Golf Tees Fix Stripped Screw Holes

If the latches and strike plates on your doors can no longer be tightened, you can use a golf tee to renew the hole into which the screw threads.  Remove the old screw, insert the tee, tap the tee until it is snug, and then break off the tee flush with the wood.  Then, reinstall the screw.  If needed, use a little wood glue on the tee; but that isn't always necessary.

You can use this idea on just about any hole you find that is stripped out!

Golf Tees Are Great When Filling In Stripped Screw Holes!

Golf tees make great hole fillers!

If you find that the strike plate or latch on your door will not stay "screwed in", that is because the screw holes have been stripped out.  This usually occurs when people use electric drills or screwdrivers to install locks.  Always use hand tools when doing installations.  Not only will that keep your screws from stripping out, it will also prevent you from marring the finish on your lock.

If you have a stripped hole in your door, or anywhere else, insert a golf tee into the hole.  You may want to put a little Elmer's Glue on it, but it is not necessary.  Gently tap the tee into the hole. Do not force it too much or you will split the wood.  Once the tee is nice and snug, break it off flush with the surface. Now, you have fresh wood into which you can drive your screw!