The Genius Toilet Paper Hack That Makes Fixing A Loose Screw A Breeze

Nowadays, a stripped screw hole is rarely cause for concern given all the ingenious DIY hacks to resolve this problem. From using a wooden match to repair a loose screw to filling the hole with toothpicks, there are dozens of handy household items to give your screw a new substrate to grab onto when the hole widens and loses its threading. In essence, wood-based fill materials make a perfect solution as long as they can fit into the compromised screw hole. Being made of wood pulp, even paper products can work in a pinch. That means that when you're all out of toothpicks and matchsticks, there's at least one screw hole filler you're almost guaranteed to have on hand — toilet paper!

Toilet paper may seem flimsy, but filling a stripped screw hole with a square or two can be almost as dependable a fix as any alternative. The paper's fibers take the shape of the hole and mold easily around the screw threads, creating a malleable but tight and sturdy bridge between the screw and the surrounding material. TikTok user @ken.c.long gives us a quick run-through of how you can pack a wad of TP into your stripped screw hole and use adhesive to form a solid bond with the hole. You can even use the cardboard from an empty roll for this. The hole is fixed in a matter of minutes, allowing you to secure handles, hinges, brackets, and anything else sporting a loose screw.

For this hack to work, you need to grab a square of TP (or more for larger holes) and some glue. Cyanoacrylate glue (e.g. super glue) is a popular choice, but you can use wood glue or epoxy for reliable results. Put some glue inside the stripped screw hole. Plug it with toilet paper, and trim off any excess. Add a few drops of glue into the hole, and wait for the product to cure. When the glue has solidified, pre-drill a pilot hole to rest your screw, using a bit matching the width of the screw's shaft. You can then reattach your hinge, handle, or other loosened item and test the hold. The screw should hold tightly, but if not, repack the hole, and try again.

Toilet paper is a quick and simple screw hole fix in numerous places. But depending on where you use it, it may only be a temporary solution and possibly one to avoid. Toilet paper degrades quickly, breaking down in one to three years in nature. When it's exposed to water, it may dissolve within hours and weaken the screw's hold. Generally, it isn't a top choice for filling holes exposed to the elements and should rarely be considered a permanent fix anywhere. For a more durable hold, use wood like toothpicks, matches, or chopsticks to repair the screw hole. Still, while you likely have other options, toilet paper makes an easy solution for any stripped screw hole that needs a fast fix now.