[darsunt]

I've heard that you can repair worn out screw holes for door hinges with wood dowels. Is this true, and do the repairs last? Also, would this repair work for repairing worn screw holes where the base material is compressed wood, for example the screws holding the door latch mechanism?

Thanks

 

[DexterII]

Yup, depending on the size of the hole that needs repair, a wood dowel, toothpick, or even something that you slice off a scrap piece of 1 by with your pocket knife. Butter it lightly with some carpenter's glue, and push it in place. Depending on where it is, maybe let it stick out a bit, then slice off the excess to leave a flat surface. For anything of significance, such as a hinge screw, I often use a serrated dowel, as the fit is tighter and the glue bonds better.

 

[WirelessG]

You can stuff a dowel or a thin splinter of wood in a hole to patch it if you use carpenter's glue. Try to get a reasonably tight fight - glue will fill up the voids. Let the glue set up and redrill. The repair will last. What do you mean by compressed wood? MDF?

 

[chrisBC]

Yep, i've had success doing this. I usually use golf tee's, just push them in and then snap off the end, with glue.

One thing I do as well is replace the screw with one that is a bit longer than the original as well, if possible. Just be careful not to pull the door frame out of whack.

 

[darsunt]

Thanks guys. Worn out screw holes have been my buggaboo when working with doors. I'll give the dowel trick a shot.
What I mean by compressed wood is door slabs, especially the door knob mechanism. There may be some wood on the edge but usually compressed wood inside.

 

[kwikfishron]

3/8” dowel, drill with a forstner bit for a clean hole. Save the toothpicks for your teeth.

 

[DangerMouse]

3/8” dowel, drill with a forstner bit for a clean hole. Save the toothpicks for your teeth.

Yup, carpenter's wood glue the dowel in flush, wait an hour then drill a pilot hole and remount the door.

DM

 

[jamalc6996]

Golf Tees work best. Stick the tee in the hole and then cut it flush with the door jam. Then just reinsert the screw.

 

[chrisBC]

Golf Tees work best. Stick the tee in the hole and then cut it flush with the door jam. Then just reinsert the screw.

Yep, old school trade secret:laughing: just don't be too tempted to go golfing instead of work..

the tapered shape works well for this application..

 

[darsunt]

Dangermouse, 1 hour is enough drying time? I was concerned I might have to leave it to dry overnight before drilling.

 

[DangerMouse]

Carpenter's wood glue sets tight in about a half hour, I said an hour just to be sure. Wait overnight if you want to be absolutely sure.

DM