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Old 03-10-2021, 08:48 PM   #1
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What do you do when a screw is loose?

Hi,

I took out the outside bracket of the shower and when I try to put it back in I notice two of the screw cannot screw in tight. it just keep on turning. Anything to add to it so I can make it tight again?

thank you
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Old 03-10-2021, 09:11 PM   #2
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Sometimes you can put some wood glue in the hole then tap 2 or 3 toothpicks into the hole, cut them off flush with the surface and then put the screw back in. It depends on what material you are screwing into because if it is a thin panel or fiberglass sheet this won’t work but a thin panel or sheet shouldn’t have screws in it in the first place.


When I read the thread title my first thought was “I have had a screw loose for years and it just adds to the fun I have”.
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Old 03-10-2021, 09:12 PM   #3
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Hi,

I took out the outside bracket of the shower and when I try to put it back in I notice two of the screw cannot screw in tight. it just keep on turning. Anything to add to it so I can make it tight again?

thank you
Click on the #6 and see what you think about this idea.
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Old 03-10-2021, 09:44 PM   #4
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Sometimes you can put some wood glue in the hole then tap 2 or 3 toothpicks into the hole, cut them off flush with the surface and then put the screw back in. It depends on what material you are screwing into because if it is a thin panel or fiberglass sheet this won’t work but a thin panel or sheet shouldn’t have screws in it in the first place.


When I read the thread title my first thought was “I have had a screw loose for years and it just adds to the fun I have”.
thank you.. this is one method to try. I'll try that and see how it goes. This is the screw on the outside of the trailer. I think its a fiberglass sheet. Do they make anything like for drywall at home where you put in that plastic stuff and screw in the screw?

Something like that for the trailer? or it will not work?
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Old 03-11-2021, 01:37 PM   #5
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You may need a larger diameter screw.
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Old 03-11-2021, 01:42 PM   #6
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When I read the thread title my first thought was “I have had a screw loose for years and it just adds to the fun I have”.
My first thought just reading the title was.... "Tighten it...."
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Old 03-11-2021, 01:46 PM   #7
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toothpicks work for me.
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Old 03-11-2021, 01:51 PM   #8
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I am thinking there might be a nut with little flanges that allow it to grip the inside wall keeping it from spinning... in that case, once you get the bolt in the nut head, use a flat head screw driver to apply some outward pressure on the bolt forcing the flanged nut head to grip onto the wall while also spinning the bolt into the nut... sounds more complicated then actually doing it.

YOUR Original post says you are tightening a screw ( tapered), but is it actually a bolt ( no taper)? Then what I wrote might work... otherwise forget it if it is actually a screw-head.
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Old 03-11-2021, 02:01 PM   #9
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The toothpick trick works well when going into wood, but in plastic or fiberglass-not so much, There are a variety of drywall screw anchors that would better fit the bill. They are also weather resistant.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=drywall+s...27&ref=sr_pg_1
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Old 03-11-2021, 02:40 PM   #10
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My DW has said I’ve had a screw loose for years, I just go have another beer! LOL
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Old 03-11-2021, 03:08 PM   #11
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My DW has said I’ve had a screw loose for years, I just go have another beer! LOL
How many beers does it take to disguise the wobble caused by a loose screw?
My DW says I'm nuts, the bolts have been missing for as long as we've known each other.
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Old 03-11-2021, 03:25 PM   #12
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Go see a psychiatrist.

I'm sorry - I could not resist.
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Old 03-11-2021, 03:36 PM   #13
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I would suggest 2 part epoxy to fill the hole, then after it's cured, drill a pilot hole for the screw, then hand tighten.
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Old 03-11-2021, 04:06 PM   #14
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It is not uncommon for someone to overtighten a sheet metal type screw and strip out the hole. What most people do, in my experience, is replace the screw with one one size larger and don't over tighten. You could also coat the screw with a sealer to prevent leaking.
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Old 03-11-2021, 05:21 PM   #15
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My first thought just reading the title was.... "Tighten it...."
Or seek psychiatric help
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Old 03-11-2021, 05:30 PM   #16
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Or seek psychiatric help

Why, much more fun this way!
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Old 03-11-2021, 06:07 PM   #17
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Hi,

I took out the outside bracket of the shower and when I try to put it back in I notice two of the screw cannot screw in tight. it just keep on turning. Anything to add to it so I can make it tight again?

thank you
Two steps:
1) Get larger screws. If your screw is a #10, step up to a #12...same length.
2) Before installing the screw, add Gorilla Glue. Snug up the screw but don't over-tighten. Get the minis. They last longer than a larger quantity that can dry out after opening: https://smile.amazon.com/Gorilla-Cle...5503924&sr=8-1

The Gorilla Glue acts like LocTite on nuts and bolts. It secures the screw in place, but you can remove it with an impact drill driver or determined effort with a standard screwdriver.

ALSO. Always use stainless steel screws...everywhere in the camper. They don't rust; they are compatible with aluminum; they can be painted.
If you need, say, a black screw, get a can of Rustoleum or similar paint. Screw the screw partway into a cardboard box or similar. Spray paint the screw and give it overnight to dry...so the paint can harden. Then install.

I carry a small divided parts box packed with all different sizes of screws, nuts (nylock), bolts, washers, and other stuff. All stainless. A fix is quick and easy.
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Old 03-11-2021, 06:38 PM   #18
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Hi,

I took out the outside bracket of the shower and when I try to put it back in I notice two of the screw cannot screw in tight. it just keep on turning. Anything to add to it so I can make it tight again?

thank you

stick a tooth pick in it


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Old 03-11-2021, 06:41 PM   #19
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Hi,

I took out the outside bracket of the shower and when I try to put it back in I notice two of the screw cannot screw in tight. it just keep on turning. Anything to add to it so I can make it tight again?

thank you

these are great for fixing holes in wood or metal


https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=...gQIEBBC&adurl=


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Old 03-11-2021, 07:23 PM   #20
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Sometimes you can put some wood glue in the hole then tap 2 or 3 toothpicks into the hole, cut them off flush with the surface and then put the screw back in. It depends on what material you are screwing into because if it is a thin panel or fiberglass sheet this won’t work but a thin panel or sheet shouldn’t have screws in it in the first place.


When I read the thread title my first thought was “I have had a screw loose for years and it just adds to the fun I have”.
I use wood matchsticks.
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