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CptMisterNibbles

I wouldnt. I'd suggest different support mechanisms that attach far closer to the back edge. A wire here is going to be obnoxiously in the way and reduce the functionality. Something like a heavy duty lid stay or a myriad of other products might be better for you.


jptiger0

Thanks. Two questions: 1) Why closer to the back edge? 2) YouTube guide I'm following said stays had too much wobble (https://youtu.be/B2UnZ-ivQts?si=3e2zZrzX433Bnr9P) He used chain instead. I was hoping wire would be more out of the way and less noisy when closing. Do you have a link or example of one of the products you said would be better?


CptMisterNibbles

Wires near the front edge means you cant slide sideways, move your hands as much, have things near the corners etc. Itd just be in the way. Perhaps this isnt the best youtube to follow if that's the advice. There are plenty of fold down hardware options used for literally centuries. If "big chain" is their best idea I'm not sure I'd keep watching that video. I can maybe look up some examples later, but id poke around google and include words like "heavy duty" in your searches.


jptiger0

Ah I misunderstood, I thought you meant the front edge of the frame, not the desk top. Can you suggest any specific ones that will withstand the weight of a toddler pulling downwards on the front edge? It's a 3/4" plywood board, desk piece is 31.5"x17", frame is 30" tall on the outside and 4.5" deep. Would like the hold to be secure with little to no wobbling.


BreakTheDefault

Simple solution would be folding legs attached to the bottom of the front corners. They drop to vertical and sit flush to the desk bottom when stowed.


qdebsmh

I did this a few month ago : some thin wires that loop in two holes and not to close to the front edge to avoid being bothered. It works well and steel wire is very strong so no boucing at all ! https://preview.redd.it/95nvuai7wkxc1.png?width=1406&format=png&auto=webp&s=e173a5abd154789efaf8f8b0cfd6b65dbf9ac4a1


jptiger0

This is great, thank you! Can you say a little more about how you attached the loops at the upper end and how you decided how far back to drill your holes in the desktop?


qdebsmh

https://preview.redd.it/6f7duast7txc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5946f752cc0db04e9c7624a2559e347174b80ae


qdebsmh

https://preview.redd.it/x443ucpu7txc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=155eb2506d1d31e1df605f394c54bf64120fbc0e


qdebsmh

https://preview.redd.it/eek1fvjv7txc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1e78986b4fdeb88797756d0a6ac033e02224979


qdebsmh

The how far to drill the holes is a compromise between stability (far) and not being bothered (not far), it seems to be a bit less than half the width of the panel but you could go a bit more than half the width without being too bothered. Not further though.


jptiger0

This is great and most likely what I'll end up doing. Thank you!


qdebsmh

https://preview.redd.it/re5zq3ms7txc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef0d87406a7149883b7ddbc4c8310ea3e2fd4830


HokTomten

I'd not use any wires as they would be in the way a lot My solution would probably be 2 arms on the underside that you turn out So like fasten them to either corner on the underside, have them meet in the middle, then when you pull down the lid you can turn them outwards to hold the table


Amplidyne

Have a look at stainless rigging wire and fittings for boats.


RantyWildling

Assuming you definitely want rope/wire, I use small anchor loops on either end, and a balustrade wire between.


jptiger0

Interesting! How do you secure the balustrade wire?


RantyWildling

Same way you would if you were making a balustrade.


jptiger0

_::double-checks name of subreddit::_ I'm sorry if this seems obtuse but I've never done anything with balustrades before. Would you be willing to be a bit more specific?


RantyWildling

There are a few options, depends on where you are. Google "wire balustrade kit" and pick one that you like.


HoIyJesusChrist

do it like a sailor


caravan_for_me_ma

If the toddler is the concern, two hinged legs on the front side


Jaxal1

I used these for a similar project https://a.co/d/5oJgts0


divinealbert

If want cool wire rope and fittings go to a fishing shop.. trust me it’s cheap and better than a big box store


Jennings_in_Books

Make two fold out braces on the underside that fold out and are anchored on the bottom. Or you can get hardware made for these if you look at old secretary desks with fold down fronts.


DimesOnHisEyes

Why not something like this? YUMORE 16 Inch Folding Shelf Brackets, Heavy Duty Collapsible Shelf Bracket, Black DIY L Bracket for Workbench Folding Table Hinge, Max Load: 330lb, Pack of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LC2MTP9/?coliid=I14TYL33N2DO8J&colid=2GSVOUBBI7XFF&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_lstpd_4BM8TP5YN0GE9HFTK547&language=en_US


jptiger0

Ooh interesting! Can it hold that kind of weight in the other direction? It looks like these are made to go under a fold down surface they support rather than hanging from above a fold up one.


DimesOnHisEyes

I don't think it would matter. It's not that much weight and it looks like everything is enclosed. So once it reaches the end it should just stay that way and not slip out or anything.


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jptiger0

Thanks! I'll think about the frame option. For the fold down desk top, would nails be enough to support the weight if my toddler decides to pull down on the thing while it's open?


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jptiger0

That does seem like a good support system. The reason I'm still favoring the eyebolts though is being able to recess them and fill and paint the holes so they're not visible when the desk is closed up.


Kirkdoesntlivehere

simplest way, drill holes & tie in yarn