Identify the type of joint first
Solid wood furniture uses a mix of screwed fittings (common on bed frames and modular pieces), glued joints (common on chairs and tables), and traditional mortise-and-tenon joints (common in higher-end Chinioti carving). Each needs a different fix.
Tightening screwed connections
Use a screwdriver that properly fits the screw head — a loose-fitting driver can strip the screw and make the fix harder. If the screw spins without tightening, the hole itself may be worn; a slightly larger screw or a wood-glue-soaked toothpick in the hole before re-driving the original screw can restore grip.
Re-gluing a loose joint
Gently work the joint apart if possible, clean out old dried glue, apply fresh wood glue to both surfaces, and clamp firmly for at least 12-24 hours while it cures. Wipe away excess glue immediately with a damp cloth before it dries.
When it's more than a simple fix
Repeated loosening in the same spot, a joint that's cracked rather than just loose, or a structural joint on a bed frame or sofa arm are signs it's worth having a carpenter look at it rather than repeating a temporary fix.
Preventing joints from loosening in the first place
Avoid dragging heavy furniture across floors (lift instead), don't overload shelves or drawer fronts beyond their intended use, and keep the piece in a stable-humidity room where possible, since repeated expansion and contraction is one of the main causes of joints working loose over years.
