Fixing Stripped Screws in Wood

[fallingeggs]

I have a few non-structural screws in wood that are stripped. Wondering how people fix this. I could inject some epoxy and drill out, but that seems overkill for simple trim pieces or latches. Plus, epoxy could get messy with some of the upside down work (think screws holding up headliner trim). Is wood glue too weak? Just go with a thicker screw?

[Jason Flare]

Depending on the size, you could drill a hole and drive in a dowel of the same diameter as the hole. Use a little glue or epoxy. Cut dowel flush with surface.

[roberttigar]

small holes...break the read off a wood match..slap on some wood glue, shove 1 or 2 in the hole, let glue dry, break off excess and you are done. Bob

[chris95040]

For stuff that doesn't matter much (and if it did matter, it probably should be through-bolted) I just stuff a couple splinters in the hole before driving in the screw.

And if you've got the room, you could use a longer screw.

[redsky49]

+1 for the match stick tip.

[a64pilot]

Little holes, I’ll stick the tip of the glue applicator in the hole and fill it with water soluble wood glue, let it dry and put screw back in.

[Calif.Ted]

Don't keep wood matches anymore so I use round toothpicks, break in half, stick fat end in glue.

[travellerw]

+3 on the match/toothpick trick. Used it many times.

If I have a few stripped things to fix, I usually mix up some epoxy with fumed silica and use that.

[Stu Jackson]

Wood filler, plastic wood or toothpicks. I used to forget to trim the sulfur off the match heads...

[Cheechako]

the matchstick or toothpick works. I always put a drop of iso glue on it. But realistically, go to the hobby store buy the thick iso glue. It sets up fast and hard unlike wood glue or many epoxies. Syringe a bit in a stripped hole if overhead, or just drop in if gravity helps you, and it will be good to go in a couple minutes without drilling.
PS: the iso at hobby shops comes in bigger containers which is nice. Keep it in the fridge and it will last a long time.

[Paul Elliott]

I find that matchstick wood is too soft for a lasting solution. I use a toothpick, dipped in wood glue. I suppose it depends on the size of the screw and the amount of strippage.

[roland stockham]

Wood glues are often very weak when filling gaps. The traditional way to fill is to mix sawdust tith wood glue to a thick past, if you have sawdust from the same type of wood makes a good match. Rather than try to fill an overhead holes (difficult and always messy) dip the screw in the mixand screw it in. If you want a permanent fit that works, if you want the screw to come out again coat it with Vaseline or spray it with silicone (furniture polish works or mast track spray)

[Tom_F]

A variation on the matchstick trick is using wood golf tees, especially for larger holes. Plain unpainted tees work best, but painted tees work too.

[anacapaisland42]

Totally agree with Bob !!
Bill

Originally Posted by roberttigar

small holes...break the read off a wood match..slap on some wood glue, shove 1 or 2 in the hole, let glue dry, break off excess and you are done. Bob

[Sand crab]

I'm a retired contractor, builder, carpenter and have used the toothpick or larger sliver version for repairs literally a 1000 times or maybe 10,000. This happens all the time with stripped door hinge screws. Everyone thought I was the miracle worker and now you gave up my trade secret. I am really disappointed, I thought we were friends.


PS Usually glue is not needed.