Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/3/2009

Question
1st of all THANKS. How do I remove the little metal squigly shims(?)or wedge
that secures the tight fit of the spindles/dowels in the seat for the arm rest?
susan b.   :) thx    ps. first time refinishing an old rocking chair.

Answer

Hi Susan
Nice to hear from you.
OK..just so I am clear on what you are trying to do.
The chair is turned upside down. You see the spindle that has been drilled right through the chair seat. You see the end of the spindle has been cut in half and a metal wedge inserted into it..correct?
This is what you are trying to remove..correct?
Not an easy job. Usually this wedge is wooden and if I have to remove one it must be done from underneath as there is no other way.
A wooden one can be broken and removed piece by piece.
Sometimes they will pop out with a bit of sideways pressure using a small screwdriver. Sometime they can be removed with needle nose pliers.
You cannot break the metal of course so you will have to try the other methods.
These wedges are easier to remove if the chair has been indoors where its very dry.
Let me know if I'm totally off base and you meant something different LOL.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen
Hi again Susan
OK..just re read your question.
Now I see the type of metal "squigy shim" you want to remove LOL.
I just assumed when you said old oak rocker that it would be a flat piece.
These particular things are really hard to remove. We usually end up damaging the surrounding wood in the attempt.
But a bit of damaging is the only way.
They must come straight up out of the wood. There is no sideways give so you will have to chip away a but of the wood at the edge of the squigy to allow the needle nose plies to get on either side of it to pull it straight up.
Susan this is not easy. Get someone to help. Wear eye protection.
Regards
Eileen