Help!
Does anyone know how to take apart a desk like this?
It was left behind by the woman we bought the house from, and the only way to get it out of my studio and into my mom’s office (which is to be its new home) is to take it apart. The top is attached by a plate and screws. We can get those off no problem. Thing is, the back is joined by what looks to be a locking mechanism. We think there might be a special tool that goes into this hole, which then turns and slides a metal slat inside the piece into place. That’s what it looks like to us, anyway, but we can’t make it turn. I called Staples and talked to someone in the furniture department who was remarkably unhelpful. Any ideas? Anyone out there responsible for taking apart corporate furniture? The last time I saw a desk like this was when I had a day job.
Of course the woman who left it behind didn’t have the tool. If she’d had it, I’m sure she wouldn’t have left the desk.
So…yes…help please!
Chainsaw?
What? You already thought of that? Oh, okay.
I can’t quite make out the shape of the nut in the picture. If it’s hexagonal, you just need a set of allen wrenches. If it’s a asterix-like star shape, that’s a special tool you can buy at most hardware stores.
Can you elaborate on the shape of the hole?
Posted by: David
I was going to make the chainsaw wisecrack, but perhaps a sledgehammer would be more satisfying. You have a fireplace, yes?
Posted by: Em
Yup, allen wrenches…
Posted by: max
Please no chainsaw or sledgehammer!!!
I know that you are all creative problem solvers… because of your interaction with this blog. I’m Cari’s Mom and I’m hoping to live with this desk. There must be a desk-friendly approach to this challange…hopefully???
Posted by: Mom
Hire a handyman.
Seriously, though, you’re in the City? I might be able to help… I’m a whiz with Ikea furniture…
Posted by: Jon
Try checking with a high-end office furniture dealer, or if you can identify the brand of desk, you could try the mfr via internet. Look at the bottom of the drawers (sometimes mfr name is “branded” into the drawer bottom), or even the bottom of the desk frame. Good luck!
Posted by: Diane
Chainsaw?
What? You already thought of that? Oh, okay.
I can’t quite make out the shape of the nut in the picture. If it’s hexagonal, you just need a set of allen wrenches. If it’s a asterix-like star shape, that’s a special tool you can buy at most hardware stores.
Can you elaborate on the shape of the hole?
Posted by: David
I was going to make the chainsaw wisecrack, but perhaps a sledgehammer would be more satisfying. You have a fireplace, yes?
Posted by: Em
Yup, allen wrenches…
Posted by: max
Please no chainsaw or sledgehammer!!!
I know that you are all creative problem solvers… because of your interaction with this blog. I’m Cari’s Mom and I’m hoping to live with this desk. There must be a desk-friendly approach to this challange…hopefully???
Posted by: Mom
Hire a handyman.
Seriously, though, you’re in the City? I might be able to help… I’m a whiz with Ikea furniture…
Posted by: Jon
Try checking with a high-end office furniture dealer, or if you can identify the brand of desk, you could try the mfr via internet. Look at the bottom of the drawers (sometimes mfr name is “branded” into the drawer bottom), or even the bottom of the desk frame. Good luck!
Posted by: Diane