screws on gas spring stripped

[EgorKC]

Our outdoor kitchen door is held open by 2 60 lb. gas springs from the factory (2012 unit). When I opened it this weekend one of the 2 came off where it attaches to the door panel (the wood under the panel liner does not seem damp or crumbling due to wetness). I tried gluing a couple toothpicks into the holes, allowing to dry over night and reinstalling screws. They came out after 1st use. I will likely try that approach 1 more time using a better glue and wood however the chance of that working is slim. I can make a larger plate to rivet the bracket to and screw that in and have read other forums where that worked. Does anyone have other options besides a thru bolt which is unsightly.
Thanks for your insight.
Greg

[EgorKC]

IBcarguy wrote:
Make sure the gas support isn't bent or binding. If it binds up it'll tear the screws out when opening the door.

I'm replacing both gas shocks since they are 5+ years old and get lots of use.

[IBcarguy]

Make sure the gas support isn't bent or binding. If it binds up it'll tear the screws out when opening the door.

[EgorKC]

Thanks all. I think I'll try the larger screw and then move to epoxy option if need. That will still leave the larger plate as a 3rd option.
I really appreciate the experienced answers.
Greg

[mhardin]

This is a job for an epoxy glue, not your regular wood glues. Try filling the hole with epoxy, then add toothpicks or matchsticks. Wait for the filled hole to harden. Re-drill the holes slightly smaller than the screws, fill the new holes with epoxy, replace the screws and wait for the epoxy to setup. I've done this with awning brackets with good results.

[WILDEBILL308]

EgorKC wrote:

WILDEBILL308 wrote:
I would try the next size (in diameter) screw and see if it will hold.
Bill

Thanks Bill. I am familiar with that option as I have been in the fastener biz for 28 years. The reason I am reluctant is the base wood they use in these doors is so poor that I fear it stripped to a point I would need to go 2 sizes up and that would require drilling the bracket. That bracket is already small as it is. Attaching to a larger plate and using more screws mighty be the option I have to go with.

I would try using the larger screw then if it doesn't hold go with the wooden dowel repair. I have done this. Use a hardwood dowel. they have some for pegging boards together that have grooves in them to hold the glue.
I repaired the holes in the bottom of the table where the leg attaches using epoxy glue to fill the old holes and re drill a pilot hole for the screw. It was almost a taped hole and still holding.

[Vvvv1010]

Google "J-B Weld" products for wood. This is a filler and epoxy that can be used on your outdoor counter top. Available at Wal-Mart. Mix the two tubes together fill the screw holes and let cure for a few days. Drill holes with a small bit and then hand screw hardware and reattach the arms.

[Walaby]

Could be a problem with 60lb gas springs I reckon. I can't speak first hand in this application, but should be worth a shot. Let it set up overnight before you try it.

Mike

[EgorKC]

Walaby wrote:
Or, consider drilling a slightly larger hole, and try gluing a wooden dowel into the hole... trim it flush. A bit more wood for the screw to bite.

Mike

Thanks Mike. Saw that approach in my research and it is the best option without adding a larger plate. Might try it but the dowel wood is so much denser I wonder if the plug would pull out with the screw. Titebond and Gorilla Glue are both great but only as strong as the base wood they stick to. Do you have any experience with that working in plywood or chipboard?
Greg

[EgorKC]

WILDEBILL308 wrote:
I would try the next size (in diameter) screw and see if it will hold.
Bill

Thanks Bill. I am familiar with that option as I have been in the fastener biz for 28 years. The reason I am reluctant is the base wood they use in these doors is so poor that I fear it stripped to a point I would need to go 2 sizes up and that would require drilling the bracket. That bracket is already small as it is. Attaching to a larger plate and using more screws mighty be the option I have to go with.

[Walaby]

Or, consider drilling a slightly larger hole, and try gluing a wooden dowel into the hole... trim it flush. A bit more wood for the screw to bite.

Mike

[WILDEBILL308]

I would try the next size (in diameter) screw and see if it will hold.
Bill