How to Fix a Loose Wood Screw

Last Updated: November 3, 2021

You can repair loose screws in wooden objects (doors, drawers, toys, etc.) quickly and easily. You simply need to make the hole smaller so the screw can grip the wood. It's very easy to repair a hole with a tooth-pick. You only need: a screwdriver and toothpicks.

Steps

1
Remove the screw.
2
Insert a round or square tooth-pick all the way into the hole.
3
Bend the tooth-pick to mark the required length (don't break it yet).
4
Pull the tooth-pick out and now break it at the bend.
5
Replace the tooth-pick in the hole with the pointed end facing out.
6
Replace the screw and it should tighten up as if it was a new hole.
7
Repeat as needed. If the screw is still loose, repeat procedure with another tooth-pick.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I fix a bolt that has been threaded and come loose?

Community Answer

It's best to replace the bolt with a bigger bolt. No putty or epoxy will do a solid job. They're all some form of glue, and glue downright sucks without a mechanical fastener keeping everything from moving as much as possible. A glue-only repair is a temporary repair, so both glue and re-screw your chair even if there wasn't a screw somewhere loose in the first place (and don't forget to pre-drill for any screw additions).

Warnings

Don't fill the hole completely or the screw may not seat right, or--even worse--the wood may split when you replace the screw!

Thanks!
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