How to Fix a Door When the Screws Have Worn Away at Its Holes (Stripped Screw Hole Fix)

A stripped screw hole in a door frame or hinge is one of the most common issues homeowners face when it comes to wear and tear. Over time, screws loosen and spin in place, causing doors to sag, misalign, or refuse to close properly.

The good news? A stripped screw hole doesn’t mean you need to replace your door or frame. With just a few basic materials and a little time, you can easily fix it yourself. This blog post will walk you through the best DIY methods to repair stripped screw holes and restore your door’s stability.

1. Use Wooden Toothpicks or Matchsticks

This simple trick can effectively repair a stripped screw hole when it’s just slightly worn:

• Remove the screw and hinge.

• Add wood glue into the hole.

• Insert wooden toothpicks or matchsticks.

• Snap them off flush.

• Let it dry, then screw back in.

This adds enough support to make the screw hold tightly again.

2. Plug the Hole with a Wooden Dowel

When the stripped screw hole is too wide for toothpicks:

• Drill the hole slightly larger and uniform.

• Cut a wooden dowel to size.

• Coat with wood glue and tap into the hole.

• Let dry fully.

• Drill a pilot hole and insert the screw.

The dowel method creates a strong new anchor point.

3. Use a Bigger Screw

If the stripped screw hole is only slightly damaged, a larger screw may work:

• Use a thicker or longer screw to reach deeper wood.

• Avoid overtightening to prevent more stripping.

• Test the door’s movement afterward.

This is the quickest solution, though it may not be suitable for all door frames.

4. Apply Epoxy Wood Filler

For durable repairs on a completely stripped screw hole:

• Mix and apply epoxy into the hole.

• Allow to harden as per instructions.

• Drill a pilot hole and replace the screw.

Epoxy bonds well with wood and creates long-lasting support.
Read more about the best wood fillers at: Popular Mechanics – Best Wood Fillers

5. Install a Metal Thread Insert

If your stripped screw hole keeps failing, try a thread insert:

• Drill out the hole to fit the insert.

• Install a metal helicoil or threaded sleeve.

• Screw into the metal thread for strong grip.

This option is great for repeated use and high-stress points like entry doors.

6. Relocate the Hinge Slightly

If the stripped screw hole area is completely unusable:

• Mark a new hinge position slightly above or below.

• Chisel a new mortise.

• Drill pilot holes and screw in the hinge.

• Fill old holes with wood filler or dowels.

This gives the screw fresh, undamaged wood to hold onto.

7. Reinforce with a Backer Plate

For damaged door frames with persistent stripped screw hole issues:

• Add a metal or wood plate on the back side.

• Drive screws through hinge, frame, and plate.

• This ensures long-term stability and grip.

You can explore repair plates and hardware here: Home Depot – Door Hinges

Conclusion

Fixing a stripped screw hole may seem daunting, but it’s a problem you can solve with a few common materials and basic tools. Whether you choose the toothpick trick, a dowel, or a more advanced thread insert, you’ll be able to secure your door and restore smooth operation.

Always test the door after each fix to ensure it aligns and swings properly.