How do you release a folding table?

Lifetime products fold-in-half tables are the perfect addition to your next barbecue, meeting, or family get-together. If you have questions on how to properly fold and unfold your table, we have just a few tips and instructions for you. Lifetime fold-in-half tables have two folding mechanisms, a locking clip and an automatic locking system. To unfold a Lifetime fold-in-half table with locking clip, locate the mullet hand-slot where the ends of the table are and pull the table open. Because of the durable design to keep the table securely closed, it may require a little extra pressure to open. Find the red tab clip at the center edge of the table and push it to the indicated lock position. Set each leg so they are straight and make sure the steel rings slide into place before setting the table upright. To fold a table when not in use, set the table on its side and slide the steel rings away from the leg hinges. Fold in one leg at a time. If the leg doesn't fold with a simple push, place a small amount of pressure on the hinge with your hand and it will fold easily. Unlock the clip by pushing it to the indicated unlock position and close the table, making sure it is tightly secured. Now you can carry it to storage with easy-carry handles on the side. To unfold a Lifetime self-locking fold-in-half table, rest the table on its side with the handles facing up and unfold. When opening both legs, the unique fixed position on the center bar will automatically lock the pin, keeping the table open. Unfold the second set of legs and set the table upright. When it comes time to fold the table after use, simply fold the legs inward once more. By folding the legs, the pin in the center automatically releases and you can fold the table in half to store it away. So whether it is an outdoor work table or you just need a little extra space around the house, with the innovative designs of Lifetime fold-in-half tables, you'll love the convenience and quality that make your events even simpler.


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Lifetime fold-in-half tables are the perfect solution to minimal counter-space at your venue, providing an impromptu work, display, or dining area! Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to easily and securely fold and unfold your table.

How do you release a folding table?

Lifetime Folding Tables

Lifetime folding tables are durable, light weight, and easy to transport. You can simply fold them in half and store them under beds, couches, or inside a closet. The tabletop is made from stain-resistant polyethylene.

How do you release a folding table?

Lifetime 280064 Round Folding Table

Lifetime's 48" round fold-in-half table is stain-resistant and UV protecting, ensuring it won't crack, chip, or peel. Use it for both your outdoor and indoor events, banquets, and parties!

How do you release a folding table?

Features of Lifetime Contoured Folding Chairs

Learn how the contoured design of these Lifetime folding chairs make them durable, lightweight, and the most comfortable folding chairs on the market! These chairs can hold over 500 lb. and feature an all-weather, rust resistant frame.

In the months since we’ve started this blog, I've received several questions regarding Lifetime's fold-in-half tables... interestingly enough, most people ask the basic question: How do you to unfold them? Esther from Niceville, FL wrote in yesterday:

"I just bought your 5 ft fold-in-half table. It’s great, but I do not know how to open it up and there wasn't any directions. Sorry, I am 69 years old and not mechanically minded and am afraid that I might do something to mess it up..."

How do you unfold it?? The first few times I’ve seen this question, I admit, I thought it wouldn’t be all that hard. But then I walked down to our showroom and tried to open a new table myself... it took a little more elbow grease thought! I looked into why this is, and it turns out our engineers developed these tables to stay safely closed when you carry, transport, or store them, which is actually a really good thing. This means they are snugly shut the first few times you pull them out to use them, and opening them may require a strong tug.

Esther asked that we send some simple directions so, based on my experience, here they are!

How do you release a folding table?
Unfolding a Lifetime  fold-in-half table
1- Place your hands inside the groove (on the side opposite of the table's hinges).
2- Pull the two sides apart. Though this can require a little strength the first few times, it will get easier the more you use your table.
3- Once you unfold it, lay it on its side and lock it in place with the red switch on the table's underside (if your table is an older model, lock it in place using the gray sliding bar).
4- From there, you can stand the table on its legs.
5- If it’s an adjustable-height table, you can place your foot on the cross bar while it's in the standing position, to easily raise and lower the table's height one side at a time.

The good news is, if you've gotten your table this year you'll enjoy an improved opening mechanism. In early 2008 our engineers realized that the clip holding the table shut was doing its job a little TOO well, so they took the opportunity to make some improvements. Tables made in 2008 and after have been developed to open easier, still close tight, and have that easy red tab to lock them in place when they’re set up. Hope this helps you, and you know more about our convenient and unique fold-in –half tables.

How do you open a portable folding table?

1- Place your hands inside the groove (on the side opposite of the table's hinges). 2- Pull the two sides apart. Though this can require a little strength the first few times, it will get easier the more you use your table.