How Do You Repair A Stripped Screw Hole?
One of the most frustrating experiences in woodworking can be when a screw hole becomes stripped out and will no longer support the fixture, accessory or accent that it was designed to hold. In this event, there are a number of approaches to address the problem, as there really isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution to the problem. The first step is to determine whether a slightly longer or wider-diameter screw will solve the issue. Perhaps just a bit more bite will solve the problem without altering aesthetics. Many times, this isn’t a viable option. What next? Well, if a larger screw won’t be appropriate, the next best thing is to try and determine precisely what type of wood you’re dealing with. If you’re working with pine, fir or other similar soft woods, you may be able to fill the hole with small strips of the same type of softwood. Simply cut off some thin, but still relatively substantial shavings from a piece of stock of the same species. Dip the tips of these pieces into some w
