Mastering the Art of Adjusting Your Lazy Susan

Adjusting a misaligned Lazy Susan might seem daunting, but with standard tools at home, you can easily correct common issues. Solve rotation problems by adjusting the center shaft or bottom shelf position. Correct misaligned doors by adjusting their position within the unit.

Identify the source of rotation problems. A stiff or difficult-to-rotate Lazy Susan typically indicates issues with the center shaft or bottom shelf position. Observe where the rotation locks up or encounters difficulty, then take appropriate action to resolve it.

Finding the Locking Mechanism for Center Shaft AdjustmentInspect the top of the center shaft to locate the large bolt securing the exterior shaft to a metal sleeve inside. This bolt holds the shaft in place but excessive pressure can cause binding. While some models have the bolt at the bottom, it's typically found near the top.

Loosening the BoltClear out any items within the Lazy Susan to provide ample workspace. Use a wrench or ratchet to loosen the bolt by turning it counterclockwise one-quarter of a full rotation. Initially, it may require some effort to break the bolt loose. Make adjustments cautiously, loosening the bolt in small increments to prevent misalignment.

Adjusting the Center ShaftWith the bolt loosened, shift the metal adjusting sleeve no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to enhance clearance between the center shaft and cabinet top. Take care to work in small increments to avoid destabilizing the Lazy Susan.

Securing the Center Shaft AdjustmentUse your wrench or ratchet to securely fasten the locking bolt in place. Avoid over-tightening; the bolt should be snug enough to hold the adjusting rod but not excessively tight.

Locating Locking Screws for Shelf Position AdjustmentIdentify the locking screws positioned at the center of each shelf, which secure them to the center shaft. If the shelves are held together by a front decorative panel, adjustments affect the entire shelf system. For separate adjustments, focus on the bottom shelf's locking screws.

Loosening the FastenersUse a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the locking screws. Apply downward pressure while turning counterclockwise to avoid damaging the fasteners. Once loosened, you can leave the screws in place or set them aside to prevent loss.

Adjusting Shelf HeightRaise the bottom shelf or entire shelf system until there's approximately half an inch of space between it and the cabinet bottom. Ensure shelves are level and not binding on the center shaft.

Tightening the FastenersHold the shelf steady while tightening the locking screws with a screwdriver. Avoid letting the shelf slip during reattachment to maintain evenness. Tighten screws sufficiently to secure shelves without causing damage.

Identifying Door ProblemsRecognize common door issues such as uneven closure or inadequate clearance at the top, bottom, or sides. Adjust doors to ensure proper centering within the frame and uniform gaps around them.

Adjusting Collar Screw for Uneven Door ClosureOpen the door and locate the collar at the unit's top, often made of white plastic. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the screw on the collar by one full counterclockwise rotation, ensuring it remains in place.

Rotating Shelf Unit and DoorUsing both hands, rotate the entire shelf unit and door counterclockwise until the collar reaches the catch latch at the back of the ceiling bracket. Listen for a click indicating alignment, feeling slight resistance to further counterclockwise turning.

Adjusting Door PositionGradually rotate the door clockwise until it's centered at the front. Verify alignment from a distance, ensuring precise positioning. For assistance, have someone help evaluate the door's position.

Rotating the Entire AssemblyCarefully turn the entire assembly counterclockwise until the collar screw faces you, maintaining alignment of the door and collar. Marking correct positions with tape may aid in retaining alignment.

Tightening Collar Screw for Door AdjustmentTighten the collar screw back into its original position to fix door alignment. Spin the Lazy Susan to verify proper functionality, completing the door adjustment. Hold the collar in place if needed during tightening to prevent twisting.

Removing the Retainer Clip for Height AdjustmentLocate the plastic retainer clip at the bottom of the center shaft. Open and remove it to reveal the thumbscrew adjustment wheel, ensuring the cabinet is empty before proceeding.

Adjusting Height with the Thumbscrew WheelTurn the thumbscrew adjustment wheel to raise or lower the door. Apply gentle pressure to aid adjustment if needed. Each full rotation adjusts the height by approximately 1/32 in (0.8 mm).

Replacing the Retainer Clip for Final AdjustmentAfter setting the door to the desired height, reposition and secure the retainer clip. Tighten all adjustment screws to prevent future misalignment.

Marking Bracket Positions for Side Clearance AdjustmentLightly outline the top and bottom brackets with an erasable pencil for reference. Use additional lighting if necessary. Erase marks once adjustments are complete.

Adjusting Top Pivot Pole AlignmentUse a screwdriver to loosen setscrews and star washers on both sides of the pivot pole. Center and align the pivot housing and pole. Before fastening setscrews, assess side clearance. Use your outline as a guide for adjustments.

Securing Pivot HousingTighten star washers and replace setscrews. Check side clearance again. Additional adjustments may be needed for misalignment in the lower half of the Lazy Susan.

Realignment of Bottom Pivot BaseExpose bottom brackets by opening the door. Loosen brackets and realign pivot cam base. Repeat process on opposite side. Ensure both pivot cam bases are centered with respect to the center pole.

Fastening BracketsBe cautious to maintain alignment. Replace star washers and setscrews. Verify position hasn't altered. Adjust opposite side bracket if necessary.

Final Check for Side ClearanceAfter top and bottom adjustments, verify door alignment. If side clearance remains uneven, readjust top pivot pole and/or bottom pivot cams.