31 Days of Decorating with Junk: Fixing a Stripped out Screw Hole

Remember that adorable adjustable table? It had a slight problem – a wiggly top and screws that kept falling out.

Turns out, the screw holes were completely stripped out. So no matter how many times I tightened the screws, they just loosened up again. I even tried drilling new holes and using those instead…still became stripped out quickly.

But this was actually a quick fix, using toothpicks and wood glue.

All I did was dip a toothpick in wood glue, stick it in the stripped out screw hole, and break it off to the right height.

And do it again, and again, and again until the hole was absolutely full of gluey toothpicks.

And then repeat for all the holes.

I read that the glue not only holds the toothpicks in place, but it also expands the fibers of the wood, so when you’re done, you’ll have a strong, gluey-woody base to drill into. I was also told that wooden matchsticks work well, and that they are made of a harder wood than toothpicks.

I let this dry over night, and then sanded off the toothpick ends and screwed the base back into place!
This post is part of 31 Days of Decorating with Junk: Vintage, Antique and Unique for your Home and Garden.