Use epoxy to rebuild and tighten loose dowel joints

Two-part epoxy adhesive fills gaps and bonds even poorly fitting joints, making it the best choice when dowels or tenons have shrunk, worn, or broken and no longer fit tightly in their holes. Unlike wood glue, epoxy is a gap-filling adhesive that does not require a tight fit to create a strong bond.

How It Works

Two-part epoxy (resin + hardener) cures through a chemical reaction rather than evaporation. It bonds to wood, fills voids, and creates an extremely rigid joint. Slow-set epoxy (30-60 minute working time) is preferred for furniture repair because it gives time to align parts.

Step-by-Step

1. Disassemble the loose joint if possible
2. Clean both surfaces of old glue and debris
3. Roughen smooth surfaces lightly with 80-grit sandpaper for better adhesion
4. Mix epoxy according to manufacturer's directions (typically 1:1 ratio)
5. Apply mixed epoxy to both the dowel/tenon and the inside of the hole
6. Reassemble the joint and clamp lightly; over-clamping can squeeze out too much epoxy from a joint that needs gap-filling
7. Wipe excess with a rag dampened with acetone or denatured alcohol before it cures
8. Allow full cure time (usually 24 hours for structural strength)

When to Choose Epoxy Over Wood Glue

• The dowel or tenon has shrunk and rattles in its hole
• You cannot get a tight mechanical fit
• The joint has been repaired multiple times and surfaces are rough or irregular
• Outdoor furniture exposed to moisture

Tips

• West System, JB Weld Wood, and Loctite Epoxy are reliable brands for wood furniture
• Slow-set (60-minute) epoxy is more forgiving than 5-minute epoxy for furniture work
• For a seriously loose dowel, drill out the old hole slightly larger, then re-drill and insert a new, larger dowel with epoxy
• Epoxy repairs are essentially permanent and very difficult to disassemble later

Common Mistakes

• Using 5-minute epoxy: it sets before you can properly align the joint
• Not mixing thoroughly: unmixed epoxy stays soft and never cures properly
• Over-clamping a gap-filling joint: light pressure is sufficient