How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole

Encountering a stripped screw hole can slow down many projects around the home. However, there are numerous fixes that will get you back in business. If you have a stripped screw hole, read on for tips and tricks to fix your problem.

Why do Screw Holes Become Stripped?

First, let me briefly look at why screw holes become stripped before walking through the upsizing method.

Screws are considered a basic machine and have a long history going back over 2,500 years. The wedge shape of the screw is similar to a nail, but screws also have an angled thread that wraps around the body of the screw.

As a screw penetrates a hard material, turning the screw pulls the screw through the material as the angled thread cuts into the material. Screws only work if there is a firm material, such as wood, steel, or plastic, into which the screw’s angled thread can cut. 

If the material within the screw hole has become weak or has been bored out, the screw hole is stripped. Screws will simply turn in place without pulling itself deeper into the hole.

Upsize Your Screw to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole

We will begin with the quickest fix to your problem. This solution hinges on the role your screw will play.

Upsize Screw Method for Wood

If your project allows it, simply choose a screw with a wider shank. The shank width is called the gauge of the screw and is usually measured in whole integers. Screw shank sizing begins with #0 which is 1/16” wide. Each number after #0 adds 1/64” of an inch to the shank diameter.

The upsize method works best with wood. 

Tools:

• Tape measure or ruler or caliper

Methods:

1. Use the measuring device of your choice to measure the widest part of the screw’s shank.
2. Consider how worn the screw hole is, then move up the appropriate number of gauges on the screw sizing chart. Remember, each gauge widens the screw shank by 1/64” of an inch.

Tip: Many home improvement stores simplify the process of identifying the gauge of your screws by providing in-store templates. If your store of choice has such a template, take your screw with you to determine its gauge and upsize accordingly.

We have guides on what size drill bit to use for a #6, #8, and a #12 screw.

Upsize Screw Method for Plastic and Metal

We recommend a slight variation of the upsize screw method when working with plastic or metal. Wood screws often have more aggressive angled threads.

Screws intended for metal or plastic are often less steeply angled and the distance between threads is closer.

These fine-threaded screws work best on thinner, harder materials. For the upsize method to be reliable with harder, thinner materials additional tools and steps are needed.

Using a drill instead of a screwdriver will make your work go faster.

Tools: 

• Tape measure or ruler or caliper
• Drill
• Drill bit

Method:

1. Select a drill bit that is slightly larger than the existing hole.
2. Secure the material so that it cannot move while being drilled.
3. Make sure there is either scrap wood or empty space below the material being drilled.
4. Create a clean hole by drilling into the material at a 90-degree angle.
5. Compare your drill bit size to a screw sizing chart, then select a screw that is one gauge larger than your drill bit size.

How to Fill Your Stripped Screw Hole

By properly filling your screw hole, you will have a clean, functional surface in which you can drive your screw. There are many methods and materials which can be used to fill screw holes. I will outline a few methods below to fix your stripped screw hole by filling the hole.

How to Fill a Stripped Screw Hole with Toothpicks

This method is simple and quick. If your goal is to fix and reuse the existing screw hole, I recommend this method.

Tools:

• Toothpicks
• Wood glue
• Oscillating saw with flush-cut blade or pull saw

Method: 

1. Snugly fill the screw hole with as many toothpicks as necessary.
2. While the toothpicks are in the hole, mark the hole depth on the toothpicks.
3. Remove and wood glue the toothpicks up to their hole depth. 
4. Push toothpicks snugly back into the hole.
5. After wood glue has dried, cut or break the toothpicks off level with the surface
6. Your stripped screw hole is fixed and ready to receive a screw.

How to Fill a Stripped Screw Hole with Epoxy Filler

Epoxy filler can be used to fill a stripped screw hole. Epoxy filler dries quick and hard.

There are multiple types of epoxy, such as the best epoxy for metal and the best epoxy for plastic. Find an epoxy that matches the material of the screw hole you are filling.

Tools:

• Epoxy formulated for material being filled
• Popsicle stick
• Sandpaper

Method:

1. Prepare an application surface. I recommend having wax paper beneath a surface which you are applying epoxy to as epoxy often does not adhere to wax paper.
2. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, prepare the epoxy. Normally this requires stirring two compounds together.
3. A disposable popsicle stick works well to force epoxy into the screw hole. I recommend slightly overfilling the screw hole.
4. Give ample time for epoxy to set.
5. When the epoxy has dried, sand it flush with your surface.
6. With your stripped screw hole fixed, you can now drive a new screw.

How to Fill a Stripped Screw Hole with a Dowel Rod

Sometimes it is nearly impossible to remove a stripped screw from a screw hole. This method uses a specialized hole saw to cut around your stripped screw and screw hole. The hole you create will be filled and ready for another screw. 

This method creates the most unique finish out of all methods listed. For quirkiness you may consider using a light-colored dowel rod to add “pop” in a dark stained wood.

Tools Needed:

• Power drill
• Plug cutter bit or screw extractor bit that is slightly wider than the screw’s head
• Dowel rod whose diameter matches the diameter of the exterior of your plug cutter or screw extractor bit
• Ice pick
• Wood glue
• Hammer 
• Saw
• Sandpaper

Method:

1. Using your plug cutter or screw extractor bit, drill around your embedded screw.
2. Remove the bit from the hole.
3. Wiggle the screw head to break any fiber wood fibers near the screw tip.
4. Press the ice pick into the wood beneath the screwhead and leverage the screw out of the hole.
5. Apply glue to the dowel rod, then gently hammer it into the place.
6. Flush cut the dowel rod with your surface.
7. After the wood glue has dried, sand the dowel rod flush with your surface.
8. Screw a new screw into the fixed hole.

Tip: If you know the length of the screw you are removing, you can mark the side of your plug cutter or screw extractor bit with that depth. If you know the depth you are going to drill, you can cut your dowel rod to length before hammering it into place.

How to Fill a Stripped Screw Hole in Drywall

A common place where stripped screws occur is when attempting to use drywall anchors. If this has happened to you, I recommend upgrading to toggle bolts.

Tools:

• Toggle bolt
• Power drill
• Drill bit
• Sidecut pliers

Method:

1. Remove screw from drywall anchor. Make sure the gauge of the removed screw matches the gauge of the replacement toggle bolt.
2. Use sidecut pliers to cut off the head of the drywall anchor, then  push drywall anchor into the wall cavity.
3. Following toggle bolt package instructions, drill out hole to the necessary size to allow the folded toggle bolt wings to pass through the drywall.
4. Remove wings from toggle bolt.
5. Pass the bolt through the object you wish to attach to the wall, then return wings to the toggle bolt.
6. Pass the toggle bolt and wings into the wall until you hear or feel the toggle bolt wings open.
7. Tighten the screw.

Conclusion

There are a variety of ways to fix stripped screw holes. Because screws are used in such a wide array of applications and in so many differing materials, utilize the method that best addresses your situation.