I'm installing my interior window trim, and it seems the holes in the doors for the screw have been oversized over the years. I've tried using larger screws but they don't look right and they only grab half the time' Are there any suggestions. Thanks in advance
Bend a piece ( about 3/4'' long) of 1/16 welding wire into a U shape, slip one end into the hole, so it hangs either side of the hole, then screw away. This will give the screw thread something to hook into, and tighten up.. I've used this trick many times, it works..
if you're looking for a quick fix and you can get to the inside of the panel, use a speed nut. if you want to do it right weld and redrill
If you have access to it from behind, rivet a nut-plate on the farside and it'll be as good as new. Bob
Piece of paperclip usually works great used this way as well if you do not have a welder. I put a quick buzz with the mig to make the hole smaller.
A tip when making a hole for a screw, don't drill, use a very sharp ***** punch backed up by something heavy with a small hole in it, The conacal hole that you will produce will only get tighter when you tighten up the screw
Welding might not be a good option sometimes - There's a few ways to skin that cat The wire bent into a U works A nut sert into the hole and threaded screws A large aluminum rivet into the hole with a bit of panel bond epoxy on The head- run your screw into the center of the rivet. You can also rivet a back up plate over or behind the hole and drill it. Jb weld blob on the back side and drill Into it Use your imagination depending on what you are holding
you can use a rivnut, you don't need access to the inside of the door and you have a bunch of coices on the size you can use.
I have used plastic plugs such as anchors for drywall (depending on size of hole) and other type that are made for late model door panels. Fills,seals,and deadens!
I use small cotter pins, spread apart, bend end into hook, and the flat side will help hold them in place. JJ
Well, it's good to know that shadetree mechanics are still alive and well. Let me guess....you put oatmeal in your radiator to stop leaks, too?
The wire method you are referring to is 100% viable and a variation on a very old carpentry trick . This oatmeal in the radiator idea of yours is complete nincompoopery
Sometimes if you can get behind the hole, you can hammer it flat and it will take a small screw again.
Would a screw clip work? I use these a lot even for good holes, I'd rather the screw bite into one of these than a painted panel.
I've used these before too. Some times I've had to flatten them out and rivet thru the flat part so that the holed part is in the correct location
Exactly what I was thinking,,sometimes thinking out side the automotive solutions you'll find what you need. You can find the anchors at any home improvement store. HRP
I've cut the flat off and it works great if you can get to the back side. It's the ultimate fix for fibergl*** panels, too.
Really?,I suppose you cut the door jamb out, fabricate a new one over your knee and then get out your 80 year old hand drill and drill new holes?
Good info to remember. the screw holes for the screws that hold the sunvisors on my "other" pickup are too big for the correct screws probably due to my uncle over tightening them for years on end. I didn't think about putting the tin nuts on the back side of the panel for door mirrors either.
I used to think the bent wire trick was great. Then, I turned 12 and I started to think it was for cobblers. By the time I turned 13, I was sure of it. Funny how age brings wisdom.
Here's what you need ...they are called "barrel nuts" Check a well stocked body shop if you only need a few..http://www.pointe-products.com/itemcl***/Barrel-Type-Nuts Stan
The Jalopy Journal
