Stuck trying to take off a couch leg but it feels like it’s glued on there? You’re not going crazy!
Stubborn couch legs are a common problem, and can be super frustrating when you’re rearranging furniture, cleaning underneath, or just need to replace a broken leg.
In this post, I’ll go over why your couch legs won’t unscrew and what you should do.
There are a couple of reasons why couch legs won’t unscrew.
The first is stripped threads, which is normal if someone has overtightened the legs in the past or used the wrong tool for the job.
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Stripped threads means the ridges inside the couch frame (or on the leg itself) becoming worn down and deformed – and the threads won’t be able to grip the screw properly.
This makes it very difficult to unscrew the leg.
The second potential reason is stuck threads.
Over time, dirt, dust, and even dried adhesive like old glue can build up in the threaded holes or on the screw threads of the couch legs.
This buildup causes the threads to seize up and bind, preventing them from smoothly rotating against each other. This basically fuses the threads together, making the leg incredibly difficult to turn and unscrew.
Let’s look into ways we can try to get those stubborn couch legs off now.
Sometimes brute force is required to win a battle against stuck furniture legs. You’ll want an arsenal of prying, pulling, and twisting tools:
Spray some penetrating oil into the leg joints and let it soak in.
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Then try rocking the leg back and forth while pulling outward. You can attempt hammering upwards from underneath too.
Having an extra set of hands to push, pull and twist is really helpful.
If you somehow get those pesky legs separated, your work may still not be done. The existing hardware is likely too stripped or damaged to allow an easy reassembly later.
An awesome fix is to install reinforcing metal brackets to each leg once it’s off.
These triangular braces attach to the couch frame with wood screws, creating a sturdy new “socket” to screw the legs back into.
They only run $2-3 each at hardware stores.
To use the brackets:
The bracket may make the leg stick out further, so it’s wise to put them on all four legs. Or you can chisel out a recess for the bracket’s bump to sit flush.
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If brackets aren’t an option, you may need to get creative at the hardware store. Here’s something I recommend:
You may be able to find a whole replacement leg setup if you bring your current leg to the store.
Otherwise, wood plugging/epoxying, new T-nuts, and creative carpentry may be needed.
At some point, the hassle and struggle isn’t worth it anymore. If you’ve utterly destroyed the couch legs, frame and hardware in your attempts, it may sadly be time for a new sofa.
Furniture definitely isn’t built like it used to be these days!
FAQs
Yes, most sofa legs are removable. The only exceptions are sofas with built in legs. These particularly very modern or minimalist designs, may have legs that are an integral part of the frame itself, and the legs won’t have any visible screws or attachments.
Increase your grip and leverage. A wide rubber band placed over the screw head can provide extra friction for your screwdriver. Using the correct size screwdriver and a longer wrench or socket for more turning power can also help.
If those fail, a shot of WD-40 or similar lubricant on the threads might loosen things up.
Carefully applying heat with a hairdryer on low for a few seconds can break the grip too.
As a last resort, you can attempt to grip the remaining screw shaft with vise grips or drill a small hole for a flathead screwdriver, but these methods can damage the furniture.
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