Repair of Broken Couch Bed

[JimboFunFinder]

Our convertible couch bed opens by lifting the bottom of the front and lifting it up in order to extend the leg brackets and pull the seat section out to extend the bed. We had used it fewer than a dozen times before the front where you lift became wobbly and loose. The upholstery-covered front then became disconnected from the metal frame. Big problem! Upon investigation I discovered that it was constructed with only 4 #6 wood screws which were inserted from the upholstery side into a 1x1 wood piece. The 1 1/2 inch wood screws had pulled out of the wood and they were such a small diameter that they had bent.

Since there was no way to replace the screws I had to find an alternate method tp secure the front to the metal frame. I went to Ace and purchased 7 #12 1 1/2 inch sheet metal screws and 1 inch OD washers to put under the heads. With my wife holding the bed in a partially collapsed position I was able to drill clearance holes in the wood and a slightly smaller hole in the metal frame for each screw.

I added a total of 7 screws and the front now seems rigid. I really doubt that it will ever break again and I know that the #12 screws will never bend.