[pianotech] Fixing stripped screws

[Gerald Groot]

Good idea.  

Bamboo sticks also work very well as they are much harder than tooth picks.
Pick up a batch at Dollar Tree or Dollar Store for a buck.  Stuff it in,
break it off and you're good to go.  



-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Rob Goodale
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 3:48 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Fixing stripped screws

Hello all,

I thought I'd take a minute to tell you about a fabulous way to fix stripped

screws.  Perhaps this secret is already out and about but it was new to me 
so if there is anyone looking for a great solution, this Bud's for you.  I 
can't take credit for this one, a colleague told me about it.

You do not have to drill the hole out.  Stuff the hole well with absorbent 
paper, (i.e. paper towel).  Next soak the paper with the super thin CA glue.

It absolutely MUST dry 100%.  Use accelerator to speed the process up, but 
even after that wait at least a few minutes to make certain.  The hole is 
now ready to use.  Insert the screw and you will be amazed to see that it 
has the same feel as wood.  It will snug down tight like it did originally 
and won't strip out.  In fact if you over tighten it there is a chance you 
will break the screw head off before it will strip again, you might actually

need to drill a pilot hole depending on the situation.  This is a GREAT and 
reliable repair and takes little effort.

The key to all this is that the CA must be totally dry and you must use the 
super thin.  It is not only necessary to make the repair successful and 
restore the genuine wood-like qualities, but if you put the screw in before 
it's dry it will never come out again!  Without question it will break the 
head off before it will turn and it will have to be drilled and dug out.

Try this first in a piece of scrap wood, (maple, mahogany, etc - typical 
piano woods).  Then the next time you come across that stripped lid hinge 
screw you can amaze your customers!  It's a much better repair then stuffing

the hole with tooth picks.  I have to admit I was very reluctant to try this

and highly skeptical that it would work but my doubts and apprehension have 
vaporized.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV