Tray Table Leg Clamp

We purchased a tray table, but we didn't notice at the time that there was nothing to hold the legs in the open position. So if you pull it in the wrong way the legs will fold up and drop your meal squarely in your lap or on the floor. We lived with this for a couple of months, but today I decided to change this situation. Here is how I did it.

Step 1 Tools and Materials

I made the locking mechanism with a salvaged grippy clamp thing. These are little clamps that are used to hold brooms on walls, and I have no idea what they are actually called, but you can get them at most hardware stores. The only criteria I used in selecting the clamp was to make sure it gripped the crossbar of the tray leg assembly completely. I had intended to use E-6000 for added security in mounting the clamp, but decided against it.

Materials used:

• Grippy clamp thing
• Small Phillips head screw

Tools used:

• Hacksaw
• Ballpeen hammer
• Metal punch
• Drill bit sizer
• Drill and bits
• #1 Phillips head driver bit
• Files
• Pliers
• Marker
• Bench vise
• Work piece protectors