The claim
Stuff wooden toothpicks into a stripped screw hole and drive the screw back in. It grips like new.
What actually happens
It works, and adding wood glue is what makes it last. A stripped hole is worn too big, like a jar lid that won't grip anymore. Toothpicks fill the gap with fresh wood for the screw threads to bite into. The glue locks those toothpicks to the wood around them so they don't slide out when the door swings. Without glue, the fix often loosens again in a few weeks.
Hinge screws and cabinet screws in solid wood. It holds poorly in particleboard, which crumbles instead of gripping.
How to do it right
- 1
Take out the loose screw.
- 2
Dip 3 or 4 wooden toothpicks in wood glue.
- 3
Push them into the hole as far as they'll go, adding more until it's packed tight.
- 4
Wait about 1 hour for the glue to set, or overnight for a heavy door.
- 5
Snap or cut the toothpicks flush with the surface.
- 6
Drill a small starter hole, called a pilot hole, in the center with a 1/16 in bit.
- 7
Drive the screw back in and stop when it feels snug.
Questions
Can I drive the screw in right away?
You can, but it holds better if the glue sets first. Give it about an hour, or overnight for a heavy door.
What if the hole is really chewed up?
Use a hardwood dowel instead. Drill the hole out to fit a 1/4 in dowel and glue the dowel in. Let it dry, trim it flush and drill a new starter hole.
Does this work on particleboard cabinets?
Not well. Particleboard crumbles around the toothpicks. A longer screw into fresh material, or a repair kit made for particleboard, usually does better.
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