fixing a stripped out knob

[sw1]

I have recently begin given the task to fix a knob on the in-laws "antique" dresser. The knob is stripped out and will no longer hold the original screw. The knob is wood and I am trying to come up with a plan that will hold the original screw because I fear of cracking the knob with drilling etc.

Any idears???

Shawn

[Ben H]

Grab a few toothpicks, or maybe just one. Dab a little glue in the hole of the knob and start putting toothpicks in the hole. I'm sure it won't take more than 2 or so. You are not trying to fill the hole completely, just make it smaller. Let it dry and cut the toothpicks off flush. Re-install as normal. It will hold tight.

On a side note, this process also works great for door hinge screws as well.

[rob45]

Like Ben said, toothpicks work well. So do matchsticks for the bigger holes.

The goal is to put only enough in the hole to give the screw threads something new to grab; if you fill the hole too much, the new wood will completely compress and then place excessive radial pressure on your knob- then you have to worry about cracking.

[GaryCN]

I have recently begin given the task to fix a knob on the in-laws "antique" dresser. The knob is stripped out and will no longer hold the original screw. The knob is wood and I am trying to come up with a plan that will hold the original screw because I fear of cracking the knob with drilling etc.

Any idears???

Shawn

I have used CA glue with success 2P10 Thick to fill hole spray screw with activator and press on. dries in 30 seconds.

[Vic]

Go to your local Ace Hardware, etc and get some of this http://www.acehardware.com/largeImage/index.jsp?LargeImageURL=http://ACE.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE1-1145443dt.jpg I use bamboo skewers shove a little in and set the screw lightly. When it's set up, you can tighten it.

[georgewoodie]

I would not be afraid to drill the knob for repair.

To start with, the knob is unacceptable so what is there to loose?

Using a drill press for true 90º application, I would first drill a shallow hole into a softer scrap of wood, about 3/4 of the knob diameter. This will be the seat to hold the knob. Then I would progressively drill the hole larger and larger starting quite small and not skipping any drill sizes.

Once I have reached 1/4 inch hole, I would glue in a 1/4 inch dowel. When that glue has set, cut off the excess dowel and drill for screw size. Dowels are generally hard wood so it will give a good lifespan and you will have a good and true hole to retain the screw.

Woodie

[Jim Rimmer]

+1 on the toothpicks or matchstick solution. CA or epoxy will prevent any future repairs. I used the drillout repair on a cabinet door I accidentally drilled the countersink all the way through. Sized it for a dowel, glued in the dowel, drilled the screw hole, and fortunately the knob base covered the repair.