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Tips for Tools & a Successful Bed Repair

Megan Gilbaugh
Dec 13, 2016
3 min read

On this home repair, I had the challenge of fixing the bed frame of a sleigh bed that I originally received from a friend. Her younger brother liked to jump on the bed and eventually weakened the mattress supports. It wasn't much of a problem until it broke further and caused the bed frame to shake and creak.

For a reference on the lingo of a bed frame, I have provided an image above to follow along.

The box spring and mattress have been removed, and as a temporary fix I used boxes to support the mattress.

What I needed to fix:

1) repair broken Slat Support Rail Slats

2) loose slats

3) replace missing Hex Nuts, Flat Washers, and Screws

SUPPLIES (according to my repair needs and in order of picture below):

Some supplies already came with the bed.

1) 1/4" Slotted Pan Head Machine Screw (provided)

2) #8 x 1" Pan Head Wood Screw (provided)

3) #8 Phillips Bugle Head Deck Screw (2 needed)

4) 1/4" Hex Nut (1 needed)

5) 1/4" Flat Washers (3 needed)

6) Impact Driver (proper name)

7) 13mm wrench

-this was the size that was available for me, but typically for 1/4" nuts a 3/8" wrench would be used.

TIPS:

Now, if you're like me and haven't had much practice with tools before, that's okay!

All you need to do is to be aware, use common sense, & practice. That's it!

The more you practice with the tools, the more comfortable and handy you will get at using them. Be patient and be prepared for a little trial and error.

Sounds simple enough, right? With that in mind, begin your maintenance.

BEGIN:

I took off all the loose slats using the impact driver (Supplies REF #6). When you pick up the driver, notice that it has a forward and reverse function/button (mine was in red). I practiced with it to see which way I needed it go.

First step:

Repairing the broken slat support in order to place the slats on top. I had to remove some of the screws and then reposition the broken slat supports in a new spot for a stronger hold. To hold the broken wood in place, I needed something to support it while I was drilling. I used my go-to fix (a box), to slip underneath the long bed rail. This helped while drilling in the wood screw (Supplies REF #2).

Second Step:

Next, I screwed in the frame slats above the slat support rail, (making the slats an even 18" apart) with the bugle head deck screws (Supplies REF #3). On my project I chose 18" offsets due to: the gaps (of the broken slat support), old screw holes, and new screw positions in the slat support rail below.

Third Step:

After that, I grabbed: the wrench, hex heads, and washers. I knew the 1/4" flat washers (Supplies REF #5) went first, then the 1/4" hex nuts (Supplies REF #4). I used the 13mm wrench (Supplies REF #7) to place them on the 1/4" machine screw (Supplies REF #1).

FINALLY, all was complete and sturdy! Once the box springs and mattress were back in place, I felt confidant to start a new project. Hopefully you will too after

Things to watch out for:

-Do not over screw because you will ruin the screw head (AKA stripping the head)!

-When drilling new holes, check the back of the wood for the screw coming through and wipe away the stray pieces in the back. I had to bring the screw in and out a couple times for a clear hole.

-Don't screw into the same holes. Keep in mind too many holes aren't good either.

-Do not hit other screws!

-DON'T GIVE UP!