Picnic Table wobbly..bolts loosen

[ipoo2u]

Hey All !

I built a picnic table!

Untitled

• ipoo2u
• 22 Aug 2012
• 1

This was my fiist DIY project from scratch! It is big and lush.. But... it wobbles. There are four carriage bolts on each side and after a couple of days, even with no use, they loosen and the table 'slips' when sat on. If i tighten up the bolts the structure is solid. However after a couple of days it loosens again.

The legs do not sit perfectly on the floor, so I added a shim, but this has made no difference to the table slip....

Any ideas?!?

 

[Burnerman]

I would doubt that the bolts are actually becoming loose, rather they are just pulling into the timber.
This should cease after a while, but consider using large penny washers under the bolt heads and nuts should the problem continue.
If however the nuts are working loose, replace them with nyloc nuts.
Nice job, that!
John

 

[TheVictorian]

Big washers and some threadlock would be the answer. Looks good though.

 

[ipoo2u]

Thanks a lot!

Will get some washers and let you know how I get on.

 

[foxhole]

Problem is you have single bolts should be in pairs to prevent scissor action when weight applied.As mentioned bolts should have large washers to prevent them sinking into timber.
Or you could undo bolts and place these between timbers which would prevent movement.
http://www.builderdepot.co.uk/speed-pro-50mm-single-sided-round-timber-connector.html