Re-Gluing a Mortise and Tenon Joint or Wooden Dowel

In this video you will learn how to reglue wooden pieces joined with a mortise and tenon joint or wooden dowel.

For your safety, you will need:

Protective gloves

To reglue a mortise and tenon joint or wooden dowel, you will need:

A kitchen knife with a narrow blade.

A hammer or mallet

And a clamp.

You will also need,

Wood glue

There are two steps to this process which we will explain to you.

Step 1: Cleaning the wood

Use the narrow blade of your knife to remove any glue residue or impurities from the previous gluing.

You can scrape or cut them off.

Take care not to damage the wood, but rather to remove the residue.

You've finished this step when the wood is bare.

If any slight impurities remain at this stage, they shouldn't prevent you from gluing.

The most important element is that the residue doesn't stop the dowel from going right into its hole, or the tenon from wedging fully in the mortise.

STEP 2: Applying the glue

Apply a dab of glue to the tip of the dowel or tenon.

Spread the glue around the piece with your finger so it's covered with have a fine layer of glue.

Wood glue will not damage your skin. Wash your hands to get rid of any glue.

Don't put glue in the hole for the dowel, nor in the mortise. This may create a blockage when assembling the pieces, leaving the wood partially exposed.

Step 3: Assembling the pieces

Slot the pieces together.

Tap them lightly with a hammer to tighten the joint.

You may want to hold a wooden block or a piece of fabric between the hammer and your furniture, to protect it.

You could also use a mallet instead of a hammer.

Alternatively, another technique is to use a clamp to assemble the pieces.

Tighten the clamp until the pieces are well connected.

If you tighten it too hard, you may stop air from passing, and threefore, the glue from drying.

Leeave your piece to dry, referring to the instructions or your glue pot.

Now you know how to reglue a wooden joint.