If you’ve ever tried to put a screw into a hole that’s too big, you know it can be a frustrating experience. But don’t despair – there is a way to fix it! With a little bit of ingenuity and some basic supplies, you can make that hole just the right size for your screw. Here’s how:
Using Matches or Toothpicks
If the screw hole is just slightly too big, you can try filling it with matches or toothpicks. First, break the matchsticks so that they will fit into the hole snugly. If using toothpicks, you may need to trim them down a bit so that they fit well. Fill the hole with the sticks, leaving a little bit sticking out so that you can grab hold of it. Once the hole is filled, take a hammer and tap the sticks until they are flush with the surface. You should then be able to screw in your screw and have it stay put.
Using Larger Anchors and Oversize Screws
Fixing a loose screw in a wall anchor is usually a simple matter of driving in a larger screw or using an anchor that’s slightly larger than the original. If the original anchor was properly installed and the plaster or drywall around it is sound, you shouldn’t have any trouble doing this.
Inserting rawl plugs
If the screw hole is too big, then you can use a rawl plug. Rawl plugs are used to secure screws in areas where the hole is too big. To insert a rawl plug, first, take the rawl plug and insert it into the hole. Next, use a hammer to tap the rawl plug into the hole until it is flush with the surface. Finally, screw the screw into the rawl plug.
Inserting wooden dowels
If the diameter of the new screw is smaller than the diameter of the old screw, you can simply insert a dowel into the hole, then re-screw. This will work with both wood and metal screws. If you’re using a wooden dowel, you may want to use some wood glue to help keep it in place. For a metal dowel, you can use a spot of welding adhesive.
Inserting golf tees
If the screws are bigger than the original holes, you can try inserting golf tees into the holes. First, use a hammer to tap the tees into the drywall until they’re flush with the surface. Then, use a drill to screw through the tees and into the studs.
Inserting nylon cable ties
If your screw hole is too big, try inserting nylon cable ties. Just cut off the end of the tie, insert it into the hole, and then use a hammer to tap it in until it’s flush with the surface. Then, simply screw your screw into the nylon cable tie. The nylon will create a tight fit and prevent the screw from pulling out.
Filling the hole with a mix of toilet paper and wood glue
If the hole is too big, you can try filling it with a mix of toilet paper and wood glue. Mix the toilet paper with the wood glue until it forms a thick paste. Then, use your finger to apply the paste into the hole. Once the hole is filled, use a putty knife to smooth out the surface. Allow the repair to dry for 24 hours before sanding it down and painting or staining it.
Using a drywall repair kit
If you have a screw hole that is too big, you can use a drywall repair kit to fix it. These kits come with a putty that you can use to fill in the hole and then sand down to create a smooth surface.
Filling the hole with an epoxy putty
Filling the hole with epoxy putty is one way to fix a screw hole that is too big. First, clean out the hole with a wire brush or sandpaper. Next, mix the epoxy putty according to the package directions. Once it is mixed, push it into the hole and smooth it out so that it is level with the surface around it. Allow the putty to dry completely before proceeding.
Relocating the hole
If your screw hole is too big, you may be able to fix it by relocating the hole. This means drilling a new, smaller hole next to the original one. You can then insert a screw into the new hole, which should be a tight fit.
