Today I wanted to share a solution to a problem I have had so many times I can’t count — stripped screw holes. You know — when your screw has stripped out the wood and just turns in the hole and doesn’t hold any thing in place. How does that happen?
Hypothetical scenario here: A fight between two children arises (I know your kids don’t ever fight, but mine occasionally do), sooner or latter the younger/smaller sibling goes too far, realizing this they will fly to their room and try slamming the door to keep the Big Kid out. Being the Bigger kid they will reach the door in time to lodge something between the door and the jam. Are you sensing the problem? No, not the kid fighting problem, the door. The screw holes will now be stripped at the hinges on either the door or the jamb…hypothetically.
Well in case you ever have any stripped screw hole, I have an easy fix that uses common household items:
- Wooden toothpicks
- School glue (Wood glue works well also)
My front door face plate has come loose, no doubt due to a few kids struggles and constant use. I will use these screw holes for illustration purposes. Both holes are very stripped.
Step One:
Coat the tip of a toothpick with glue and force it in the hole as far as it will go. Then break it off . Repeat this step with as many toothpicks as you can fit in the hole. I usually can fit two or three.
Step Two:
Let the glue dry. I must admit I have often been in a hurry and skipped this step and it works out just fine.
Step Three:
Put the screws back in. The toothpicks take up the extra space and give the screw threads something to grab on to. It works like a charm.
Now if I could just figure out how to stop those fighting children.
I like to dabble in other projects besides wood working? Come on over and check out my all projects for my Master Bedroom Redo.
Sewing project: Curtains from a Shower Curtain.
Painting project: Revamped Lamp
Upholstery Project: Old Chairs get a new Life.
Great trick! I actually tried it this weekend for the first time. I fixed the other side of the latch, a strike plate. I admit it proceeded with the screws when the glue was still wet. It held just fine. A nice, tight fit.
I have to admit I rarely wait for the glue to dry. Glad it helped.
Ronda
Good trick to know!
It does come in handy!
My husband has done this before with stripped screw holes and it does work wonderfully! I don’t remember what glue he used, but the toothpicks are part of it. Oh, and I love your new curtains!
There are probably lots of different glues you could use. And thanks about the curtains, I love looking at them each morning when I wake up, they just make me happy!
Hey there Sandra! Great guest poster today! It’s funny– I need this advice on stripped nails right now, I just forgot that I have at least 10k projects with stripped nails! Thanks for the tip! And Ronda’s site looks pretty awesome. I’m going to have to check it out!
Sharing now, of course 🙂
I love it when my post hit the spot! glad it helps and I hope you enjoyed my blog!
For larger holes you can use a dowel or chopsticks. But those have to be cut to size first. I love this trick, but people look at me oddly when I suggest it.
Going to try this now! Thanks!
Does this work on beds?
It works on wood. 😀
What works for metal screws?
Just heard of a brand new product, http://www.screw-it-again.com, which is much easier to use. It’s a wood anchor. You screw it in and put the screw back. That’s it.