9 Easy Ways to Fix a Lazy Susan * macrodroid.com

Lazy Susan

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How frustrating is it when your Lazy Susan is no longer spinning effortlessly? This common kitchen turntable can become a nuisance when it starts to stick or seize up. Fortunately, fixing a lazy Susan is a relatively simple task that requires minimal tools and can be completed in a few minutes. We will explore some common causes of a sluggish lazy Susan and provide step-by-step instructions on how to restore its smooth rotation.

First, it’s important to identify the cause of the problem. Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on the bearing or track, causing friction and resistance. Another potential culprit is a loose bearing that has come dislodged or damaged. If the bearing is damaged, it may need to be replaced. If the bearing is simply loose, you may be able to tighten it or reposition it.

To fix a lazy Susan, you will need a few basic tools such as a screwdriver, wrench, or hex key. Start by removing the lazy Susan from the cabinet or table. Next, turn it upside down and locate the bearing. The bearing is typically a small, round piece of metal or plastic located in the center of the base. Depending on the design of your lazy Susan, the bearing may be held in place by screws or clips. Carefully remove the bearing and inspect it for any signs of damage or dirt. If the bearing is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same size.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Loose Bearings

Loose bearings are a common cause of a lazy Susan not spinning smoothly. Over time, the bearings can loosen due to normal wear and tear or improper assembly. Here’s a detailed guide to fixing this issue:

Identify the loose bearing: To locate the loose bearing, rotate the lazy Susan slowly and listen for any rattling or grinding sounds. The loose bearing will be the one that produces the most noise.
Tighten the bearing: Use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the screw that secures the bearing to the lazy Susan. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the bearing or the lazy Susan.
Reassemble the lazy Susan: Once the bearing is tightened, reassemble the lazy Susan by inserting the bearings into the grooves and aligning the top and bottom plates.
Test the lazy Susan: Rotate the lazy Susan to ensure that it spins smoothly and without noise. If the lazy Susan still wobbles or makes noise, repeat steps 1-3 until the issue is resolved.
Inspect the bearings regularly: To prevent future issues, regularly inspect the bearings for looseness or damage. If a bearing becomes loose or damaged, it should be replaced to ensure smooth operation of the lazy Susan.

Inspecting the Base and Bearings

Examine the Base

Verify if the base is level and stable. Any unevenness or wobbling can hinder the smooth rotation of the Lazy Susan.
Check for any signs of damage or cracks in the base material. Such defects can compromise the structural integrity and stability of the unit.
Ensure that the base is securely fastened to the surface it’s mounted on. Loose connections can cause the Lazy Susan to shift or become unstable.

Inspect the Bearings

Visual Inspection: Examine the bearings for any visible wear or damage, such as rust, pitting, or cracks. These imperfections can impede the smooth movement of the unit.
Examine the Lubrication: Check if the bearings are properly lubricated. Insufficient lubrication can cause friction, leading to difficulty in rotating the Lazy Susan.
Test the Movement: Manually rotate the Lazy Susan to assess the smoothness of its movement. Any resistance or grinding noises may indicate a bearing issue.
Lubricate the Bearings: If needed, apply a light coating of lubricant to the bearings using a spray or cloth. Ensure to use a lubricant specifically designed for bearings.
Replace Bearings: If the bearings are severely damaged or worn, they may need to be replaced. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional assistance for proper replacement procedures.

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Lazy Susan rotates unevenly or wobbles	Uneven base or loose connections	Level the base or tighten the fasteners
Difficult to rotate or grinding noises	Damaged bearings or insufficient lubrication	Lubricate or replace bearings
Base is cracked or damaged	Excessive weight or mishandling	Replace the base or seek professional repair

Cleaning and Lubricating the Base

The base of your lazy Susan is responsible for providing a smooth and stable surface for the turntable to rotate on. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the base, causing the turntable to become sticky or uneven. To solve this problem, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Base

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the base of the lazy Susan, removing any visible dirt or debris. If the base is particularly dirty, you may need to use a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the base.

2. Lubricate the Base

Once the base is clean, apply a small amount of lubricant to the surface. This will help to reduce friction and ensure smooth rotation of the turntable. You can use a commercial lubricant designed for lazy Susans or a household lubricant such as petroleum jelly or WD-40.

3. Choosing the Right Lubricant

When choosing a lubricant for your lazy Susan, it is important to consider the type of base material. Here is a table to help you select the appropriate lubricant:

Base Material	Recommended Lubricant
Wood	Beeswax, silicone spray, or furniture wax
Metal	Graphite powder, lithium grease, or WD-40
Plastic	Petroleum jelly, silicone spray, or teflon spray

Replacing Worn-Out Bearings

Worn-out bearings are a common cause of a lazy Susan not spinning smoothly. To replace the bearings, you will need:

A new set of bearings (available online)
A screwdriver
A wrench

Steps:

Remove the base from the lazy Susan. Most lazy Susans have a few screws that hold the base in place. Once the screws are removed, the base will come off easily.
Flip the lazy Susan upside down and locate the bearings. The bearings are usually small, round, and metal. They are located on the underside of the lazy Susan, where the base attaches.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the bearings in place. Once the screws are removed, the bearings will come out easily.
Insert the new bearings into the holes where the old bearings were removed. Make sure that the new bearings are facing the correct way. The bearings should have a smooth surface on one side and a grooved surface on the other side. The smooth surface should face up, and the grooved surface should face down.
Screw the new bearings into place. Make sure that the screws are tight enough to hold the bearings in place, but not so tight that you strip the screws.
Reassemble the lazy Susan by attaching the base back on.

Adjusting the Tension

If your Lazy Susan is too loose or too tight, you can adjust the tension to make it work smoothly. To do this, you will need a screwdriver or an Allen key. Here are the steps:

Locate the adjustment screw or bolt. This is usually located on the bottom of the Lazy Susan base.
If the Lazy Susan is too loose, tighten the adjustment screw or bolt by turning it clockwise.
If the Lazy Susan is too tight, loosen the adjustment screw or bolt by turning it counterclockwise.
Turn the adjustment screw or bolt a small amount at a time and test the Lazy Susan to see if it is now working smoothly.
Tighten or loosen the adjustment screw or bolt until the Lazy Susan is working smoothly and has the desired tension.

Adjustment Screw or Bolt	Direction to Turn
Too loose	Clockwise
Too tight	Counterclockwise

Resetting the Lazy Susan

If your Lazy Susan is not spinning smoothly, you may need to reset it. To do this, follow these steps:

Locate the small black reset button on the underside of the Lazy Susan.
Using a toothpick or a small screwdriver, press and hold the reset button for a few seconds.
Release the reset button.
Spin the Lazy Susan clockwise several times to ensure it is reset.
Your Lazy Susan should now be working properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are still having problems with your Lazy Susan, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Problem	Solution
The Lazy Susan is spinning too slowly.	Clean the tracks on the bottom of the Lazy Susan and the base with a damp cloth.
The Lazy Susan is not spinning at all.	Check the batteries and replace them if necessary.
The Lazy Susan is spinning unevenly.	Adjust the level of the base to ensure that it is level.

Removing the Lazy Susan from the Cabinet

Most detach by pushing up from the bottom while holding the tray. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the edges to break any bonds that may have formed.

1. Empty the Lazy Susan

Remove all items from the lazy Susan to reduce the weight and provide easier access to screws or other fasteners.

2. Find the Screws or Fasteners

Locate any screws or fasteners securing the Lazy Susan to the cabinet. They may be visible on the underside of the tray or inside the cabinet where it connects to the base.

3. Remove the Screws or Fasteners

Using a screwdriver or adjustable wrench, carefully unscrew or remove the fasteners that are holding the Lazy Susan in place.

4. Support the Lazy Susan

Before detaching the Lazy Susan, place your hands or a padded object beneath it to prevent it from falling or getting damaged when it comes loose.

5. Lift the Lazy Susan

Gently lift the Lazy Susan up and out of the cabinet, taking care not to damage the tray or the cabinet.

6. Check for Additional Attachments

Inspect the Lazy Susan and the cabinet where it was installed for any additional attachments or connections that may need to be released or removed.

7. Detaching a Lazy Susan with a Center Post

If your Lazy Susan has a center post that supports the tray, follow these additional steps:


a) Remove the center screw: Locate the screw that holds the center post in place and remove it using a screwdriver.
b) Lift the center post: Pull the center post straight up and out of the Lazy Susan tray.
c) Separate the tray and base: Once the center post is removed, gently lift the tray up and off the base.

Reinstalling the Lazy Susan

If the bearing has been completely destroyed, you will need to reinstall the Lazy Susan. This is a more involved process, but it is still relatively easy to do yourself.

To reinstall the Lazy Susan, you will need the following tools:

Screwdriver
Hammer
Wrench
Allen wrench
New bearing
New Lazy Susan

Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps:

Remove the old Lazy Susan. This is usually done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Clean the surface where the Lazy Susan will be installed. This will help ensure that the new bearing will adhere properly.
Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the surface where the bearing will be installed.
Place the new bearing on the surface and press it firmly into place.
Wait for the adhesive to dry completely.
Install the new Lazy Susan. This is usually done by screwing it into place.
Test the Lazy Susan to make sure that it is working properly.
If the Lazy Susan is not working properly, you may need to adjust the bearing. This can be done by loosening the screws that hold the bearing in place and then adjusting the bearing until the Lazy Susan is working properly.

Tools Needed to Reinstall Lazy Susan
Screwdriver
Hammer
Wrench
Allen wrench
New bearing
New Lazy Susan

Testing the Lazy Susan’s Functionality

To determine the source of the problem, systematically test the Lazy Susan’s functionality:

Check the Bearings

Gently lift the Lazy Susan and check the bearings underneath. Ensure they are properly lubricated and free of any debris or obstructions.

Inspect the Track

Examine the track on which the Lazy Susan spins. Look for any dents, bumps, or uneven surfaces that may be hindering its movement.

Test the Base

Place the Lazy Susan on a flat surface and gently push it. If it spins freely, the problem may lie in the cabinet or mounting.

Check the Mounting

Ensure that the Lazy Susan is securely mounted to the cabinet. Loose or damaged screws can cause it to wobble or stick.

Examine the Cabinet

Inspect the cabinet for any obstructions or uneven surfaces that may be interfering with the Lazy Susan’s rotation.

Check the Load

Remove any items from the Lazy Susan and test it again. If it spins freely, the problem may have been caused by an excessive load.

Lubricate the Bearings

If the bearings appear dry or sticky, apply a small amount of lubricant to them. Use a lubricant specifically designed for lazy Susans to avoid damage.

Reset the Lazy Susan

Occasionally, the Lazy Susan’s mechanism may need to be reset. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific reset procedures.

Consider Professional Help

If all else fails, consider seeking professional assistance from a qualified cabinetmaker or repair technician.

Possible Causes	Solutions
Dried or obstructed bearings	Clean and lubricate bearings
Uneven or obstructed track	Adjust or replace track
Loose or damaged mounting	Tighten or replace mounting screws
Excessive load	Remove excess weight
Cabinet obstructions	Remove or adjust obstructions

Regular Cleaning

Wipe down the Lazy Susan’s surface and base with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. For tougher stains, use a mild cleaning solution and avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.

Lubrication

Lubricate the Lazy Susan’s rotating mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant. Apply a small amount to the bearings or glides and work it into the mechanism by rotating the Lazy Susan several times.

Tightening Screws and Bolts

Periodically check and tighten any screws or bolts that may have loosened over time. This will ensure the Lazy Susan remains stable and secure.

Adjusting Levelers

If the Lazy Susan is uneven or wobbly, adjust the levelers on the bottom to stabilize it. Simply rotate the levelers until the Lazy Susan is level on all sides.

Replacing Bearings or Glides

Over time, bearings or glides can wear out and need to be replaced. These parts are typically easy to replace and can be found at most hardware stores.

Checking for Wear and Tear

Regularly inspect the Lazy Susan for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Using Appropriate Weight

Avoid overloading the Lazy Susan with heavy items. This can strain the mechanism and cause premature wear.

Storing Safely

When not in use, store the Lazy Susan in a dry place to prevent rust or moisture damage.

Regular Rotation

To prevent any one section from bearing too much weight, regularly rotate the items on the Lazy Susan to distribute the load evenly.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Solution
Lazy Susan is wobbly or uneven	Adjust the levelers on the bottom of the Lazy Susan
Lazy Susan rotates stiffly	Lubricate the rotating mechanism
Lazy Susan is noisy	Check for loose screws or bolts and tighten if necessary

How To Fix A Lazy Susan

A lazy Susan is a rotating platform that is used to store and organize items in a kitchen or pantry. It can be a great way to make the most of space and keep items within easy reach. However, over time, a lazy Susan can become sticky or difficult to turn. If this happens, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix it.

First, check to see if the lazy Susan is clean. If there is any food or debris on the surface, it can cause the platform to stick. Clean the lazy Susan with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry it thoroughly.

If the lazy Susan is still sticky, you can try lubricating it. Apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant to the bearing or track of the lazy Susan. This will help to reduce friction and make the platform easier to turn.

If the lazy Susan is still not working properly, you may need to tighten the screws. Over time, the screws that hold the lazy Susan together can become loose, which can cause the platform to wobble or become difficult to turn. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver until the lazy Susan is secure.

If you have tried all of these steps and the lazy Susan is still not working properly, you may need to replace it. Lazy Susans are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, so this is usually the best option if the platform is beyond repair.