A stripped screw hole is a hole that has become damaged or worn and no longer grips or tightens screws properly. Screws spin in the hole and have no holding power. This can be caused by a number of factors, including frequent movement, incorrect screw angle, poor-quality materials, and over-tightening. Stripped screw holes are commonly found in door hinges and old furniture. Below are several easy ways to fix a stripped hole in wood.

Larger screw

The easiest solution is to replace the screw with a larger one. Choose one that is longer and has a larger diameter.

Toothpick method

This fix has been around for decades and usually works. Grab several wood toothpicks, dip them in wood glue and shove them into the stripped hole. Add more if necessary to completely fill the hole. Let the glue dry then trim off the ends of the toothpicks with a utility knife or a chisel so the surface is flush. Next, use a screwdriver and re-fasten the screw. If you don’t have toothpicks, use a small wood dowel, wood matchsticks, wood kebab skewers or strips of scrap wood.

Screw repair kit

There are several different screw repair kits for wood on the market. Some use wood anchors while others include a metal insert with teeth that fits into the screw hole. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Hardwood plug

This method is the most labour intensive. Drill out the screw hole with a 1/2 inch bit, then fill the larger hole with a 1/2 inch hardwood plug or dowel, dipped in wood glue. Once the glue is completely dry, drill a pilot hole in the centre and drive the screw into the pilot hole.