How to Repair a Stripped Screw Hole (5 Proven Methods)

<h1>How to Repair a Stripped Screw Hole (5 Proven Methods)</h1>

<p>A stripped screw hole — where the threads are chewed out and the screw just spins without biting — is one of the most common DIY frustrations. The good news: you almost never need to replace the whole part. This guide walks through five proven fixes, from a 30-second wood trick to permanent metal thread inserts, so you can pick the right repair for your material and load.</p>

<h2>Why Screw Holes Strip</h2>

<p>Holes strip when the threads that grip the screw are damaged or worn away. The usual causes are over-tightening, cross-threading, repeated removal and reinstallation, or using a screw that's too small for the hole. Soft materials like pine, particleboard, and aluminum strip far more easily than hardwood or steel.</p>

<h2>Method 1: The Toothpick or Matchstick Trick (Wood)</h2>

<p>Best for: small screws in wood or particleboard, like a loose hinge or cabinet handle.</p>

<ul>

<li>Dip a few wooden toothpicks or a matchstick in wood glue.</li>

<li>Pack them into the stripped hole and snap off flush with the surface.</li>

<li>Let the glue cure, then drive the original screw back in — it now bites into fresh wood.</li>

</ul>

<div class="my-6"><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625773084027-5ede6d300b25?w=1000&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop" alt="Wood screws on a workbench surface" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="w-full rounded-xl shadow-lg" /><span class="block text-sm text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center italic">Wood screws on a workbench surface.</span></div>

<h2>Method 2: Golf Tee or Dowel (Larger Wood Holes)</h2>

<p>Best for: bigger holes where toothpicks aren't enough.</p>

<ul>

<li>Coat a golf tee or wooden dowel with wood glue and tap it into the hole.</li>

<li>Cut it flush once dry.</li>

<li>Drill a new pilot hole through the plug and reinstall the screw.</li>

</ul>

<h2>Method 3: Go Up a Screw Size</h2>

<p>Best for: any material where slightly larger hardware is acceptable.</p>

<p>The simplest fix is often a longer or wider screw that reaches fresh material the stripped one couldn't grip. Move up one gauge or length so the new threads bite into undamaged surface. If you're unsure what size you need, our <a href="/blog/how-to-measure-bolt-size-a-complete-guide-for-mechanics-and-diyers">guide to measuring bolt and screw size</a> walks you through it.</p>

<h2>Method 4: Threaded Inserts (Metal and Plastic)</h2>

<p>Best for: a strong, permanent repair in metal, hard plastic, or load-bearing wood.</p>

<p>A threaded insert — such as a helical wire insert (commonly called by the brand name Heli-Coil) — restores machine threads better than the original.</p>

<ul>

<li>Drill the hole out to the size specified by the insert kit.</li>

<li>Tap new threads with the supplied tap.</li>

<li>Thread the insert in until it sits just below the surface.</li>

<li>Install your original screw or bolt into the new, stronger threads.</li>

</ul>

<p>⚠️ <strong>Match the insert to the original thread.</strong> The screw or bolt you reinstall must match the insert's internal thread pitch and diameter, not the drilled-out hole size.</p>

<h2>Method 5: Epoxy or Wood Filler</h2>

<p>Best for: low-load holes where you can't easily add inserts.</p>

<ul>

<li>Fill the hole with two-part epoxy (metal/plastic) or wood filler (wood).</li>

<li>For removable screws, wax the screw threads and set it in the wet filler so it forms a mold, then back it out before full cure.</li>

<li>For permanent screws, let it cure solid, drill a fresh pilot hole, and install.</li>

</ul>

<h2>Which Method Should You Use?</h2>

| Material | Quick Fix | Permanent Fix |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Softwood / particleboard | Toothpicks + glue | Dowel or larger screw |

| Hardwood | Larger screw | Dowel plug + new pilot |

| Metal | Larger machine screw | Threaded insert |

| Hard plastic | Epoxy | Threaded insert |

<h2>How to Avoid Stripping Holes Again</h2>

<ul>

<li>Drill a proper pilot hole sized for the screw's core diameter.</li>

<li>Don't over-tighten — stop as soon as the head seats.</li>

<li>Use a hand driver or a clutch-equipped drill on a low setting for the final turns.</li>

<li>For fasteners that come out often, install a threaded insert from the start.</li>

</ul>

<div class="bg-primary/5 border border-primary/20 rounded-xl p-5 my-6"><span class="block font-semibold text-gray-900 mb-1">Not sure what fastener you're dealing with?</span><span class="block mb-3">Matching the replacement screw or insert thread is half the battle. Snap a photo and our <a href="https://www.whatsizebolt.com/ai-bolt-identifier/"><strong>AI Bolt Identifier</strong></a> will identify the size, thread, and type in seconds.</span><span class="block"><a href="https://www.whatsizebolt.com/ai-bolt-identifier/"><strong>Identify your bolt with AI →</strong></a></span></div>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

<h3>Can you fix a stripped screw hole without filling it?</h3>

<p>Yes — going up a screw size is the fastest no-fill option, as long as a slightly larger fastener works for the part.</p>

<h3>What is the strongest stripped-hole repair?</h3>

<p>A threaded metal insert is the most durable fix. It restores full-strength machine threads and is rated for higher loads than the original material.</p>

<h3>Will wood glue alone fix a stripped hole?</h3>

<p>Glue alone rarely holds; it needs material to bind. Pair it with toothpicks, a dowel, or filler so the screw has fresh threads to bite into.</p>

<p>For more fixes to common fastener headaches, see our guide to <a href="/blog/common-fastener-problems-solutions">common fastener problems and how to fix them</a>.</p>