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Screws and Screwdrivers
8 Ways to Fix a Screw That's Loose in the Hole (Wood or Metal) Download Article Home improvement specialist Gino Colucci & wikiHow staff explain how to repair stripped screw holes in different surfaces Co-authored by Gino Colucci and Luke Smith, MFA
Last Updated: November 11, 2025 Fact Checked
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Fixing Stripped Holes in Wood
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Fixing Stripped Holes in Metal
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This article was co-authored by Gino Colucci and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 464,563 times.
When a screw becomes loose in the hole, it's the result of the grooves, or threads, within the hole wearing down, making the hole unable to hold a screw. Luckily, there are a number of quick fixes. We'll show you how to repair wooden surfaces with toothpicks, wall plugs, and more, plus how to fix stripped metal holes, including how to use a tap-and-die or Helicoil.
Things You Should Know
Drive a wider and longer screw into the hole for the easiest fix that works on both wood and metal.
Insert wood glue-coated toothpicks into a wooden hole. Let the glue dry for 3 hours, then snap off the ends of the toothpicks and re-drill your screw.[1]XResearch source
Use auto-body filler on bigger holes in either metal or wood. Another option for metal is to re-thread the hole with a tap-and-die set.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Fixing Stripped Holes in Wood
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1 Drive a wider, longer screw into the hole. It's a dead-simple fix. Driving a larger screw widens the hole and carves new grooves, so there’s no prep work and no cleanup. But it doesn’t work in every situation, like when you need to use a particular kind of screw or when the project can’t accommodate larger screws. In those cases, it’s best to resort to filling the hole with another method.[2]XResearch source [3]XResearch source
This method also works with other surfaces, like metal or concrete.
2 Use wood glue and toothpicks to fill the hole, then re-drill it. It’s a handy carpenter’s trick that works on almost any wood surface.[4]XResearch source Just take a handful of toothpicks and, one at a time, dip them in wood glue and insert them into the hole until no more toothpicks can fit. Let the glue dry for 3-4 hours, then use a hammer to break off any extra material, and sand it down flat with 80-grit sandpaper. Viola! A brand-new surface to drill your screw into.[5]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
This also works with any thin wooden object, not just toothpicks. Use matches (with the flammable ends cut off), chopsticks, or even golf tees.
Similarly, coat a small dowel plug in wood glue and insert it into the hole, then wait for the glue to dry before re-drilling it.
Or, place the end of a cable tie (with the smooth tip cut off) into the hole, then screw in your screw and snip away the excess—no need for glue![6]XResearch source
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3 Use a stripped screw hole repair kit to make the hole like new. Screw hole repair kits come in all shapes and sizes, and pretty much all of them do the job just fine.[7]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview Perhaps the most common kits include metal meshes that you cut into strips and place into the hole, then drive your screw into.
Other kits provide wooden pieces that you glue into the hole, like the method above. Most follow the same basic idea of filling the hole, but be sure to read the instructions on the packaging before use.
4 Sink a plastic wall anchor into the hole for a quick, cheap fix. Measure the length of your screw with a tape measure, then select a wall anchor that approximately matches the screw’s length and the width of your hole. Then, insert the anchor into the hole (using a screwdriver or hammer to sink the plug completely). Finally, just re-drill your screw, and you’re good to go.[8]XResearch source
Wall anchors often come in tiered sizes that work with a number of screws.
If you’re buying anchors at a hardware store, bring the screw with you and ask someone for correctly sized plugs.
Some wall anchors can also be snapped or cut to match the length of the screw.
5 Fill the hole with auto body filler and re-drill the screw. First, make the hole larger by boring into it with a power drill equipped with the next largest bit. Then, mix auto body filler according to the instructions on the packaging. Once mixed, use a flat paint mixer to scoop the filler into the hole, plugging it completely. Spray some WD-40 onto the screw, then twist the screw into the hole with the wet filler. Let the filler dry for 5 minutes, then remove the screw. Let the filler cure overnight, and sand down the excess filler. Finally, turn your screw into the new hole.[9]XResearch source
Auto body filler usually consists of 2 solutions that, when mixed, form a quick-drying, sturdy paste that’s perfect for filling stripped screw holes.
This method also works on metal surfaces and is especially handy on large holes where other methods might not work as well.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Fixing Stripped Holes in Metal
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1 Place a threaded metal insert into the hole to hold the screw. First, consult your screw’s packaging to find its diameter and threads per inch. Then, select a corresponding threaded metal insert from your kit. Use a drill bit to bore a hole slightly larger than the stripped hole (your kit comes with a handy chart that indicates the proper size). Twist the included tap into the fresh hole with a socket wrench to make new threads, then turn the threaded insert into the hole with the provided tool. Finally, turn your screw into the re-threaded hole.[10]XResearch source
Threaded metal inserts come in a number of designs, and often come with included instructions and specialized tools. Follow the instructions included in your kit carefully.
2 Use a tap-and-die set to create new threads in the metal. Metalworkers typically use a tap to create screw threads in metal surfaces, and it works for fixing a stripped hole, too. First, select a larger screw than you were using, and consult its packaging to find its diameter and threads per inch, then select a tap that matches these. Then, drill a fresh hole into the stripped hole that’s one size smaller than your screw. Finally, thread the hole by twisting your tap into it, applying slight pressure toward the hole. Then simply turn your screw into your new hole.[11]XResearch source
Note that for best results, many metalworkers use a drill press to drive the tap, which is a specialized bit of machinery. But for thin or soft metal, you can use hand tools included with your tap and die set.
3 Place a Helicoil insert into the hole to create new threads. A Helicoil insert is similar to a threaded metal insert, but is more durable and has a smaller footprint. First, drill a new hole one size larger than the old, threaded hole. Then, use the tap included in your Helicoil kit to make new threads for the hole. After, insert the Helicoil with the specialized, included tool, and break off the small metal tab at the bottom of the Helicoil with that same tool. Finally, twist your screw into the newly prepared hole.[12]XResearch source
Helicoils are useful for minimizing the size of the repaired hole while still using the original-sized threads, without any special measurements.
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Expert Q&A
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Question What do you do when a screw hole is stripped? Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist Expert Answer An old-school trick is to use wood glue and toothpicks to fill the hole. Now, you can get a strong wood epoxy or use threaded inserts. You can also buy repair kits to fix stripped screw holes. All of these methods will work well. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
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Tips
Before you repair the hole, remove the stripped screw by covering its head with a rubber band or duct tape, then twisting it out with a screwdriver.[13]X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement SpecialistExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You’ll Need
Stripped Wooden Holes
Toothpicks
Wood glue
80-grit sandpaper
Screw hole repair kits
Wall anchor
Auto body filler
WD-40
Power drill
Stripped Metal Holes
Threaded metal insert kit
Tap and die kit
Helicoil insert kit
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↑ Gino Colucci. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Gino Colucci and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. This article has been viewed 464,563 times. 7 votes - 54% Co-authors: 26Updated: November 11, 2025 Views: 464,563 Categories: Screws and ScrewdriversArticle SummaryX
To fix a stripped screw hole, start by inserting as many toothpicks as you can into the hole. Once you know how many toothpicks will fit snugly, pull the toothpicks out and squeeze 2-3 drops of wood glue on the ends. Then, use a cotton swab to spread the glue down the length of each toothpick. Next, insert the toothpicks into the hole and tap the ends with a hammer to push them as deep as they'll go. If the ends are still exposed, use your fingers or the hammer to snap off the excess. Finally, give the wood glue 1 hour to dry before reinserting the screw back into the hole with a screwdriver or drill. For tips on fixing a larger hole with automotive filler, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Download Article Home improvement specialist Gino Colucci & wikiHow staff explain how to repair stripped screw holes in different surfaces Co-authored by Gino Colucci and Luke Smith, MFA 
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Co-authored by: Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Gino Colucci and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. This article has been viewed 464,563 times. 7 votes - 54% Co-authors: 26 Updated: November 11, 2025 Views: 464,563 Categories: Screws and Screwdrivers Article SummaryX
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1 Drive a wider, longer screw into the hole. It's a dead-simple fix. Driving a larger screw widens the hole and carves new grooves, so there’s no prep work and no cleanup. But it doesn’t work in every situation, like when you need to use a particular kind of screw or when the project can’t accommodate larger screws. In those cases, it’s best to resort to filling the hole with another method.[2] [3] 
2 Use wood glue and toothpicks to fill the hole, then re-drill it. It’s a handy carpenter’s trick that works on almost any wood surface.[4] Just take a handful of toothpicks and, one at a time, dip them in wood glue and insert them into the hole until no more toothpicks can fit. Let the glue dry for 3-4 hours, then use a hammer to break off any extra material, and sand it down flat with 80-grit sandpaper. Viola! A brand-new surface to drill your screw into.[5] 
3 Use a stripped screw hole repair kit to make the hole like new. Screw hole repair kits come in all shapes and sizes, and pretty much all of them do the job just fine.[7] Perhaps the most common kits include metal meshes that you cut into strips and place into the hole, then drive your screw into. 
4 Sink a plastic wall anchor into the hole for a quick, cheap fix. Measure the length of your screw with a tape measure, then select a wall anchor that approximately matches the screw’s length and the width of your hole. Then, insert the anchor into the hole (using a screwdriver or hammer to sink the plug completely). Finally, just re-drill your screw, and you’re good to go.[8] 
5 Fill the hole with auto body filler and re-drill the screw. First, make the hole larger by boring into it with a power drill equipped with the next largest bit. Then, mix auto body filler according to the instructions on the packaging. Once mixed, use a flat paint mixer to scoop the filler into the hole, plugging it completely. Spray some WD-40 onto the screw, then twist the screw into the hole with the wet filler. Let the filler dry for 5 minutes, then remove the screw. Let the filler cure overnight, and sand down the excess filler. Finally, turn your screw into the new hole.[9] 
1 Place a threaded metal insert into the hole to hold the screw. First, consult your screw’s packaging to find its diameter and threads per inch. Then, select a corresponding threaded metal insert from your kit. Use a drill bit to bore a hole slightly larger than the stripped hole (your kit comes with a handy chart that indicates the proper size). Twist the included tap into the fresh hole with a socket wrench to make new threads, then turn the threaded insert into the hole with the provided tool. Finally, turn your screw into the re-threaded hole.[10] 
2 Use a tap-and-die set to create new threads in the metal. Metalworkers typically use a tap to create screw threads in metal surfaces, and it works for fixing a stripped hole, too. First, select a larger screw than you were using, and consult its packaging to find its diameter and threads per inch, then select a tap that matches these. Then, drill a fresh hole into the stripped hole that’s one size smaller than your screw. Finally, thread the hole by twisting your tap into it, applying slight pressure toward the hole. Then simply turn your screw into your new hole.[11] 
3 Place a Helicoil insert into the hole to create new threads. A Helicoil insert is similar to a threaded metal insert, but is more durable and has a smaller footprint. First, drill a new hole one size larger than the old, threaded hole. Then, use the tap included in your Helicoil kit to make new threads for the hole. After, insert the Helicoil with the specialized, included tool, and break off the small metal tab at the bottom of the Helicoil with that same tool. Finally, twist your screw into the newly prepared hole.[12] 
Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check. 