In smaller homes an extending table saves space: compact on weekdays, big enough for the whole family on holidays. Over time, though, the top starts to slide stiffly, jerkily or jams altogether.
The cause depends on the design. Wooden runners absorb moisture and swell, especially during the heating season and in spring when indoor humidity changes a lot. Metal and plastic slides collect dust and lose their lubrication. Here is what to do in each case.
What you will need
- WD-40 Multi-Use for metal mechanisms
- WD-40 Specialist Silicone for slides and plastic parts
- A bar of dry plain soap or talc
- Sandpaper, P120-160 and P200-240
- A small block plane (for badly swollen wood)
- A screwdriver, dry cloths
Important: Before you start, remove the tablecloth and everything on the table, and take out the extra leaves. Keep silicone and multi-use spray off the visible table top, especially polished or oiled finishes, as they can leave marks.
Step 1
Find the friction point
Slowly extend the table and watch where the resistance occurs. Wooden runners are usually long battens under the top that slide in grooves in the supporting rails. Rubbing points show up as worn, shiny strips.
Check that the top moves in a straight line. If it pulls to one side, first tighten the screws fixing the runners to the top and the frame: misalignment is often the real cause of sticking.
Step 2
Wooden runners: dry lubrication
If the top runs straight and sticks only slightly, rub all contact surfaces with a bar of dry plain soap. It leaves a thin, slippery but dry layer that helps the wood glide much more easily. Alternatively, dust the grooves with talc.
Avoid soaking wood with liquid lubricants: moisture and oil can soak into the fibres and raise them even more.
Step 3
Wooden runners: sanding
If soap and talc do not help, sand the rubbing areas first with coarse P120-160 paper, then with fine P200-240, removing wood a little at a time. After sanding, apply soap or talc again.
If a runner has clearly swollen or warped, carefully take a few passes with a small block plane only where it makes contact. Test the movement after each pass so you do not leave too much play.
Step 4
Metal and plastic slides
Modern tables usually have metal slides with rollers, or plastic runners. Tighten the fixing screws, then spray the metal slides along their full length with WD-40 Multi-Use: it cleans away dust and old grime and restores smooth movement. Open and close the table several times and wipe off the excess.
For plastic runners and long-lasting clean sliding, apply WD-40 Specialist Silicone. It does not attract dust and is safe on most plastics and rubber.
Step 5
The extra leaf mechanism
If the leaves fold away under the top on hinges, check the hinges, pivots and pins for damage. Then lubricate them with silicone or multi-use spray, unfold and fold the leaf a few times and wipe off any residue.
For loose leaves, check the dowels and catches: a light touch of lubricant is enough for stiff metal catches.
Tip: Keep room humidity at around 40-60 percent and do not place the extending table right next to a radiator. The wood will swell and shrink less, and the runners will stay straight for longer.
What next
Extend the table at least every few months, even without guests, and lubricate metal slides once a year. You can restore smooth movement to sofa beds and lift-up bed mechanisms the same way with WD-40 Multi-Use.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».