How to Repair a Stripped or Damaged Screw Hole in Wood

Sometimes screw holes in wood become damaged and no longer allow the the screw to grab and perform its job. Sometimes you can buy a larger screw that will grab in the damaged hole. When this is not possible the wood will need to be replaced or you can repair the damaged hole. In this article you will learn how to repair a damaged screw hole in in the wood.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• drill
• 1/4" drill bit
• 1/4" wood dowel
• hammer
• 1/16" drill bit
• hand saw
• wood glue
• Phillips or flat screw driver depending on screw type

1. Attempt to tighten the screw. If the hole is damaged and the screw does not grab and tighten, it will need to be repaired.

2. Remove the screw from the hole. If the screw does not come out, you will need pry on the inside head of the screw and turn out with screw driver counter-clockwise (this will help the screw to back out).

3. Next you will need to get the material being joined to the damaged hole out of your way. Depending on the situation, you may need to completely remove the material being joined.

4. Now that you have complete access to the damaged screw hole you can repair it. Drill directly into the damaged hole with your drill and 1/4" drill bit. You should drill approximately 1"-1 1/2" into the damaged hole.

5. Add a little wood glue to the damaged hole.

6. Hammer your 1/4" wood dowel into the hole as far as it will go.

7. Saw the wood dowel flush to the opening of the hole.

8. Allow the wood glue to dry according to the drying time of the wood glues label.

9. Place the material being joined to the previously damaged hole back in place to be reattached. Use it as a jig to drill a pilot hole in the new plugged hole (this will prevent the wood from splitting when the part is reattached later). Use a 1/16" bit. The pilot hole should be smaller than the screw being used, so the screw can grab into the material.

10. Screw the part back into place. Do not over tighten to prevent from damaging the hole.

Tips & Warnings

• A golfers tee can also be used to plug the damaged hole (make sure when drilling the damaged hole that it is no larger than the tee).
• Make sure the wood glue has dried before drilling the pilot hole and attempting to reattach the part.

[lxlunat1cxl]

on 11/29/2009 Very informative. I hate it when screws get stripped, but I'm glad there's a way to repair them!

[vikki9]

on 11/28/2009 Very clever - thank you.

[monaliesa]

on 11/2/2009 Good instructions!

[mikeg21v]

on 10/10/2009 I will try this at some point I'm sure! I've damaged screw holes numerous times, but wasn't sure what to do. Thanks!