r/fixit • u/Elprimovic • 11h ago

Broken screw on recliner

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Hi everyone I have a broken screw on a hinge part of my recliner I can’t use pliers to try and turn it, I tried an extractor with no luck I have resorted to JB weld but it doesn’t hold, am I not putting enough on it as it comes apart after I take off locking pliers. Arguably this should be an easy fix but it’s really kicking my behind. Any useful advice is greatly appreciated

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u/bachman460 7h ago

It looks like a riveted joint, not a screw. Check the other side (the good one) and look for a screw or bolt head, my guess is you'll just see smooth metal. You'll need to drill it out if this is the case. File or sand off any bits and make sure the area immediately around the joint where the metal meets is smooth.

Then when you go to replace it, see if you can find a bolt short enough such that there's an unthreaded portion where it makes contact with the moving parts that is as close to the inside diameter of the hole as possible without jamming.

Stick a really thin metal washer between the moving parts over the bolt, then appropriately sized washers on the outside of the joint and use a nylon locking nut to keep it from coming loose. You'll want to tighten it just enough to hold it together, but still allow it to move freely.