How to tricks of the trades: fill a screw hole

When you have to reposition a hinge or add a new hinge to an old door or door frame, you are sometimes faced with the awkward task of trying to screw in a screw right next to an old screw hole. The problem is that the old screw hole weakens the strength of the new screw position, making it almost impossible for the new screw to seat firmly. There is an old carpenter's trick for this situation, and it's easy to do.

Wooden golf tee
Knife
Carpenter's glue
Small hand saw
Hammer
Drill and assortment of small bits

Instructions

- 1
  Check the old screw hole to make sure the wood isn't rotten.
- 2
  Take the golf tee and see if it will fit in the old hole. If not, use the knife to whittle the tee down to fit the hole.
- 3
  Once the tee fits the hole, remove it from the hole and apply a liberal amount of carpenter's glue to the tee.
- 4
  Using a hammer, gently tap the tee into the hole until it seats.
- 5
  Using the small saw, cut the tee flush with the face of the wood.
- 6
  Let the glue dry for the recommended time.
- 7
  Drill a pilot hole for the new screw, and screw in the screw.

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Carpentry