Fixing a Stripped Screw Hole
If a screw hole is stripped (meaning the screw won’t grip), how you fix it depends on what material you’re working with and what tools you have.
For Wood:
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Use beeswax or soap on wood screws to help them go in smoother and reduce damage to the hole.
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Try a toothpick or matchstick. Put one or two into the hole, then screw the screw back in. The wood fills the gap and helps the screw hold better.
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Use a bigger or longer screw if it fits.
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Mix sawdust and wood glue to fill the hole. Pack it in tight. After it dries, drill a small starter hole and screw it in. (Don’t use wood putty, it’s not strong enough.)
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Have a wooden dowel? You can:
1. Drill the hole a little bigger to fit the dowel.
2. Glue in the dowel.
3. Cut it flat.
4. Drill a small starter hole and put in your screw -
Try a threaded insert or a T-nut. These give the screw something new to grip.
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If possible, go all the way through and use a nut and bolt on the back side.
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Can’t fix the hole? Drill a new hole nearby and cover the old one with wood putty.
For Plastic:
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Stick a small shim (like a bit of plastic or toothpick) in the hole, then try the screw.
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Use a slightly bigger screw. For plastic, use screws made for plastic. Not wood or metal.
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Install a thread insert for plastic. Some types can be added using a soldering iron.
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Use epoxy or plastic weld to fill the hole, let it dry, then drill a new starter hole before using the screw.
For Metal:
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Use a tap or thread chaser to fix the damaged threads, but only if they’re not too far gone.
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Try a longer screw if the deeper threads still work and there’s room.
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If the hole goes all the way through, put a nut on the back of the screw.
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Drill and re-thread the hole for a larger screw.
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Use a thread insert or Heli-Coil to rebuild the hole.
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Use special epoxy like JB Weld for small fixes (not for anything super important).
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Drill a new hole nearby if you can.
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Weld the hole shut, then drill and tap a new one, but only if you have the tools for that.