How to Tighten Loose Screws by Fixing the Stripped Holes

Loose screws can drive you bananas. Don't junk your favorite piece of furniture or call a contractor to repair that shed door, just because the screw holes are stripped. Take a few seconds and tighten them up! This saves you lots of money and is easy to do it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wooden Toothpicks
• Wooden Match Sticks
• Screw Driver
• Wood Glue

1. Remove the loose screw. Depending on the size of the stripped hole, choose either the thinner toothpick, or thicker match stick and insert into the hole as far as it will go.

2. Snap off the extra that is sticking out of the hole to make it flush with the surface around the hole. Repeat the process if needed until you can't fit anymore into the hole.

3. Take your screw and dab a bit of the wood glue (optional) into the grooves. Insert it into the center of the sticks. Use the screw driver to turn the screw until it is tight. Good as new!

Tips & Warnings

• This only works if the hole is stripped, not the screw itself.