Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/12/2008

Question
Hi,

I have read your answers about the rails to the antique iron beds, and I am pretty sure that I have the same problem. I don't understand your answer though. I don't see how the wooden slats, which you talk about to hold the spring in place, would would either -- my "L" seems to be upside down when it slides into the hitch on the bed. Can you help? Or maybe I am just not understanding. Thanks! Kari.

Answer
Hi Kari
Nice to hear from you.
Yes you are understanding OK Kari.
Some of these rails are as you describe.
I have one of these old beds in my spare room and the wooden slats fit into these L rails.
I have also seen them as you describe.
But if you cannot keep the box spring on your bed either, and it sits on top of these rails (and you are happy with the look and the high height), then its possible to drill two holes in each rail (top end and bottom end) to enable you to screw through them into the wood on the box spring.
You need a heavy duty drill and the proper bit, but it can be done.
Any machine shop will do this in minutes for you.
Get back to me if this is still unclear.
Kind Regards
Eileen