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Prepare today, feast tomorrow!

Simple home improvement projects to do before Thanksgiving

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Want to spruce up your home for Thanksgiving? We have a list of quick and simple home improvement projects you should consider.

Prepping your home for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is approaching fast. For many, this is a time for gathering with friends and family. In addition to preparing your favorite Thanksgiving meals, ensure your home is ready for guests.

Fortunately, you can turn to a few simple, quick, and affordable fixes to make your home more attractive, efficient, and comfortable. Here is a list of home improvement projects to do before Thanksgiving. 

A wobbly or broken chair.

Fix wobbly chairs

Do you own a great chair that won't stop wobbling? Do you constantly have to warn guests not to sit on it?

There are a few reasons your chair might be wobbly: poor construction, regular wear and tear, or ineffective repairs.

It can be frustrating to deal with a wobbly chair. Before you fork out your hard-earned cash for a replacement, try fixing your rickety chair with the steps below.

1. Gather the necessary supplies: For this project, you will need the following materials:

  • A marker or pencil
  • A clamp or strap with a ratchet clamp
  • A strong adhesive — Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
  • Rubber mallet or hammer
  • Scrapper or sanding paper
  • Small nails or screws (optional)
  • Electric screw driver (optional)


2. Label each part of the chair: To properly repair a wobbly chair, you must take it apart. Before dismantling it, label each part for easier reassembly. 

3. Dismantle the chair: Use an electric screwdriver to unfasten any screws holding the chair together around corner blocks and joints. Take your rubber mallet or hammer to take the joints apart. You might need extra force if the joints are held together with glue. However, be careful to avoid further damage.  

4. Prepare old joints: For lasting results, Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control must be applied to bare wood. Carefully remove any old glue from the joints using a scraping tool or sandpaper.

5. Apply adhesive: Apply a generous amount of glue to the pins and mortise holes. Reassemble the chair as you glue each part.

If you believe your chair needs more support than the glue can provide, consider using nails or screws. Just drill the screws or hammer in nails at the joints. For the best outcome, do this before the glue dries. However, you should be very careful when adding metal fasteners, which can lead to cracks and splits, making future repairs difficult.

6. Clamp the chair together: Use a rope, strap, or clamps to securely and tightly hold the chair together as the glue dries.

7. Leave the glue to dry: Do not use the chair for at least 24 hours to allow the glue to dry completely. Afterward, enjoy your wobble-free chair.  

Broken table décor pieces or ornaments.

Repair decorations

It's time to break out your eye-catching decorations as the holidays approach. If you discover that some pieces are broken, don’t worry, with the right supplies, you can fix them quickly, extending the life of your sentimental keepsakes.

Repair broken table décor and ornaments with the following steps:

1. Gather supplies: For many DIY home improvement projects involving broken decorations, you will need:


2. Assess damage: Inspect the broken decorations and identify what needs to be fixed. Assemble individual components and ensure you have all the pieces in hand. 

3. Prepare surfaces: Remove any old adhesive, dust, or oils using sandpaper or paper towels. If you are working with ceramic, glass, or other non-porous materials, use sandpaper or a file to scuff them for better adhesion.

4. Apply super glue: Apply Loctite Super Glue Gel Tubes to the surfaces you want to stick together. Quickly assemble the components and hold them together for several seconds until the glue takes. Only use the necessary amount of glue to avoid creating visible burs when the glue cures.

5. Allow to dry: Once the glue dries, assess the repairs. Use a fine file to clear away any excess adhesive. 

A small gap in a wall.

Seal small cracks

In addition to being an eyesore, small cracks and gaps in your home’s concrete foundation wall can lead to deeper problems, including pest issues, energy loss, structural weakness, and water damage.

You can use a high-density foam to fix these cracks quickly and effectively.

Seal small cracks and gaps with the following steps.

1. Get the necessary tools and materials: For this DIY project for home improvement, you will need:


2. Prepare the surface to be sealed: Vacuum the area to remove any loose debris, dust, or dirt that could prevent the foam from sticking. Use a putty knife to remove any old sealant and create room for the new foam. 

3. Apply foam: Apply a continuous bead of Loctite TITE FOAM Gaps & Cracks along the crack. Ensure each crack is completely filled before moving on to the next one. Clean up excess uncured foam residue with acetone.

4. Allow the foam to dry: Once the foam is dry, assess the condition of the seals to ascertain whether the desired outcome has been achieved. Use a putty knife to cut away excess foam and create a clean finish.

Products used

  • Loctite Super Glue Gel Tubes

    Projects and repairs requiring precision alignment of pieces. Formula gives more time to align.

  • loctite super glue ultra gel control 4g tube
    Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control

    Super-tough, durable bonds that resist weather, impact, shock and vibration.

  • loctite tite foam gaps cracks 12oz can
    Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks

    Seal and insulate gaps & cracks up to 1” inside or out

Expert Tip

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