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How to reattach cabinet leg?

Need to reattach leg to bottom of cabinet (pictured)- unfortunately screw broke out so there is no thread left to simply rescrew and what is left is soft paper mache-like wood pulp? I tried using a basic super glue but it was too runny to hold - is there a better glue/liquid nails people would recommend for this job? I don’t expect it to be perfectly fixed but would like the leg re-attached for the sake of balance at least! Thank you!

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EricL

Hello @oliviacraig3

Thank you for sharing your question about how to re-attach the leg of your cabinet.

Generally speaking, if you have the tools and time, I recommend removing the original leg mounting spot and recreating it in stronger timber (even pine). This will allow you to re-install the leg fixings and have the leg working again. But if you are after a temporary fix or quick turnaround, I recommend using Selleys 350g Heavy Duty Liquid Nails. I propose smearing the broken surface with the adhesive and filling the hole so that the leg screw can re-attach properly. Stand the cabinet up with the leg put into the correct position and allow the adhesive to dry before re-using the cabinet.

Please keep in mind that this is a temporary repair and may not last long under heavy day-to-day use. Should the time present itself, I recommend having the leg fixed properly.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @AlanM52 and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @oliviacraig3

I would clean the old glue and pull away timber splinters as best as possible and use the glue that @EricL recommends. Give it 24hrs to cure.

FYI, Superglue is not a structural glue and in my opinion is good for paper, cardboard and sticking your fingers together at best. After all it was originally formulated for mending cuts without sutures.

Nailbag

AlanM52

Hi @oliviacraig3,

The leg threaded rod would not have been screwed directly into the MDF.

Screenshot 2025-12-16 224136.jpg

I suspect a screw-in insert nut is still in there or gone missing similar to this members question.

Having said that take the easy fix path as @EricL suggested and do the glue thing.

Cheers

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60579#Comment_60579

Seems unlikely - but if you remove the screw/s seen here - does the MDF strip drop away?

Maybe remove both(?) strips and replace with pine battens. Fresh wood for your legs.

Just a thought.

R4addZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92764#Comment_92764

Hi @oliviacraig3

Might I suggest unscrewing one of the other legs and comparing it with what you have on the damaged side. It will give you a clearer picture of how it should be and what if anything is missing.

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112525#Comment_112525

Good Morning @oliviacraig3

I also would be removing the MDF strip that the leg is screwed into and replacing it. Once MDF has been torn/damaged to that extent I have never had a good repair.

As @EricL and @Noyade have suggested it might be an idea for installing a new piece of solid timber (pine strip) and reattaching the legs to it. I cant make out the screw end of the leg from your photos so I am hoping that its a screw thread. If it is I would take the leg to a Bunnings store and have a look for screw in plates. This is just an example of what I am refering to, you will have to match your thread to something is all. Adoored 3/8" Vertical Leg Plate - 2 Pack

Dave

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