Steps to Fix a Broken Bed Rail
Bed rail refers to a slat that connects the headboard to the footboard. There is a huge possibility that the bed rail will split or break if it has to hold the weight exceeding its capacity. Mostly, the splits occur at the ends of the rail but that doesn't mean it can't occur in the center. In order to repair broken, split, or cracked rails, the user needs to follow the below-given steps;
- Make Necessary Preparations: First, the user needs to remove the box springs, mattresses, and all the other things placed over the bed. It has been recommended to leave the slats in place.
- Pry Open The Split: After that, the user needs to pry open the split slightly by inserting screwdriver inside it. The chips or splinters inside the crack should be cleaned out by using a utility knife.
- Apply Glue: The next step will be to fill the glue inside the crack by using a tip of the glue bottle. Besides that, the user needs to smear the glue inside the crack by using a thin blade putty knife.
- Use Clamps: Once the split is filled with glue, the user needs to place & tighten the bar clamps across the area until the glue oozes out. Alternatively, the user can replace bar clamps with C-clamps but they are not as powerful as bar clamps. The clamps should be left over the repaired area overnight before removing them.
- Cut A Support Piece: The next step will be to cut a plywood piece to support the bed frame. First, the user needs to measure the width of a bed frame from inside followed by measuring the split or crack length. It has been recommended to add 6 inches to the split length and cut 1/2 inch plywood piece as per the measurements. Alternatively, the user can cut a piece out of any scrap wood for support.
- Pre-Drill Holes: After that, the user needs to pre-drill holes randomly into the support piece leaving a 2-inch gap between each hole. It has been recommended to drill holes with drill/driver and a 3/16-inch bit. While drilling the holes, the user needs to make sure that drilled holes and screw holes don't line-up with each other.
- Attach Support Piece: The last step will be to attach the support piece to the bed frame. First, the user needs to apply wood glue on one side of the support piece and place it over the repaired area from the inside. After that, the user needs to drive 1-inch screws through the support piece by using pilot holes. The frame should be allowed by dry overnight before putting the bed back to use.