Got about 8 pages into a rebind before realizing I glued the spine on backwards

I was working on a new hardcover rebind for a fantasy trilogy my friend wanted, sitting at my kitchen table in Tucson. The glue had already set pretty firm before I saw the text block was facing the back cover instead of the front. I ended up prying it apart with a butter knife and some steam from my teakettle, but now the hinge feels loose. Has anyone else tried to fix a backwards glue job without just starting fresh?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_anthony1mo agoMost Upvoted

I used to think you could always steam and pry your way out of a bad glue job, but after messing up a rebound myself I realized sometimes you just have to cut your losses and start fresh. Your mileage may vary with that loose hinge though, it might hold up fine for a shelf sitter.

sandra7151mo ago

Right? I've got a nightstand in my garage right now that I tried to save with steam and a clamp. Ended up with a warped piece of wood and a glue joint that looks like abstract art. Shoulda just started over from the start but nooooo, had to learn the hard way. But hey, at least it'll hold a coaster or two if I'm lucky. A shelf sitter is a win in my book.