How To Fix A Broken Metal Chair Leg

Mastero [OP]: Jr. Member; Apr 6, 2015; 196 posts; 138 upvotes; SW Ontario

Jan 2nd, 2021 6:21 pm

How to fix these chair legs ? Pic

Looks like welding is broken , don't have welder .
Can these be fixed with blow torch etc ?

Jan 2nd, 2021 6:41 pm

MrFrugal1: Deal Addict; Jan 2, 2012; 3902 posts; 2942 upvotes; KINGSTON,ON

Jan 2nd, 2021 6:41 pm

Mastero wrote: ↑ Can these be fixed with blow torch etc ?

Negative. The only way to fix them would be to weld, or add "L" brackets and metal screws.
The latter I would view as a temporary fix (but I've also seen temporary fixes last longer than the person who did it, so there's that).

Jan 2nd, 2021 6:59 pm

tebore: Deal Guru; Feb 9, 2006; 12447 posts; 7039 upvotes; Brampton

Jan 2nd, 2021 6:59 pm

Jan 3rd, 2021 2:33 am

exrcoupe: Deal Addict; Apr 26, 2003; 1831 posts; 907 upvotes; GTA

Jan 3rd, 2021 2:33 am

JB Weld won't have the shear strength to hold something like a chair that moves and flexes. Best to see if you can get that welded.

Jan 3rd, 2021 8:16 am

arisk: Deal Addict; Nov 12, 2006; 2256 posts; 1271 upvotes; London

Jan 3rd, 2021 8:16 am

Here is what I would do, if forced to go with a no weld solution.
Note that welding is going to ruin your finish.

Plan A.
Initially, I'm thinking this, and then realized access to the open tub ends is required.
That may be possible, but see Plan B.
Put square solid plugs into both horizontal square tubes.
Something like 2" long.
Aluminum would probably suffix.

Put bolts through the tube and plug.

Tap the plug so that a long bolt can go through the uprights and into the plug threads.
You'll have to offset them, as the bolts will cross.

Plan B.
This doesn't require access to the open ends.
Drill a hole through the square tube (narrow direction) and through both sides.
Make it match the diameter of some metal rod, cut to a length matching the tube width.
Secure it with self tapping screws (or tap) and a wide washer on each side.
This is your plug.
Do the rest the same as plan A.

This is sort of a "no choice", I'm on a deserted island solution with everything but a welder.
It may be easier to buy a new chair.

Jan 3rd, 2021 8:22 am

arisk: Deal Addict; Nov 12, 2006; 2256 posts; 1271 upvotes; London

Jan 3rd, 2021 8:22 am

Another thought, and easier.

Lift the seat.
Put a corner brace on the top of each leg.
This type. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2- ... /202034147
3 of them are only so it isn't lopsided.
That chair will end up a tiny bit higher.
Combine that with L-brackets (somebody mentioned these already)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1- ... /202950155
on just the broken one.

Jan 3rd, 2021 8:28 am

CaptSmethwick: Deal Fanatic; Oct 12, 2007; 6069 posts; 3613 upvotes; Ottawa

Jan 3rd, 2021 8:28 am

I've had some luck in the past inserting metal rods inside metal tubes as a reinforcement. Sometimes, I've secured the rods with an epoxy and other times, I've drilled through the tube and rod and secured it with screws - it all depends on how much strength is required. A corner is challenging though.

Jan 3rd, 2021 9:29 am

Supahhh: Deal Addict; Aug 12, 2007; 4685 posts; 811 upvotes; Waterloo

Jan 3rd, 2021 9:29 am

Mastero wrote: ↑ Looks like welding is broken , don't have welder .
Can these be fixed with blow torch etc ?

if you get a strip of sheet metal and epoxy it to the rib and around the leg and do it for both sides of the leg, it should hold. You might want to strip the paint off where you epoxy , rather than epoxy on top of paint.
The sheet should look like a J with the curve going around the leg ( dont bend it into the corner of the leg ). Since its underneath the seat. I wouldnt show.

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Jan 3rd, 2021 12:01 pm

Menthol: Deal Addict; Mar 14, 2004; 3271 posts; 620 upvotes; North Etobicoke

Jan 3rd, 2021 12:01 pm

Screw out the cushions and take to a welding shop. Don't worry about finish, it's under the chair.
Anything this else is risky.

Jan 3rd, 2021 12:17 pm

baymoe: Deal Addict; May 24, 2004; 2202 posts; 384 upvotes

Jan 3rd, 2021 12:17 pm

You can try brazing. Do keep in mind that it'll likely torch the surrounding paint.

Jan 3rd, 2021 12:38 pm

smacd: Deal Fanatic; Oct 6, 2007; 9067 posts; 6211 upvotes; Kootenays

Jan 3rd, 2021 12:38 pm

Menthol wrote: ↑ Screw out the cushions and take to a welding shop. Don't worry about finish, it's under the chair.
Anything this else is risky.

This. It'll take them 5 minutes and cost $10-$50, depending on how busy/generous they feel. If they do it for free, bring them back a dozen beers. I've had chairs welded many times.

Jan 3rd, 2021 3:38 pm

Mastero [OP]: Jr. Member; Apr 6, 2015; 196 posts; 138 upvotes; SW Ontario

Jan 3rd, 2021 3:38 pm

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Is there home version of welding machines too for these kind of petty jobs . Are these expensive?

Jan 3rd, 2021 4:41 pm

Menthol: Deal Addict; Mar 14, 2004; 3271 posts; 620 upvotes; North Etobicoke

Jan 3rd, 2021 4:41 pm

Mastero wrote: ↑ Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Is there home version of welding machines too for these kind of petty jobs . Are these expensive?

Probably worth a new set of chairs...lol

Jan 3rd, 2021 4:58 pm

tranquility922: Deal Expert; Sep 21, 2010; 15185 posts; 4598 upvotes; Montréal

Jan 3rd, 2021 4:58 pm

Wow, how did a metal chair break like that? Reminds me of this scene @1:44 haha:

Hard work, inheritance, interest on interest accumulating, and stock and real estate speculation. It's all good.

Jan 3rd, 2021 6:26 pm

Mastero [OP]: Jr. Member; Apr 6, 2015; 196 posts; 138 upvotes; SW Ontario

Jan 3rd, 2021 6:26 pm

Looking at this https://www.amazon.ca/Welding-Machine-P ... 28&sr=8-13
Have some small DIY projects to work on apart from this chairrepair .

Jan 4th, 2021 1:38 am

tmkf_patryk: Deal Addict; Dec 27, 2007; 3757 posts; 1274 upvotes; Edmonton

Jan 4th, 2021 1:38 am

Get a good brand name welder to last you a decade or a lifetime. I see many problems with this one (low output- only 140A, can't change from DC+, DC-, AC) .
If your going stick get one which has a TIG opportunity as you might as well.
Also for a beginner, mig might be easier to use, but if you decide to go for stick, use 6010 rod for deep penetration and then 7018 filler/cap and then your weld will be stronger than the rest of the chair

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