Fastener Guide

How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole (4 Methods, Wood & Particleboard)

  1. Pull the screw and judge the damage: a slightly loose hole takes the 5-minute fix, a cratered hole needs the dowel method.

    Save Step 1: Pull the screw and judge the damage: a slightly loose hole takes the 5-minute fix, a cratered hole needs the dowel method.

  2. Quick fix: coat 2-3 toothpicks or matchsticks in wood glue, pack them tight, snap flush, and drive the screw back while the glue is wet.

    Save Step 2: Quick fix: coat 2-3 toothpicks or matchsticks in wood glue, pack them tight, snap flush, and drive the screw back while the glue is wet.

  3. Permanent fix: drill the hole out to 1/4 in, glue in a hardwood dowel, let it cure, then trim flush with a chisel or oscillating tool.

    Save Step 3: Permanent fix: drill the hole out to 1/4 in, glue in a hardwood dowel, let it cure, then trim flush with a chisel or oscillating tool.

  4. For doors, add two-part epoxy to the dowel for a repair that holds hinge screws under daily slam loads.

  5. Drill a fresh pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw shank, then drive the screw by hand — never with an impact driver on the first pass.

    Save Step 5: Drill a fresh pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw shank, then drive the screw by hand — never with an impact driver on the first pass.

  6. In particleboard or MDF, skip glue and fit a threaded insert or hinge repair plate — glue has nothing to grip in pressed fibers.

    Save Step 6: In particleboard or MDF, skip glue and fit a threaded insert or hinge repair plate — glue has nothing to grip in pressed fibers.

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