Getting rid of that squeaking sound you hear while sitting in your favorite rocking chair should not be that difficult. There are easy steps to follow to fix that irritating sound so your chair can be quiet again the next time you use it.
This article will show you all the steps to find out where the sound comes from and how to fix the problem. The first step, finding where the sound comes from, is the obvious thing to do, but let’s not jump ahead but start at the beginning.
If you’re interested in how to fix a squeaky wooden rocking chair, read on and find out.
Steps To Fix a Squeaking Wooden Rocking Chair
There are a few quick and easy ways to get rid of that sound right there at home without it costing you too much. So, let’s jump in and get that rocking chair fixed so you can have peace and quiet again.
First Step: Find Out Where the Sound Comes From
While standing next to it, move the chair from side to side while nobody sits in it to pinpoint where the sound comes from. The most common reason for a squeaky sound is a loose joint or the dowels are coming loose.
If there is some play in the chair, you will know that the chair joints are coming loose and need fixing. You can determine which joints loosen by feeling which part of the chair the play is on.
You can also pinpoint the location by letting someone sit in the chair while rocking it from side to side or backward and forwards. If you find play, you can turn the chair upside down and rock it, feeling where the play is to determine which joints are loose.
In most cases, the cause of a squeaky sound comes from the rocker rods, where they fit into the rocker on each side. The problem can also occur at the pegs that fit into the holes, which may come loose after some time.
Step 2: Fixing Loose Joints
If you found play while rocking the chair and can pinpoint which of the joints are coming loose, you need to fix that. Depending on the method the joints are fastened, you may need either a screwdriver for screws or a wrench for nuts.
The most common methods used are screws and, less often nuts, to tighten the joints of a wooden rocking chair properly. So, armed with your screwdriver, you can simply tighten any screws at the joints that are coming loose on your rocking chair.
If the joints on your chair are fastened with bolts and nuts, you need to find the right size wrench for it. It can be anything from a ¼ inch to ⅜ of an inch size wrench you may need for the nuts holding the joints together.
To be on the safe side, you can also apply some wood glue to the joints before tightening the screws or nuts. Wood glue should always be used when you need to tighten the rocker for better sealing and bonding of the rods.
If you find no nuts or screws on the rocking chair, it might be a very old piece and is secured in place with dowels.
Step 3: Applying Lubricants To Joints
This step should always be considered and it is a good idea to do regular maintenance by adding lubricant to the joints. After tightening the screws or nuts of the joints, you need to add some lubricant to the joints, especially at the intersection of the spindle.
You can add a quick cooking oil spray to the joints and test whether the squeaking is improving. Do this test before applying the lubricant to the joints of the wooden rocking chair to ensure you are on the right track.
Any metal parts should be oiled regularly to prevent rust from forming, which may cause tighter movement and squeaking. Keep on testing for the squeaking sounds after every joint has been lubricated to see if the squeaking sound has ceased.
Keep on applying and testing until no squeaking sounds are coming from the joints of your rocking chair. It’s also a good idea to try different types of lubricant if the squeaking does not stop after you have applied lubricant.
Step 4: Check For Any Damage On the Wood
Splits in the wood of your rocking chair may also cause squeaking sounds, so if you find no loose joints, check for that. If you find any wood damage, you can apply wood glue to the splits and clamp them together with a wood clamp.
Keep the clamp on for at least two days to ensure the wood has dried properly before removing them. Test again for the squeaking sound after removing the clamps; if it stops, you have solved the problem and your chair will be quiet.
If you still have some squeaking sounds coming from your chair, you should start looking for loose wooden joints.
Step 5: Fixing Wood Joints
Fixing wood joints on your wooden rocking chair might require a bit of skill and some experience to get it done. If you do not feel up to the task, it is better to ask someone with experience to help or take it to a professional.
Wooden joints can mean various types of joints and even dowels. Fixing dowels is not that difficult. To find the loose dowels, the test is the same as looking for loose joints that are secured with screws and nuts.
When you find a joint secured with dowels, you need to pry it loose without breaking it; if you break the dowel, you need to replace it, which may take some extra effort, but you can do it.
When the joints are apart, clean the old glue off them with 120-grit sandpaper and apply new wood glue. Put the joints back together and clamp them with wood clamps for two days. See this website for more information on the different wood joints.
Conclusion
It is quite easy to get rid of that squeaky sound emanating from your wooden rocking chair. Hopefully, this article will help you feel peace and quiet again with your favorite chair.
Always ask for expert advice on the best methods and products to use when fixing your wooden rocking chair.