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LeBout's avatar
LeBout
Explorer
Jun 05, 2019

Need solutions for reattaching Cover

I have a conundrum. I removed the outside cover to our TT heater so that I could repaint it, but when I went to put it back on I noticed two of the holes in the frame where the holding screws go in are broken and I'm not sure how to resolve the problem so that I can securely get the cover put back on.

As you can see in this picture, the inner frame is plastic and there are four holes in which screws go in to hold the outer cover on.



Now, in this close-up, you can see the broken hole were the screw normally goes in.



The PROBLEM is that the plastic is made in such a way that I cannot get my fingers BEHIND the screw hole.

Is there anything that I can do short of installing a new inner frame???

7 Replies

  • JB Weld also sells a JB Plastic Weld. I just used some on the back of my fenders that cracked. So far it's holding up.
  • I'd start with something simple...maybe shove a larger size of one of these in the hole and see if it will hold. ???
    There are tons of this type of "anchors" available.

  • You can buy a new Atwood 32611 plastic replacement for about $20-$25 or use larger sheetmetal screws.
  • I assume these are bolts, not screws? if so try those kits designed for drilling a pilot hole and a reversed drill ezout?
    bumpy
  • Liquid Nails? I've had some success with putting a gob of liquid nails in the hole, letting it setup, very carefully drilling a pilot hole, and turning the screw back into it. Not sure what the broken hole looks like so don't really know if its practical for this instance.
  • stuff some toothpicks coated with glue ( I like JB weld) in the holes.
    After it dries redrill the holes with the right sized bit. Start with small bit and work your way up.

    You can fix most any stripped hole like this.