View Full Version : How to remove pins on wood headboard and footboard
pattyg2
Oct 25, 2012, 08:56 AM
I need to remove pins and widen slots to accept bed lock brackets to widen beds. Called Paxton and they couldn't tell me how to do it. I assumed the brackets had hooks on one side and slot on the other side but the bracket is the same on both sides.
Here is a photo of the product.
joypulv
Oct 25, 2012, 10:55 AM
Pins? Pins sounds like another word for nails, rather than screws? Removing them (by prying them out with a screwdriver I guess) will weaken the wood, so you will have to drive new ones into new wood, especially on a bed frame.
How much are you trying to widen the bed, and how is this possible, what with the rest of the structure having to widen too? I don't get it.
Also, since the plate doesn't get wider, it sounds like you have to cut a new slot. But even that doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
pattyg2
Oct 25, 2012, 11:28 AM
Pins? Pins sounds like another word for nails, rather than screws? Removing them (by prying them out with a screwdriver I guess) will weaken the wood, so you will have to drive new ones into new wood, especially on a bed frame.
How much are you trying to widen the bed, and how is this possible, what with the rest of the structure having to widen too? I don't get it.
Also, since the plate doesn't get wider, it sounds like you have to cut a new slot. But even that doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
The pins are the metal lugs inside the slot that the bedrail hooks onto.
The bracket then goes into that slot after it is widened and the pins removed and you hook the rails into the outer slots on the bracket. The inside of the bracket can still be used if you want a full size bed again.
joypulv
Oct 25, 2012, 12:29 PM
Sorry, I'm usually good at this but I haven't a clue what is going on with that bed!
pattyg2
Oct 25, 2012, 12:59 PM
Can't find info anywhere so I just got out my grinder and got one side done and working on the other side of footboard. Will post pic when done.
bobklein
Dec 22, 2012, 10:25 PM
Sorry I did not see your question sooner. Getting the metal pins out isn't too difficult if you can work from the inside of the upright post in which they are encapsulated. They are usually 5/16 inch in diameter and about 1-1.5 inches long at most. Sometimes 1/4 inch in diameter.
Drilling and punching out from the opposite directin works without damaging the surrounding wood.
Hope you got it done OK. Many times a piece of wood is glued and screwed, a shaped piece, and fastened to the outside of the post to widen the rail spacing. That requires some more woodworking skills but is still doable with some clear instruction and directions.
Bob klein
Roberts antiques and restorations
Pensacola fl
pattyg2
Dec 22, 2012, 10:44 PM
Thanks! I got it done and the box spring fits perfect now. I have ALL the wood working tools and they came in handy but a novice wouldn't be able to install these brackets.