There have been a few useful threads over the last few years on whether to restore or amend items which might have flaws or damage.  For example, whether to remove or replace badly rusted staples (and if so, whether to put new staples in, and whether keep the old ones).  

I have a box set where the corners are split.  I am pretty certain that I am going to fix this - so that the corners are joined again.  So the question here for my fellow learned colleagues is... have you any suggestions as to how best to do this?  I could glue them back, I could use tape (you often see taped up corners on old D&D/rpg box sets), I could try fiixng some kind of supports inside the box, I could even perhaps make some kind of cardboard frame or support which is temporary.  

I am really looking forward to doing this - like a bit of DIY.  As it happens my work & study takes me to the British Library quite often, so next time I am there I will pop in to the Conservation Department - to see what they do with books with split spines or covers.  

I am sure that there are other options.  Any suggestions?  Any queries or concerns...??

Good point.  No, not for resale, I plan to keep it for a looooong time.

Sounds good - the books could do with a touch of colouring in - am sure I have a highlighter here somewhere...  

The books are great.  The box is fully split on six corners, partially on one, and fine on the last.  Some pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21446005@N02/2294836906/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21446005@N02/2294836486/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21446005@N02/2294045627/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21446005@N02/2294044723/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21446005@N02/2294836078/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21446005@N02/2294047267/

Anyone know how I manage to slot these into the actual message - rather than just post links?

The pics looks great Steven:  you snagged a winner, even with the box damage

And that will teach me not to look at the accursed pictures.  Obviously my technique will NOT apply to this.

Bookbinder's tape and rice paper are the best bets in this case, along with a bone folder for folding the tape into place.

Instead of tape, you might want to try a bookbinders glue.  The most common type is called PVA, or polyvinyl acetate.  It's very strong, dries clear and is pH neutral.  I used it on a split corner of a slipcase for some books, and it's held up very well.  You can get it at most hobby stores.

After some research, I was going to go for the clear PVA (or similar) glue, which I would use on the corners.  However, I went along to a book binders and restorers - this one in fact: http://www.bookbinding.co.uk

...and they were adamant that only a non-permanent restoration was the right option.  They recommended rice paper (also called mulberry paper I think),  which is very strong smooth paper with mulberry fibres in it, which is often used for restoring expensive books. That would be placed on the inside of the box and glued into place with wheat starch glue.  This is strong, completely neutral and can be removed (it is soluble with a little water) even after many years.  The restorer I spoke to claimed to have cleanly removed wheat starch glue which had been in place for 50 years.  

They even went so far as to recommend 'cooking' up new wheat starch glue from powder rather than going for the pre-made stuff in jars, because the pre-prepared stuff has preservatives in it to keep it soft - and they were unsure as to the long term effect of such chemicals.

It all sounds quite complicated, so first I think I might experiment on some old cardboard wine cartons  I usually find drinking and DIY go well together  

Howdy,

I just fixed a Castle Zagyg Upper Works that was dished in. I rested the dished box face down over an open shipping box just slightly smaller than the Zagyg box. Then I placed some heavy magazines (3 National Geographics) inside the lid. The weight of the magazines took the dishing out in only a week and a half.

Futures Bright,

Paul