Quick Fix: Stripped Tapped Hole

So you stripped the internal threads on a tapped hole? Don't have the ability, or extra space to move the hole? Well this is an easy fix for just that problem. Vote for me in the contests this is entered in.

Materials needed:

-Scrap wood: Quite literally any type of wood, but for the purpose of this instructable, I used poplar.

-Small shims: Small shards shaved off the corner of scrap wood.

Tools needed:

-Razor blade: It's what I had laying around, but anything sharp and sturdy will work (i.e utility knife)

-Screwdriver: I used a 4inch #2 Philips head, but if your screw is different use what works.

-Screw: Re-use the screw you were using before you stripped the internal threads of the hole.

Step 1: Creating Your Shim, or Filler.

-Take a sharp blade (i used a razor blade, but have used a steak knife in the past), and angle it about 45 degrees from the corner of the wood.

-Slowly drag the blade a long the corner. Creating little strips of wood, that we will trim down to fit in the hole.

-Trim sides and length to fit snugly in the hole. (You may need more than 1 depending on the size. I used 2.)

Step 2: Surface Prep

-Remove whatever you are trying to attach to the body of your project. In this case I am removing a face plate, from a Frankenstein guitar I've been working on for the last 7 years or so, but if you are working on the side of a box same principals apply.

-You will want to clear the area of debris, or wood fragments. Dust-off works well, but so does a strong set of lungs.

Step 3: Pack Your Filler.

-Start out with a shard of wood close to the width (if not a little bigger) of your stripped tapped hole.

-Push it in, but not all the way if you feel you need more filler.

-If a second shim is required follow the previous step, and insert into hole.

-Repeat as necessary.

-When everything looks tight, pack it in. Try to get as flush to the surface as possible.

Step 4: Finish Everything Up.

-Line everything up. Place the pilot hole in the faceplate, or any other project, over the newly packed pilot hole in the body of the project.

- Using screw driver replace all screws removed in step 2.

-Tighten everything up, and you are good to go.

Vote for me in the Fix it contest. Your comments, and constructive criticism, are greatly appreciated.