How To Fix Door Screw Holes

How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole in Metal Door

September 26, 2021 0

When you find a stripped screw hole in your metal door, it can be frustrating. So how to fix a stripped screw hole in metal door? There are many ways to take care of this issue, and we will discuss some of them here. One common way is drilling out the screw with a larger drill bit.

You could also use a tap and die set to thread new threads into the hole or replace the screws with ones that have different head sizes to avoid stripping. These are just a few options for fixing stripped screw holes in metal doors! We have also discussed some other methods to fix the issues. Read the blog post till the end, so that you can repair it at any time.

What Are Stripped Screw Hole?

A stripped screw hole is a condition that occurs when the screw does not have enough torque to pull itself completely up into the metal. Old or damaged screws can cause the problem and if you over-tighten them and/or with cheap hardware.

What Causes a Stripped Screw Hole?

A stripped screw hole results from two factors: the failure to use enough pressure when tightening and metal fatigue. Over time, screws are repeatedly tightened into the same spot with insufficient force or not removed fully, causing them to bind up in place. Over time these repeated cycles will cause slight permanent damage to the surface, leading to stripping.

In addition, the most common cause of stripping is overtightening. When we tighten something, like over-tightening a screw into wood or tightening too much on a yoga mat, the more pressure we put onto the item being tightened means that when there's less resistance (like with aluminum) the thread will "strip" right off. It might also happen if you're using power tools such as drills designed to go through surfaces easily but not so much into them.

Materials Needed

Drill
Tap and die set or metal thread cutting tap
Screws of a different head size
Clamp
Hammer
Metal file or wire brush
Jigsaw with a metal blade
Oil, grease, or other lubricants

Procedures: How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole in Metal Door

Step One:

Drill out the screw with a larger drill bit or replace it. Then, use a tap and die set or metal thread cutting tap to thread new threads into the hole, use screws of different head sizes, clamp down on it tightly while filing down and shaping the edges.

Step Two:

If the stripping is too deep, you can use your jigsaw with a metal blade and cut away the hole's edges until it has been repaired. Use oil or grease as needed!

Step Three:

If you don't have a tap and die set, use the metal file or wire brush to shape down any protrusions sticking out from where your screw should be. Your object is to create a flat surface for the head of the new screws to catch onto so that it will remain tightened without slipping out.

Step Four:

Apply some oil on the threads, then place in one or two new screws with plenty of pressure exerted while tightening them until they are firmly in place. The additional lubrication will help provide more traction when trying to unscrew these later! How cool is that?

Step Five:

Use JB weld, silicone glue, liquid nail adhesive, epoxy resin adhesives- anything strong and flexible enough as long as it's not corrosive to seal the screw holes.

Step Six:

Clean the area around the screw holes and then apply some oil to help stop any rusting from happening. However, if what has been stripped or broken in your metal door isn't anything too big like the screws, you can probably live with the problem and take care of it when the time comes.

Alternative Methods To Fix Stripped Screw Hole in Metal Door

Stripped screw holes happen when a drill bit or driver is put in the wrong direction. The metal wall of the hole ends up shearing off, which leaves an unthreaded surface that will not accept a new fastener.

There are many ways to do this, depending on what type of door you have and how much work you want to do. Think about your particular situation before deciding which method would be best suited for it. Here are some different methods for fixing stripped screws:

Method One:

If there's enough material left after removing all the old hardware, simply cut out more with tin snips until you can thread another one into place (be sure to use plenty of lubricants). On the other hand, if you don't have enough material, or if you're afraid of weakening the door by cutting more out, there's a lot to choose from.

Method Two:

If you can get an unthreaded screw into position in the hole, it doesn't look like it will be too difficult to drive with pliers, try this first because it's quick and easy. Drill pilot holes for any screws that are close together (at least three times as far apart as they are long). This should take care of most stripped screw problems on metal doors without requiring much work at all on your part.

Method Three:

If none of these ideas sound feasible, find some scrap pieces about the same thickness as removed when stripping the fastener and glue them over the hole. You can also try to find a sheet metal shop that will make custom screws for you out of stainless steel or brass (you may have to pay a fee). You can use the original screw as an example if it's still in good shape, and they should be able to make something similar.

Method Four:

If it's a metal door with paint, try sanding the area down and repainting. Replace the screws if possible, but be sure to use stainless steel or brass for this since those metals won't corrode in time like most other types of screws will.

Method Five:

In extreme cases where no other option is available (or you just want to do so), grind away at either side of the screw hole until you can insert another type of drywall fastener without stripping it too quickly. Be careful not to overdo it, though because grinding away too much metal might ruin your entire project when all that's left is a big gaping hole!

Prevent Stripped Screw Hole in Metal Door

The best way to fix a stripped screw hole is prevention! Keep these following tips in mind if you're installing new door hardware at home or ordering replacement parts to fix a stripped screw hole in the metal door.

Use the right screws. To prevent stripped screw holes, try using screws that are not too short for your application or use washers under the head of long screws, so they don't bottom out before tightening into place.
Be careful when using a screwdriver. To prevent stripped screw holes, you must have the right tools for the job and be cautious while tightening screws with a driver or wrench to avoid cross-threading from excessive torque applied in either direction.
Tap your hand tightens them instead of stabbing at it to make sure you're not stripping the hole or cross-threading.
Apply a small amount of oil to metal screws before inserting them into their holes to prevent corrosion and reduce friction so they can be tightened more easily.
If you're installing new materials, ensure that there is enough clearance between the screw head and surface for it not to bottom out when tightened.
Screws should never be over-tightened because it may cause the material to bend and make installation difficult, or even worse, strip out of the hole entirely.
Remove any excess debris from around screw holes to allow for consistent contact with both surfaces when installing screws.
Consider self-drilling screws and those with an anti-corrosion coating as well. Self-drilling fasteners will also allow you to install metal doors without preparing holes beforehand while still being perfectly aligned with little effort on your part.
Lubricate the screws before installing them; this also helps to prevent stripped screw holes. You can use a small amount of grease or oil on top of the head of long screws for best results as they are tightened into place.
If you're installing a metal door in the garage, consider using screws with an anti-corrosion coating to prevent them from rusting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Fix a Screw Hole That Is Too Big?

If the screw hole is too big, it will need to be drilled out. This can also work on a stripped screw hole in a metal door if you use an oversized drill bit. Drill with patience and care so that the opening of your new screws is not bigger than what it should be.

How to Apply Safety Tape?

When applying safety tape, start by cutting off an appropriate length. Place it around the head of your drill bit with plenty overlapping onto the screwdriver or stripping tool you are using. This will keep anything from getting inside that could damage your tools. Then slip strips is overtop so they overlap at least four inches back towards each end. Cut any excess safety tape away as needed before continuing work.

Conclusion

When your door is stripped, don't panic. The fix for this problem is surprisingly easy and quick. Your metal door can be fixed in just a few minutes by following some simple guidelines mentioned in this blog post on how to fix a stripped screw hole in metal door. Here are the things you need to do.

Use a drill to cut out the stripped screw hole and replace it with welded metal. Secure this new strip of steel using rivets, bolts, or screws. This is an inexpensive way to fix your door without having to purchase another one! We hope you now a clear idea on fixing stripped screw hole in your metal door. If you have any questions in mind, then let us know in the comment section below!

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