DIY Coffee Table Leg Tightening: A Quick & Easy Fix

Updated at: 24/05/2025

Is your once-sturdy coffee table now wobbling precariously, threatening to send your precious mug crashing to the floor? A loose leg is a common problem, often easily solved without the expense and hassle of professional repair or replacement. A wobbly coffee table can be incredibly annoying, disrupting the aesthetic appeal of your living room and potentially causing damage. Fortunately, tightening those loose legs is usually a straightforward DIY project, saving you both money and the frustration of a constantly unsteady surface.

This quick and easy fix requires minimal tools and can be completed in a short amount of time, leaving you with a stable and aesthetically pleasing coffee table once more. Forget expensive furniture repairs – let's get your coffee table back to its former glory! Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below to learn how to effectively tighten those coffee table legs.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed

Socket set
Socket wrench
12 millimeter socket (or appropriate size)
Phillips head screwdriver (if using screws)
Electric ratchet (optional)

Safety Guidelines

Always work on a stable, flat surface to prevent accidental injury or damage to the coffee table.
Use the appropriate sized wrench or screwdriver to avoid stripping the screws or bolts. If they're stuck, apply lubricant (like WD-40) and allow time to penetrate before attempting to tighten.
If you are unsure about any step, or if the problem persists after tightening, consult a professional furniture repair person.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Coffee Table
- Flip the coffee table on its side to access the leg bolts.
Prepare the Coffee Table
Locate Fasteners
- Most tables use either bolts or screws.)
Locate Fasteners
Tighten Fasteners
- If using bolts, use a socket wrench with the correct size socket to tighten them.
- If using screws, use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten them.
- Tighten all bolts/screws around the table.
Tighten Fasteners
Check Stability
- Flip the table back over and check the stability of the legs.
Check Stability

Tips

An electric ratchet can speed up the tightening process.
A basic socket set is a useful tool to have around the house for various tightening tasks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-tightening the screws

Reason: Applying excessive force can strip the screw threads or damage the wood.

Solution: Tighten screws firmly but gently, stopping when resistance is felt.

2. Using the wrong type of screw

Reason: Incorrect screw length or type can cause the leg to be unstable or the screw to pull through the wood.

Solution: Use screws of appropriate length and material that are designed for the type of wood.

3. Ignoring pre-existing damage

Reason: Attempting to tighten wobbly legs with damaged threads or cracked wood will not fix the problem and may worsen it.

Solution: Address any pre-existing damage like stripped threads or cracked wood before attempting to tighten the legs.

FAQs

What tools do I need to tighten my coffee table legs?

You'll likely only need a screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your table's screws) and possibly a wrench if you have nuts and bolts instead of screws. A small hammer might be helpful for stubborn screws.

My coffee table leg is still wobbly after tightening the screws. What should I do?

If the screws are stripped or the holes are damaged, you may need wood glue to fill the holes and allow the screws to grip again. Alternatively, consider using longer screws or even furniture leg protectors for added stability.

What if my coffee table uses dowels or other fasteners instead of screws?

For dowel-type connections, tightening isn't usually an option. The leg would likely need to be reglued (using wood glue) and clamped until dry. If the joint is severely damaged, professional repair or replacement may be necessary.