Turn the table over, identify the bolt type, tighten every fitting evenly, and fix any stripped screw holes.
TL-01Set up a safe working spaceClear everything off the table top. Lay an old blanket or towel on the floor and turn the table upside down onto it so the top is protected. Make sure the table is stable and won't rock while you work underneath it.
TL-02Work out what kind of fitting you haveLook at how the leg attaches. Most bolt-on legs use one large bolt through a metal plate into a threaded insert set into the top of the leg, tightened with an Allen key or a spanner. Some also have a bracket held by 2-4 small wood screws driven straight into the underside of the table top. Check which tool fits the bolt head before you start.
TL-03Tighten the main boltTurn the bolt clockwise with the correct Allen key or spanner until it's snug against the plate. Don't force it hard past that point — overtightening can crack the threaded insert in the leg or split the wood. Wiggle the leg gently afterwards to check it's held firm.
TL-04Tighten any bracket screwsIf the leg also sits on a bracket held by small wood screws, tighten each one with a screwdriver. Go round all of them, not just the loose-feeling one, since an uneven bracket puts strain back on the main bolt.
TL-05Fix a stripped screw holeIf a screw spins without gripping, the hole in the wood has worn out. Take the screw out, squeeze wood glue into the hole, and push in a few wooden matchsticks or cocktail sticks snapped to length until the hole is packed. Let the glue go off for at least 30 minutes, then drive the screw back in through the packed wood.
TL-06Check every leg, not just the wobbly oneGo round all four legs and tighten every bolt and screw the same way, even if they felt fine. Fittings that are loosening on one leg are often starting to loosen on the others too.
TL-07Turn the table over and test itCarefully turn the table back onto its legs. Push down firmly on each corner in turn to check for any rocking or movement. Wipe down the top, put your tools away, and fold up the blanket.
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