A Hot Glue Gun Is The Secret To Fixing A Stripped Screw Hole

It's one of those days ... Whether you're feeling a little clumsy, unfocused, or just plain unlucky, everything is bound to screw up in some way. It's kind of like that stripped screw hole that has finally come back to haunt you. It's okay, though, don't fret or even sweat trying to find a way around this problem because a hot glue gun trick is the secret to fixing a stripped screw hole. It's quick and easy, and you won't have to use any wood filler or putty; that's right, all you need is some dollar-store glue.

Before we break down this secret, it's important to understand what exactly is a stripped screw hole. In short, a stripped screw hole occurs when the thread inside the hole becomes worn and no longer holds its shape or pattern. This typically happens because of over-tightening, wear and tear, poor-quality materials, or all of the above. As you may have already experienced, this essentially results in a useless screw that can no longer hold securely. The problem is widespread and can be costly and time-consuming to repair. However, a straightforward and economical solution is now available at our fingertips — and it requires nothing more than a hot glue gun and a few minutes of your time.

Let's begin! No matter if you're dealing with wood or metal, this trick will help you finally move on to the next step of your project. First, apply hot glue inside the stripped screw hole; ensure the glue is inserted deep enough to fill the hole completely. Step two, let the glue dry. This can usually take a few minutes, depending on the glue and the size of the hole. Once the glue has hardened, drill a pilot hole with a ⅛-inch bit, then it's time to finish it. Lastly, just line up your screw onto the hole and drill it in as if the hole were never stripped in the first place. The glue and small new pilot thread will help the screw catch, effectively re-threading the hole and fitting securely. 

This technique, while seemingly simple, is quite useful in a variety of scenarios. Think about it; now you know how to create your own threaded hole despite the material you may be working with. Simply put, the hot glue adheres to the material around the hole, forming a new, sturdy base for the screw. It also provides the added benefit of being easy to reverse; if you make a mistake, you can heat the glue again and remove it.

While not suitable for every type of material or high-load bearing use, this hot glue gun technique has proven itself to be highly effective for general household repairs. For example, let's say it's a stripped screw, not the hole: fill the drive with glue, press your driver onto it, let it harden, and unscrew it. It can even stick down peeling wallpaper and repair furniture. A hot glue gun is an essential item to have around the house and can be found at the dollar store or Amazon.

However, before you decide to experiment with any tricks, it's imperative to be mindful of safety. Depending on the type of glue gun you're using, different safety measures must be taken into account, so be sure to read the manufacturer's safety directions before use. To prevent electric shock, skin burns, and eye injuries: first, see that the glue gun and cord are not damaged or worn out in any way. If either is, do not use it. Second, if all is clear, plug it in and see that the on and off button or light is working. Lastly, like with most hazardous tools, please wear safety gloves and goggles and glue away from yourself with this new technique. There is a reason for its rapid spread on social media DIY communities as the power of simple at-home solutions serves as a reminder that sometimes, the tools for the next great fix are already in our toolbox.