Loose Screws
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: March 2, 2011
A loose screw whether it’s on a cabinet or a dresser drawer can drive anyone crazy. Here’s a quick tip to end the problem once and for all. First of all remove the screw and the knob and then fill the hole with wood filler.
You can put it on your finger and dab it in the hole. Then all you have to do is re insert the screw. Tighten the knob down until it is flush with the drawer. Then take a rag to wipe away any of the excess filler. Once the filler hardens it will hold the screw in place without coming loose.
Quick tip for a permanent solution.
Wood filler is a material that has many more uses than just filling holes to tighten screws. Here is some more information we found for you on wood filler.
You usually will need a narrow putty knife when working with wood filler. For small project like our quick tip dabbing it in the hole with your finger is fine.
Many wood fillers can be used on exterior or interior wood surfaces. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s directions to find out if the brand of wood filler you buy will work for your project.
Depending on the project, you may want to strengthen and reinforce the decayed or rotting wood on which you plan to use your wood filler, with a high performance wood hardener.
For much wood filler, the dry time is about 30 minutes. Again read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. Once it is dry you can sand the area. If you spill the wood filler or it leaks over onto other wood you can clean it up with acetone.
You can use wood filler on: windowsills, doors, woodwork, floors, decks, furniture, cabinet doors, dresser drawers etc.
You don’t always have to replace damaged or rotted wood you can find ways to repair it, rebuild it or restore it with a wood filler that is right for you An all-purpose wood filler is a great product for fixing split, damaged or rotted wood indoors or out. With the right filler you can repair just about anything from wooden decks, windowsills, tables, chairs, to woodwork projects, boats, or doors. Wood filler can be very effective as a wood adhesive –and as we mentioned in our quick tip it is also great for anchoring screws or securing loose joints in furniture.
There are some high performance wood fillers that can resist weather, water and even rot.
You can find wood fillers that are designed to handle the complete range of wood filling needs from minor nicks and cracks to large-scale repairs and restoration jobs. Depending on your project you can find durable fillers that can survive the most extreme conditions. Good fillers can give you a smooth, solid, permanent repair. Many fillers can safely be stored for many years (even after opening) A properly closed container will not dry out on the shelf or in your toolbox.
Here are some generic directions when using wood filler.
First you have to prepare the area. It must be clean, dry and free from paint varnish, dirt, greases, and oil.
When you prepare wood filler, mix only as much as can be used in 15 minutes. Scoop golf ball size amount of filler into plastic lid and squeeze in one thin 3/4 in. long line of hardener from the tube. Mix thoroughly and apply.
You can apply the mixed paste immediately to the area to be repaired. Spread on a thin layer followed by sufficient product to fill the gap. Slightly over-fill to allow for sanding down. Work quickly as the mixture remains workable for about 10 minutes at room temperature. Hardening time will be longer in lower temperatures and faster in higher temperatures.
Allow the filler to set for at least 20 minutes before you finish. - The repair is hard enough to carve and shape using a sharp modeling knife. After 30 minutes sand it, plane it or file it. Once hardened, wood filler may be painted.
Be sure to read the directions and the cautions on the cans of wood filler that you use. It is important to play it safe.
Do not use or store near heat, sparks, flame or other sources of ignition. Close container after each use. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush with plenty of water, for 15 minutes and get medical attention. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If affected by inhalation remove to fresh air. If skin irritation or inhalation effects persist get medical attention. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
CAUTION: COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURE. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME
Most wood fillers do not absorb stain well if at all. To match the filled section to the rest of the wood, dab the stain you used on the project over the dry wood filler. Do not wipe it off, let it dry and then topcoat the area.
We hope this information about wood filler will help you on your next project.
You can put it on your finger and dab it in the hole. Then all you have to do is re insert the screw. Tighten the knob down until it is flush with the drawer. Then take a rag to wipe away any of the excess filler. Once the filler hardens it will hold the screw in place without coming loose.
Quick tip for a permanent solution.
Wood filler is a material that has many more uses than just filling holes to tighten screws. Here is some more information we found for you on wood filler.
You usually will need a narrow putty knife when working with wood filler. For small project like our quick tip dabbing it in the hole with your finger is fine.
Many wood fillers can be used on exterior or interior wood surfaces. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s directions to find out if the brand of wood filler you buy will work for your project.
Depending on the project, you may want to strengthen and reinforce the decayed or rotting wood on which you plan to use your wood filler, with a high performance wood hardener.
For much wood filler, the dry time is about 30 minutes. Again read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. Once it is dry you can sand the area. If you spill the wood filler or it leaks over onto other wood you can clean it up with acetone.
You can use wood filler on: windowsills, doors, woodwork, floors, decks, furniture, cabinet doors, dresser drawers etc.
You don’t always have to replace damaged or rotted wood you can find ways to repair it, rebuild it or restore it with a wood filler that is right for you An all-purpose wood filler is a great product for fixing split, damaged or rotted wood indoors or out. With the right filler you can repair just about anything from wooden decks, windowsills, tables, chairs, to woodwork projects, boats, or doors. Wood filler can be very effective as a wood adhesive –and as we mentioned in our quick tip it is also great for anchoring screws or securing loose joints in furniture.
There are some high performance wood fillers that can resist weather, water and even rot.
You can find wood fillers that are designed to handle the complete range of wood filling needs from minor nicks and cracks to large-scale repairs and restoration jobs. Depending on your project you can find durable fillers that can survive the most extreme conditions. Good fillers can give you a smooth, solid, permanent repair. Many fillers can safely be stored for many years (even after opening) A properly closed container will not dry out on the shelf or in your toolbox.
Here are some generic directions when using wood filler.
First you have to prepare the area. It must be clean, dry and free from paint varnish, dirt, greases, and oil.
When you prepare wood filler, mix only as much as can be used in 15 minutes. Scoop golf ball size amount of filler into plastic lid and squeeze in one thin 3/4 in. long line of hardener from the tube. Mix thoroughly and apply.
You can apply the mixed paste immediately to the area to be repaired. Spread on a thin layer followed by sufficient product to fill the gap. Slightly over-fill to allow for sanding down. Work quickly as the mixture remains workable for about 10 minutes at room temperature. Hardening time will be longer in lower temperatures and faster in higher temperatures.
Allow the filler to set for at least 20 minutes before you finish. - The repair is hard enough to carve and shape using a sharp modeling knife. After 30 minutes sand it, plane it or file it. Once hardened, wood filler may be painted.
Be sure to read the directions and the cautions on the cans of wood filler that you use. It is important to play it safe.
Do not use or store near heat, sparks, flame or other sources of ignition. Close container after each use. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush with plenty of water, for 15 minutes and get medical attention. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If affected by inhalation remove to fresh air. If skin irritation or inhalation effects persist get medical attention. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
CAUTION: COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURE. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME
Most wood fillers do not absorb stain well if at all. To match the filled section to the rest of the wood, dab the stain you used on the project over the dry wood filler. Do not wipe it off, let it dry and then topcoat the area.
We hope this information about wood filler will help you on your next project.
