and also take the existing bolt with you so you know the size of the hole in the metal bracket. (My prefered solution long term) You will end up with a smooth table top, with a couple of metal screw heads noticable.

- Use a timber repair filler Turbo 175ml Builders Bog Flexipack and then pilot hole and screw in some new screws making sure the tip of the screw dosnt come through the timber top. You made need washers again. 

Dave