Screw Hole Too Big

[wsac5er]

Just replaced an outside marker light, but the screw was not able to grab (because the hole was too big).

What is the best way to repair this?

Thank you.

[Harvard]

These things (the metal variety, not the plastic ones) work great IF it is a very thin thickness BUT having the depth available for the full length.

Screw Anchors

[peaches_cream]

wsac5er wrote:
Just replaced an outside marker light, but the screw was not able to grab (because the hole was too big).

What is the best way to repair this?

Thank you.

Bigger screw :S

[RoadAbode]

wolfe10 wrote:
If wood, a common fix (assuming just wallowed out, not rotted out)is to insert a couple of wood matches (sans head) into the hole. Be sure to put some sealer on the screw threads before threading it in.

I've also used toothpicks in the same manner. My dad taught me that!

[fla-gypsy]

wolfe10 wrote:
If wood, a common fix (assuming just wallowed out, not rotted out)is to insert a couple of wood matches (sans head) into the hole. Be sure to put some sealer on the screw threads before threading it in.

Works!

[CJW8]

Break off one or two wooden match sticks flush on the hole coat them with wood glue. Reinstall the original screw. Replace screw if rusted. I have fixed many a wooden hole with this method.

[turbojimmy]

Short answer: bigger screw if the housing will allow it. Or make a new hole at an opposite corner of the lamp with the original screw. The answer depends on the design of the replacement lamp.

My 30-year-old motorhome had quite a variety of clearance lights and mounting strategies employed over the years. I installed all new LEDs. I could get away with a bigger screw where required with most of them, but I had to be careful because there was a tang through one mounting holes for the ground. Too big of a screw and it tore the tang off, which led to profanity and soldering (see what I did there? LED...led).

[wolfe10]

If wood, a common fix (assuming just wallowed out, not rotted out)is to insert a couple of wood matches (sans head) into the hole. Be sure to put some sealer on the screw threads before threading it in.

[Bumpyroad]

if wood, glue in a short piece of dowel
bumpy

[wsac5er]

I'm only guessing, but it seems like it is trying to grab into something of the wood variety.....underneath the composite (not aluminum).

[geotex1]

There are many ways to skin the cat here with the obvious being can you use a larger screw - say move up from a #8 to a #10. So beyond the obvious there, what's your marker mounted to? For instance, aluminum siding or composite wall camper?