How to Repair Chess Sets

How to Repair Chess Sets

• 1

  Locate the breaking point and see what material the chess piece is made out of, as this will dictate which type of glue you should use. Apply a glue that is meant for the material (wood, plastic or metal) you're working with. Apply a small amount of glue to the main body of the chess piece and insert the broken portion into the gap. If the break is severe, move on to the "pin" process.

• 2

  Drill into the larger of the two pieces at a 90-degree angle until the hole is 5 mm deep. Straighten out the paper clip, apply glue to its tip and stick the clip into the hole. Cut off the excess amount of paper clip but leave about 5 to 10 mm sticking out from the hole. Apply a small glob of paint to the paper clip sticking out of the hole. Make the motion of applying the broken-off piece onto where it should join; when it makes contact with the pin, you will be left with a paint mark of where to drill.

• 3

  Drill at a 90-degree angle into the paint mark on the second piece. Fit the second piece onto the paper clip to see if it fits. If it does, apply glue onto the recently drilled piece and insert the pin into the drilled hole. It should be a snug, secure fit. If the hole was too shallow, drill deeper and then reapply. If it fits now, apply glue onto the recently drilled piece and insert the pin into the drilled hole in the broken off chess piece and allow it to dry.

Felt and Cork

• 4

  Remove any broken felt or cork from the bottom of the chess piece and rub adhesive remover on the glue on the base of the piece. Wipe the bottom of the piece down with a towel and water.

• 5

  Place the piece on the replacement felt or cork and trace around it with a pencil. Cut around the felt with the scissors on the border of the circle. Cut around the cork with a band saw, and use a sander to smooth the edges.

• 6

  Apply glue around the circumference of the felt or cork--if the chess piece is hollow--or around the entire piece of felt or cork if the chess piece is full bodied. Line up the felt or cork with the base of the chess piece, gently connect them and allow the glue to dry.