Forum Discussion

lenr's avatar
lenr
Explorer III
Jun 10, 2021

Screws backing out

The screws in the trim strip at the top of the sides of our trailer are backing out. The strip covers the rubber roof where it wraps around the edge and reaches down the side about 2". I presume that these screws go into wood roof framing. Some screws are actually pushing the plastic covering strip out of place. I found about half of them stripped such that they're hardly holding themselves in. What material could I squirt into the holes before putting the screw back in that would help hold them in place?
  • monkey44's avatar
    monkey44
    Nomad II
    Jun 11, 2021
    All three above ... stick glue and toothpicks, let dry completely. Then a slightly larger screw. Be careful the screw is one size fatter but not longer.

    Another method. IF easy access, remove screw, drill slightly larger hole, then glue and punch in a hardwood dowel - a tight fit. Then drill pilot hole and a new screw.
  • Seon's avatar
    Seon
    Explorer II
    Jun 11, 2021
    3m 5200 and the screw will be in there forever.
  • lenr's avatar
    lenr
    Explorer III
    Jun 11, 2021
    Wood glue?
    Thought about Hard as nails, but wondered if it would be too hard, especially if the screws needed to be removed someday. Also, though of silicone, except maybe it's too soft. I haven't had time to check out larger screws. Toothpicks were suggested by my wood worker son, but I've probably got a hundred screws to strengthen--that's a lot of toothpicks!
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 11, 2021
    Glue and toothpicks have been serving me well for many years.
  • monkey44's avatar
    monkey44
    Nomad II
    Jun 11, 2021
    Yup, lots of toothpicks. But: Like the clique says -- Take your time and do it right once. Or, hurry and do it twice.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jun 11, 2021
    If you replace the screws, give strong consideration to using stainless ones.
  • BobsYourUncle's avatar
    BobsYourUncle
    Nomad
    Jun 11, 2021
    Further to the good advice above, I would ask why they are coming out, and why they are stripped. That could be a red flag.

    Pull a few right out and look at the threads. They should be clean and metal color.
    But if they are blackened or rusty, you have a water leak problem. The screws are coming out because the wood is wet and rotting and no longer holds the screw.

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