Gluing Loose Hinges

With heavy use, a book's end papers will pull loose from its cardboard covers. Eventually, the sagging text block will tear the end sheets away from the cover. This can be prevented by gluing the end sheets back onto the cardboard.

The end sheets are reattached to the cardboard by gluing the hinge from the inside. This is accomplished by using a long object such as a knitting needle to coat the inside hinge.

Glue is applied only to the cardboard, not to the spine, which should never be glued to the cover. The needle can be inserted from the top and bottom, if needed, to coat the inside evenly.

Sometimes both hinges are loose. Other times, only one side needs tightening.

After applying the glue, the end sheets are repositioned and pressed firm. Wax paper sheets are placed between the end papers and the book's text block to catch any excess glue. The book is then placed in a book press for a few hours to insure a good bonding.