Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/27/2009

Question
I am trying to remove the legs of a 1965 Lane Cedar Chest #461001. They appear to unscrew but they won't budge.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Carol
Nice to hear from you.
Have you tried to remove the screws..is that what won't budge?
Or are the screws out and still the legs will not come off.
If the screws won't turn, and if they are flat heads, I insert my flat screwdriver in the screw slot and hit the end of the screwdriver a few times with a hammer. That usually gets them going.
Make sure you have a good sized screwdriver. Those little ladies ones will not work.
If the screw is out, the leg will be doweled and glued as well as screwed.
I find the glue has usually broken down but the leg will need to be pulled straight up or sometimes tapped or pried. If you pry the leg, make sure you do it from behind where it does not show as this will bruise the wood.
And I often break the dowel but that can be easily replaced.
So get some heavy duty tools out and have another go. The leg went on so it will come off.
And always wear eye protection. Don't even think about doing this without it.
Hope this helps
Eileen