Opening a Lifetime folding table effortlessly can be a daunting task if you’re not familiar with its unique mechanism. However, with a little patience and a few simple steps, you can transform this foldable furniture into a functional surface for various occasions. Follow these comprehensive instructions to master the art of unlocking your Lifetime folding table and unleash its versatility.
Before commencing the opening process, ensure you’ve located the two release latches situated beneath the tabletop on either side. These levers are the key to unlocking the table’s folded position. Simultaneously grasp both latches and pull them towards you while lifting the tabletop slightly. This action disengages the locking mechanism, allowing you to effortlessly unfold the table. Next, carefully lower the tabletop until it rests securely on the supporting legs. Remember to align the tabletop’s edges with the designated slots on the legs to ensure a stable and level surface.
Finally, ensure that the table is securely locked in its open position by checking the leg locks. These locks are typically located at the base of each leg and can be adjusted using a knob or lever. Turn or slide the leg locks into the locked position to prevent accidental folding and enhance the table’s stability. With these steps completed, your Lifetime folding table is now ready to serve its purpose as a convenient and practical surface for dining, working, or socializing.
Unfold the Table Base
**Step 1: Locate the Release Levers**
Inspect the sides of the table base for small, recessed levers or handles. These are the release levers that keep the table legs folded. Ensure you have identified the levers on both sides of the base.
**Step 2: Release the Levers**
With one hand on each side of the table base, firmly press and hold down the release levers. Alternatively, you may need to simultaneously pull outward on the levers. Notice that the table legs start to unlock and move slightly.
**Step 3: Swing the Legs Out**
Continuing to hold the release levers, gently swing the table legs outward. Avoid jerking or forceful movements. Slowly extend the legs until they are fully open. Ensure that the legs are evenly spaced and secure.
**Step 4: Lock the Legs in Place**
Release the levers, allowing them to snap into place. This action locks the legs in their extended position, stabilizing the table. Inspect the legs to ensure they are firmly locked and cannot be accidentally folded.
**Table of Common Release Lever Types**
| Lever Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Recessed Buttons | Small, circular buttons that must be pressed to release the legs. |
| Sliding Levers | Long, narrow levers that slide towards the center of the base to release the legs. |
| Pull-Out Handles | Handles that must be pulled outwards to simultaneously release both legs. |
Attach the Table Top
1. Position the table top over the frame. Make sure the alignment marks on the table top line up with the corresponding marks on the frame.
2. **Align the hinges on the table top with the tracks on the frame.**
– Starting at one corner, carefully guide the hinges into the tracks. Use even pressure to ensure the hinges slide smoothly without binding.
– Once the first hinge is engaged, continue around the perimeter, connecting all the hinges to their respective tracks.
3. Lower the table top to lock it in place. Once all the hinges are aligned, gently lower the table top down. The weight of the table top will engage the hinges and lock the table in its extended position.
Adjust the Hinge Pressure
The hinge pressure on your Lifetime folding table determines how much effort is required to open and close it. If the pressure is too tight, it can be difficult to open the table, and if it’s too loose, the table may not stay open securely. Here’s how to adjust the hinge pressure:
Materials you’ll need:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Hex key wrench (included with the table)
Instructions:
- Locate the hinge adjustment screws. There are two hinge adjustment screws on each side of the table, located on the underside of the tabletop.
- Use the hex key wrench to loosen the screws slightly. Do not remove the screws completely.
- Hold the table open with one hand and use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw. Turning the screw clockwise will increase the hinge pressure, and turning it counterclockwise will decrease the pressure.
- Test the table by opening and closing it. If the pressure is still not right, adjust the screws further until you find the desired resistance.
- Once the pressure is adjusted, tighten the adjustment screws securely using the hex key wrench.
**Tip:** If the hinge pressure is too tight, it can also be adjusted by removing the screws and inserting a washer between the hinge and the tabletop. This will increase the spacing and reduce the pressure.
Extend the Legs
Now it’s time to spread the table legs, but first secure the latches to prevent them from accidentally folding in during the process. Grab the end of the table near the corners and gently lift it until the legs extend downward.
Step 5: Unlocking and Adjusting the Legs
Here’s where the details matter. Study the folding mechanism and locate the latches or locks that need to be released to unfold the legs. These can vary depending on the specific table design.
Carefully disengage the latches by simultaneously pulling or pressing on them, whichever mechanism the table uses. As you do this, slowly lower the extended leg to the ground. Repeat this process for all four legs, ensuring they are fully extended and locked into place.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a | Identify the latches or locks that secure the folded legs. |
| b | Release the latches by pulling or pressing, as required. |
| c | Slowly lower the extended leg to the ground while disengaging the latch. |
| d | Repeat for all four legs, ensuring they are fully extended and locked. |
Fold the Table for Storage
To fold the Lifetime folding table for storage, first make sure that the table is completely collapsed. This means that the legs should be folded in and the tabletop should be folded in half. Then, follow these steps to fold the table:
1. Stand the table upright.
Hold the table upright by the center of the tabletop with one hand and the bottom of the legs with the other hand.
2. Fold the legs towards the center.
Fold the legs towards the center of the table by pushing them inwards. The legs should fold in until they meet in the center of the table.
3. Flip the legs over.
Flip the legs over so that they are facing up. The legs should fold over until they are parallel to the tabletop.
4. Fold the tabletop in half.
Fold the tabletop in half by pushing the two halves of the tabletop together. The tabletop should fold in half until it is flush with the legs.
5. Secure the folding table.
Secure the folding table by wrapping the carrying handle around the legs and tabletop. The carrying handle should be tight enough to keep the table folded securely.
6. Store the folding table.
Store the folding table in a dry, cool place. The table can be stored in a garage, shed, or closet.
7. Clean the folding table.
Clean the folding table regularly with a damp cloth. The table can be wiped down with a mild detergent and water.
8. Inspect the folding table
Before storing the table for an extended period, it is important to inspect it for any damage. Check that the legs, tabletop, and carrying handle are all in good working condition. If any damage is found, it is important to repair the table before using it again.
| Inspection Point | Check for |
|---|---|
| Legs | Bent, cracked, or loose legs |
| Tabletop | Cracked, dented, or warped tabletop |
| Carrying Handle | Torn, frayed, or loose carrying handle |
Inspect the Table Before Use
Before unfolding your Lifetime folding table, take a moment to inspect it for any damage or defects. This will help ensure that the table is safe to use and will prevent any accidents.
9. Check the Locks and Latches
The locks and latches on your Lifetime folding table are crucial for keeping it secure and stable. Make sure that all of the locks are engaged properly and that the latches are securely fastened. If any of the locks or latches are damaged or loose, do not use the table until they have been repaired.
To check the locks and latches, simply open and close the table several times. Make sure that the locks snap into place securely and that the latches engage properly. If you notice any problems, consult the table’s instruction manual or contact Lifetime customer service for assistance.
| Lock Type | How to Check |
|---|---|
| Spring Lock | Squeeze the handles together and make sure the lock engages with a click. |
| Gravity Lock | Lift the table until the lock automatically engages. |
| Pin Lock | Insert the pin into the hole and make sure it is securely fastened. |
| Latch | Make sure the latch is engaged and the table is securely fastened. |
How To Open A Lifetime Folding Table
To open a Lifetime folding table, follow these steps:
1.
Locate the two release latches on the underside of the table.
2.
Squeeze the release latches and lift the table legs up and out until they lock into place.
3.
Fold out the table legs until they are fully extended.
4.
Make sure the table legs are locked by pressing down on the locking mechanisms.
5.
Flip the table over and place it in the desired location.
People Also Ask
How do you fold a Lifetime folding table?
To fold a Lifetime folding table, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure the table is empty and clean.
2.
Fold the table legs inward until they are flat against the table.
3.
Squeeze the release latches on the underside of the table.
4.
Lower the table legs until they are fully folded.
