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Lunabell

(6,810 posts)
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 06:38 AM Aug 2023

I need help with a door.

The screws in the hinges have come loose and the door is dragging on the ground. The screw holes are stripped and I need to know the best way to fill them so the screws will hold. Do I need a specific epoxy and use toothpicks like some internet sites suggested? Please help and talk to me like I'm a 5th grader so I can understand.

Thank you! 😊

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Rorey

(8,513 posts)
1. Is it a hollow door or a solid core door?
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 06:42 AM
Aug 2023

I've always used the toothpicks with glue method, but never with something heavier than a cabinet door. I'm not sure it would hold a heavy door.

marble falls

(62,043 posts)
3. You could drill it out and glue in a piece of dowell rod. If you have faith in your skills, you ...
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 06:45 AM
Aug 2023

... could move the hinge up or down an inch. If the jamb is dry rotted, you could replace the jamb. You could also add another hinge between the the hinges.

marble falls

(62,043 posts)
10. It is the best. But I have a chisel and I'd move the hinge and probably add the third hinge ...
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 07:08 AM
Aug 2023

... and I'd catch the kid who's riding that door!

Lunabell

(6,810 posts)
11. Lol, just a misused door. No kids in this house.
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 07:20 AM
Aug 2023

And it's just builder grade. A cheapo door to begin with. There are a few in my house that need some TLC, but this one is really dragging. Thanks for the help, I can do this.

bucolic_frolic

(46,970 posts)
5. You're on the right track
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 06:54 AM
Aug 2023

Depends on how heavy the door? Is it an exterior door that needs to be fixed on the fly?

There are epoxies that drill just like wood. There are slow dry, and quick dry epoxies. Some you mix from 2 tubes, some you cut off a piece that has an outer layer and a core, and knead it.

I occasionally use exterior TiteBond III glue mixed with wood chips to fill a hole, but epoxy and wood is probably better.

I think you need thin dowels, like 1/8" or so because they're good wood. Toothpicks today can be bamboo, which would not be my favorite wood for glue or epoxy because it's not very porous.

I think you have 2 choices. Epoxy and wood and let it dry, then redrill to accept screws, or pack with epoxy and wood and tighten all in one throw. But you would need to prop up the door to relieve the weight until the epoxy hardens.

If they make a quick dry epoxy that might be best. Mix, pack the hole with wood and epoxy and tighten soon after.

Lunabell

(6,810 posts)
6. Sounds like the plan.
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 06:56 AM
Aug 2023

Is JB weld epoxy good? I'm going to try to do it this weekend. Thanks for your help.

bucolic_frolic

(46,970 posts)
9. Yes, JB Weld is good, and other brands might be hard to find
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 07:00 AM
Aug 2023

I've also used PCWoody, but it took several days to dry.

Lowes, Depot, or Harbor Freight will have a selection of epoxies.

gibraltar72

(7,629 posts)
12. a new trick I've found successful
Fri Aug 25, 2023, 07:48 AM
Aug 2023

is to put a plastic zip tie in the hole. I've used this simple fix several times with good results. Put zip tie in hole start screw cut zip tie then tighten screw. On really bad holes I have used two zip ties.

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