Repair Entertainment Center

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-258 -- More Projects »
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Home repair expert Henry Harrison shares tips for reinforcing an entertainment center that was damaged during a move. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.

Tools:

power drill with various bits
woodworker’s clamp
web clamp
gloves
adjustable wrench
metal and wood files
combination square
pencil
screwdriver
marker
nippers
pliers
construction adhesive
wood buttons
screws

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Figure E
Steps:

1. Nip away any old staples that may be sticking out of the edges of the shelves and file them down flush (figure A).

2. Place clamps on the sides of the cabinet and position the top shelf in desired position. Make sure it's level. Once you've got it in place, wrap a strap or web clamp around the cabinet and tighten it so the sides are flush and tight against your shelf (figure B).

3. Remove the clamps and drive screws through the sides of the cabinet into the support boards on the underside of the shelf. Use a carpenter's square to transfer the measurement around the front of the cabinet to the sides where you'll be driving the screws in (figure C).

4. Pre-drill holes for screws. Drill a shallow hole first to hide the head of the screws, just in the side of the cabinet, then switch to a smaller bit and drill through the side and into the support (figure D).

5. Use wooden buttons to hide the screw heads (figure E). Apply a dab of adhesive on the button and press into place.

6. Continue the process for remaining shelves.