Simple solutions often prove the most effective, least expensive, and by far the quickest with limited aggravation.
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Scenario: You decide to paint that front door that has been in need for quite some time. Good for you. Check out this previous post.
The door is patched painted and ready to re-install, but wait – the screw holes for the hinges have been removed and re-installed before and now they won’t hold the screw. Another trip to the hardware store for new screws?
Wait – there is a simple solution. Go in the kitchen and get a few toothpicks! That’s right, I said toothpicks. No toothpicks? What about wood matches? Either will work nicely.
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Take the toothpicks (or matchsticks), dip them in wood glue (don’t tell me you have no glue, you may have to make that trip to the hardware store), and push them in the hole. When the hole is completely filled, clip them off flush with the door jamb and let the glue dry.
Drill a new pilot hole (the correct size) and re-install the screw. Simple, cheap and extremely effective. While you are at it, if the old screws are “flat head” or slotted, do yourself a favor and replace them with Phillips head screws. You will be glad you did.
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Quick tip: Filling large holes in wood substructures? Use water putty ( pic below): it is reliable, durable, cheap, and easy to work with. I don’t personally use it for finished would unless it is going to be painted. But, I never install any type of flooring without water putty on hand. Great for plywood voids, cracks, etc.
This stuff has been around forever, and has never failed me!
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What do you want to know about DIY?
Do you have specific projects you would like to tackle? Not sure how to get started? Convinced that you won’t be able to get answers to your questions at the hardware store? Great! Tom wants to know.
Leave a comment or send an email to [email protected].
Check back to see if your question gets answered here at the Good Men Project DIY on Tuesday and Saturday.