Community Forums

Robmat · 06-30-2016, 04:53 PM

I was wondering if anyone has come up with a surefire way to fix loose screws in the fiberboard walls of an RV. I have a couple of screws that came out that were holding the curtains and also the screws to the passenger side sun shade are loose. I tighten them but it doesn't really help. I was thinking of using a plastic wall anchor to see it that would help. A friend suggested using tooth picks or match sticks in the holes next to the screws. This is something that happens often so I figure someone has found something that works all the time. Any suggestions . . .

Mr_D · 06-30-2016, 05:11 PM

Toothpicks or match sticks glued into the hole.

**CLIFFTALL** · 06-30-2016, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Tooth

I'll add picks

Mr_D · 06-30-2016, 05:14 PM

Sorry Cliff the computer hung up right in the middle of the response.

**CLIFFTALL** · 06-30-2016, 05:21 PM

I had a wooden boat many moons ago and it was held together with them

Bigd9 · 06-30-2016, 05:32 PM

In the thin plywood walls, I've been using Goop adhesive glue from Lowe's. I place a small amount into the hole and then spray the screw with silicon to keep the glue from sticking to the screw. As the screw enters the hole the Goop forms a great filler, spreads out behind the hole a bit and then bonds to the wood. It makes a great plug and reinforces the hole. I keep a small tube in my travel toolbox.

TeJay · 06-30-2016, 05:48 PM

The 5- minute epoxy also works as some added reinforcement to the plastic screw insert. Something to prevent the screw from sticking onto the epoxy is OK. I've never had any problems removing the screws after the epoxy has set.

Gluing tooth picks into a stripped hole works well if it's 1/2 to 3/4" thick. The thin 1/8" to 1/4" wall board does not have anything for the picks to stick to.

TeJay

**NLOVNIT** · 06-30-2016, 06:03 PM

X2 on Bigd9's suggestion. Screws that held our window lamborquins on in our hallway kept coming loose. I did the toothpicks & glue routine but they wouldn't stay. I just didn't think to put silicone on the screw. Needless to say, the screws haven't come out since....& probably never will.

Lori-

rkresge · 06-30-2016, 07:36 PM

In my previous TT I started putting short "molly" bolts in place of the screws, which became worthless the first time you unscrewed them. The molly bolts work great, with one caveat - the wallboard is so lightweight that you have to put a pliers on them to keep them from spinning until you get them tight.

The molly bolt will let you unscrew/re-screw almost forever.

Roger

Gordon Dewald · 06-30-2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Toothpicks or match sticks glued into the hole.

Yup - small pieces of wood with lots of white carpenters glue.

johnhicks · 06-30-2016, 09:41 PM

Toothpick or matchstems and epoxy will work fairly well.

TQ60 · 07-01-2016, 08:08 AM

They have a pliers like tool that pulls the screw out to set molly screws in place, picked up at an estate sale and handy for that kind of task.

Another method if it is a thin wall and needs to be strong is a wood dowel but this requires some work.

You also need the back wall too.

A Japanese flush saw is helpful too.

Here goes.
First use a small screwdriver to probe the hole to see what is behind it and target is a smooth firm surface (imagine a hollow door)

If there is something back there then you get a wood dowel about 3 X screw diameter and carefully drill the center for the screw and insert the mounting screw.

Do this first to insure correct hole site and easier while not in place.

Use screwdriver to determine length required then cut pin or dowel about 1/8 inch longer (to be sure)

Drill hole where screw goes for dowel only in front wall.

With screw in pin to hold it insert pin and test fit, remove and sand or file end until it fits flush.

Next optional is countersink the hole just a bit for glue or epoxy.

Tight bond good for this as is 5 minute epoxy.

Place glue on back and insert into hole to transfer to back wall then remove and repeat to get a good amount there.

Now coat rin of hole and pin and insert and hold in place until set.

Fill countersink with glue and wipe any drips.

Let cure fully and you are good.

Robmat · 07-01-2016, 04:59 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions - went to Home Depot today and purchased some quick drying stick to everything glue and some small plastic screw inserts. I think I am going to cut the sides of the inserts so they expands at the top easier rather just expand at the bottom (it might help in stopping them from spinning) and glue them in the holes. I will wait a day or so it dries hard and then re-screw the original screws.