How to reattach cabinet leg?

[oliviacraig3]

 

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!

[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.

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]

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]

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]

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