RAMAPO HARDWARE
RAMAPO HARDWARE
In this section you will find tips on how to repair common household issues such as
FIXING STRIPPED SCREW HOLES & CRACKS
The first step is to check if a fatter or longer screw would work for your project as that would be the quickest method without compromising durability. This only works for minor damages.
There are several methods to repairing stripped screw holes in wood but a lot of these methods will not work for heavier items that are handled a lot or support a lot of weight.
For heavier projects you should
ALWAYS USE WOOD TO FIX WOOD
Keep in mind that wood naturally expands
and contracts depending on temperature and humidity.
If you use any other material besides wood to patch your hole, then it will not expand/contract the same way and therefore your patch will not last very long. Use the same species of wood for best results.
"REPLACING WOOD WITH WOOD" METHOD
The easiest way to do this method is to take thin toothpicks, wooden matches, or shavings and glue them into the hole.
I often just take a simple paint stirring stick and a box cutter and make little wooden shavings
You may need to clean up the hole first with a drill bit to give you enough room to work with but that step is not always necessary. You can also cut the length of these shavings to the depth of the hole to avoid sanding them.
Glue shavings around the edge of hole
Depending on the damage, I often apply some glue first, then place the wooden shavings, then add more glue on top of that. Wipe off excess glue while still wet and do not put too much or drips will form during the drying process.
Wait 4 - 6 hoursfor the glue to dry
If you do not wait long enough for the glue to harden, your repair will not last very long, if at all.
Sand down any excess glue or shavings
Screw the original screw into the new wood
COLOR ANY NEW WOOD
WITH A BROWN SHARPIE MARKER!
Match the color as best as possible.
Even if it does not look perfect it will look much better than its natural state.
You may also glue a dowel rod or any small wooden peg instead of shavings for heavier projects. The installation would be the same but then you will also drill a new pilot (starter) hole in the dowel for the screw to fit.
Keep in mind that you do not have to only use this method for just stripped screw holes. I have repaired cracks in doors and other wooden gaps with this exact same method many times.
MORE TIPS COMING SOON!