How To Screw Into Existing Holes: DIY Walkthrough

There are some hard situations for woodworkers to remove screws to fix any problem. Screw holes can be reused again if there isn’t any problem occurring. So, how to screw into existing holes? Let’s get into it.

As an expert handyman, I can assure you there are plenty of ways to screw into existing holes. Countless options are available on your hand to let you screw into the existing hole. Even if the hole is ripped off, you always have ways to make it better. 

When are People Screwing into Existing Holes?

People usually screw into existing holes when they have to fix any issue. Sometimes woodworkers make several mistakes. These mistakes can be made of big or small holes, using the wrong drill, drilling at the wrong area, stripped holes, and many more. Accepting these mistakes can be a big issue in the future. 

So to fix this use, we have to reuse the hole. Removing screws would be necessary for this situation. There are so many solutions to solve the issue. You can use filler, different types of screws or fixing tools, etc.

Ultimate Guideline on How To Screw Into Existing Holes

There are so many guidelines to screw into an existing hole. These guidelines are different in methods. To find your suitable guidelines, go through all of them.

For Smaller Holes: Find a bigger Screw and Use Glue.

The easiest and quick solution is to use the appropriate size of screw. Sometimes woodworkers make smaller holes than needed. So using a big screw can be a better solution. 

First, remove the screw gently. Use the right size of the drill. Then put Glue into the hole. It is not necessary, but it can give you a more secure joint. Then select the right big screw and insert it.

Use a Toothpick into the Hole and Screw

Using a toothpick can be one kind of DIY hack. Just collect some toothpicks from your table. Insert them into the existing hole. If you need it, then use two or three toothpicks. Then put screws into holes. Cut the head off to make a smooth surface.

Use the RawlPlug

Rawlplug is one kind of tool. You can get it from any shop or market. After realizing the mistake:

  1. Remove the screw first.
  2. Put some glue on the rawl plugs.
  3. Put it into the hole.
  4. After Glue has totally dried, drive a screw into it.

It is useful for reusing screw holes but only for concrete walls. Concrete walls are strong, so it easily hold, but wood fibers are a little weaker, so they can be torn off.   

If the Hole is Way Bigger: Apply Wooden Dowels and Screw

Dowels are one of the traditional things for workers. It is a piece of wood that works for joining. If your holes are too big, then dowels can fix your problem. First, choose a dowel that is appropriate for hole size. Then insert it into the hole and cut off its head. So it has covered up your extra space—screw on the dowel.

Go for Nylon Cable Ties

If you don’t have a rawl plug, use nylon cable ties. First, cut ties to the required length. Fill the hole enough but not necessary to fill it completely. Drive a screw into the hole. While driving, screws are cut into nylon that will provide traction and grip. 

Read: How To Screw into Pressure-Treated Wood? Simple Steps Ever

What If The Hole Is Not Getting Fixed At All

If you have tried your best but still failed, then you should change your worker. A task has to be done with the exact required method. So it is not possible for everyone to fulfill the task. Every hand has different skills and experience. So maybe other people can do it right.

If replacing workers also can’t solve the problem, then let it be. Fixing it too many times can make it weaker. So using weaker wood can cause failed connections. Start work again with new materials. Be careful of making holes to avoid any mistakes again.  

How to Find Right-Sized Screw

It is too easy to find the required size of screw for your work. Using the wrong screw can make your work messier. So using the right screw can complete your work fast.

Every screw has a head, tread, tip, maximum size of length, and width. Length, width, and tread should be judged to find the correct screw. First, come to the length. If the thing is one inch, you need a three-inch screw. It means the screw must be three times taller than the actual wood, concrete wall, or the thing you want to use. Every screw has the required width with its length. So measuring width isn’t that important. 

How To Screw Into Existing Drywall Hole

Drywalls are stronger compared to other things like wood. It has different ways to screw into any existing holes.

Go for the Drywall Repair Kit

A great solution for fixing drywall is using a high-strength hole repair kit. It can provide a smooth finish that can be painted over, and that can be screwed into once fully cured. You can find it in any online shop or market.

It contains all the tools for professional repair. It comes with a repaid setting compound, a self-adhesive patch, a putty knife, and a sanding pad. Those compounds can fill the hole fully. The knife can help you to carry the compound. After it dries out fully, use sanding paper to sand the outer surface and extra compound. It makes the wall smoother from the outside. Then screw on it.

Use Toggle Bolts (Alternative Option)

Toggle bolts are one kind of tool to insert screws into drywall securely. You can’t insert screws directly into drywall. In the drywall, screw thread won’t cut a clean channel for its fragile nature. The glue is not that strong for using drywall screw holes. So toggle bolts would be the best option.

Toggle bolts are one kind of metal bolt. It is too easy to use. First, drill a hole to insert a screw. Then set the screw in the bolt. Don’t insert the screw totally into the bolt; go at the half. Then drive the screw with it. The bolt will cover extra space in the hole and hold the screw tightly.  

How To Screw Into Existing Hole in Metal

Reusing screw holes in metal isn’t as easy as wood screw holes. But there are many great solutions. The methods will depend on the thickness, weight, and quality of the metal.

You can use steel-reinforced epoxy putty to fix big holes in metal. It is the fastest way. You can find it in any online shops and markets. It is a cream-based formula. Just fill the hole with that putty. It sets in 3-5 minutes. So after it sets, you can paint over it. After 60 minutes, you can redrill and insert a screw into it again. 

Should to know: Where to Recycle Nails and Screws? 5 Exclusive Ideas

FAQs

These are the FAQs to follow. 

What To Do When The Hole Is Off-Center?

Sometimes the holes can be drilled in the wrong position. You can reuse them or make holes beside them. First, remove the screw. Then fill the hole with wood. If you want to shorten it, use dowels. Then screw on the main point.

Should I use a Rawl Plug on Wood?

In a word, “No.” Rawlplug isn’t made of wood. Wood fibers are weaker if it is compared. So using a plug can cause a tear. But it works great as a wood filler. If you make the screw hole bigger than is needed, it can fill up that space.

Is Repairing Metal Holes Expensive?

Repairing metal holes isn’t that expensive. To repair metal holes, you don’t need any extra or expensive equipment or skillful workers. Just use steel-reinforced epoxy to fix this. You can find it in any online shop or market. Anyone can use that.  

Bottom Line

Thanks for visiting our article to find your solution. We have explained all about how to screw into existing holes. Following these tips will provide you with a streamlined way to achieve the solution.

Enough of wondering how to fix ripped holes. Follow any of our mentioned methods, and you will be good to go right away. Hope in right now and try your best, and everything will go along with you. 

In case the hole is not getting into shape, repair the spot and start creating holes in other places. It will be smooth with time, and you will be able to create amazing wood structures with ease.

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Hey, I'm George Fanton. I've over nine years of experience in the woodworking industry. I've cultivated a deep interest in practical wood and tasks. I enjoy sharing new information on woodworking technology to maintain my expertise in the current woodworking industries.