Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws  (Read 983 times) previous topic - next topic

Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

The screws on my entry door handle are loose. They barely hold the handle in place. I am sure it will break soon. It needs to be fixed.

One way is to buy larger screws. But those screws are already pretty large. I couldn't find appropriate one from home depot. And bigger screw might not solve the problem if the wood is too loose inside the hole.

So I start thinking. The reason why the screws are loose is because the wood is loose inside so there is nothing to grip on. If I can add little wood into the hole, it should work. The cheapest little wood is wood toothpick. It is so cheap that I can even afford to put two in the hole.😂

To make it even stronger, I added some wood glue to the hole. Now the door handle is super sturdy!

I think this could be used to fix almost all loose wood screws.

Now wood toothpick will have a place in my toolbox

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #1 –
I carry wood match sticks and glue.

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #2 –
Matches are a little softer than matches.  They work better in some instances.

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #3 –
If round hole use dowel pins. Drill oversized hole to pin size, glue and hammer in and let dry. Re-drill hole to original size. 

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #4 –
If you are screwing into wood put a bit of wood glue on the screw and screw it in. The glue will help keep the screw tight.

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #5 –
This works

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #6 –
Ours was loose when we got it, tried all the fixes still worked loose.
Finally pulled out the drawer under the stove and through bolted it, sealant was used to keep water out.
Full disclosure, my 10 year old grandson had to reach in and place the washers and start the lock nut.

It's not loose anymore.

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #9 –
I use bamboo skewers and glue works great.

Roland

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #10 –
I use G Flex epoxy and 406 By west products and soak super fine steelwool in it. It is stronger than new. Works great in fiber glass.
I stuff the mixture in the hole and let it dry and then insert the screw.

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #11 –
The  tooth pick fix has been the mainstay fix for most of us for years I think
Johnh

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #13 –
Toothpick for the small screws, wood matches for larger and a dab of JB Weld as you stick the toothpick/match in. For larger hole and rot, use epoxy wood filler. Give it time to set and then drill a pilot hole a little smaller than the screw.

Pierce

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #14 –
Sounds good to me...a piece of wood that is not waterproof, will rot faster than the original frame wood, and goes in to a hole where the screw will chew it up. ^.^d

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #15 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
The  tooth pick fix has been the mainstay fix for most of us for years I think
Johnh

My dad taught me sixty some years ago. It's been around for ages. I last used it last month.

Re: Cheapest way to fix loose wood screws

Reply #16 –
On larger screws I use a piece of a small tie wrap. Last's a long time.