Metal doors have a number of advantages that make them a popular choice for households and businesses. They provide durability, security, and are easy and affordable to maintain.
You’ll find multiple screws in a metal door, whether it’s to attach handles, hinges, push plates or other fixtures.
However, sometimes you can face the problem of a stripped screw hole. This can result when there’s not enough torque for the metal to go in.
Fixing a stripped screw hole is usually easy and not cumbersome. The most common way to do this is by drilling out the screw with a larger drill bit.
Keep reading to get a detailed answer on fixing a stripped screw hole, specifically for a metal door.
About Metal Doors
Metal doors are built from metallic substances which give them high thermal and electric conductivity, as well as light reflectivity.
The metal is also malleable and ductile yet very strong. Some metals used in making doors include aluminum, steel, copper, and iron.
Not only are they very resistant to corrosion, but they also have a long life in terms of functionality and durability. Plus, they are extremely resistant to high force and disasters like storms and earthquakes.
What Are The Main Causes Of Stripped Screw Holes?
Stripped screw holes can occur in metal doors for a number of reasons, including:
- Not applying enough pressure while tightening the screw.
- Over-tightening. This means too much pressure was exerted on the object which can strip off the thread.
- It can also happen due to metal fatigue when the screws are tightened repeatedly on the same spot. This can bind them in one place and damage and strip the surface.
- Using drills can also lead to stripping, especially if the drill went in too deep. So, the correct depth is crucial.
How To Repair A Stripped Screw Hole In A Metal Door
A stripped screw hole can present a number of problems, but there is more than one way to fix the issue. The following instructions outline how you can repair a strip screw hole by drilling it.
Step 1:
Drill out the screws using a bigger drilling bit. Then, use a tap and die tool set or thread cutting tap for threading new lines in the hole. You may want to use various screw head sizes to hold it down tightly and shape the edges.
Step 2:
You might find that the stripping is too deep. For this, you can use a metal jigsaw to cut the edges of the screw hole. Grease and oil can also help.
Step 3:
If you don’t have a tap and die set, you can use a wire brush or metal file to shape and smoothen protrusions that are sticking out.
Remember, the goal is to create a flat surface to allow the new screws to fit perfectly and tightly without the chance of slipping out.
Step 4:
Next, you can apply oil to the threads and place a couple of screws with pressure while simultaneously tightening them. Oil helps by adding traction in case you need to unscrew at some point.
Step 5:
Now, you need to seal the screw holes in place. To do this, you can use silicon glue, liquid nail adhesive, JB weld, epoxy resin, or any non-corrosive and solid material that works.
Step 6:
To prevent rusting, you should use some oil to clean up the area around the holes.
Alternative Methods For Fixing A Stripped Screw Hole
1. Use a hammer
You can also use a hammer to secure the screwdriver strongly on the stripped screw. After inserting the screwdriver into the stripped screw, simply tap the hammer gently on the screw.
You will be able to see if the external pressure can help in achieving a better grip on the screwdriver.
Next, simply turn around the screwdriver and take off the stripped screw. Make sure not to use too much force to tap the screwdriver. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the metal door.
2. Use pliers
Another option is to manipulate the screw hole and possibly fix it using pliers.
You should first take a look and see if there are any parts of the stripped screw that are jutting outwards. If you can hold a part of the screw hole that you can easily pick with the pliers, then it is worth trying this method.
How To Prevent Stripped Screw Holes In Metal Doors
It is usually better to prevent the problem from arising in the first place rather than going through the hassle of repairing it.
These tips can help you prevent stripped screw holes in metal doors:
- While tightening screws, use the proper screws and equipment and do the job with caution. You need to be careful to avoid the chances of cross-threading. Cross-threading usually happens due to excess torque.
- You should use screws that are not too short in length.
- Before inserting the screws, apply a little bit of oil to minimize friction and prevent corrosion. This allows for easy tightening with little chance of stripping.
- Also, try not to over tighten the screws to make installation easier. Plus, this prevents the metal from bending.
- Use self-drilling screws with a special anti-corrosion coating.
What Are Self-drilling Screws?
A self-drilling screw has a point that acts as a drill bit. It also has sharp cutting threads to tap the hole when being installed. This variety of screws is commonly used for quick drilling of wood and metal.
The main advantage of using self-drilling screws is that they save the time taken by drilling during pre-installation. Plus, you don’t have to keep switching drill bits and taps for every hole.
Conclusion
You can always make your metal doors more functional or enhance their appearance, but using screws will be necessary to do so. You now know that avoiding a stripped screw hole is important when working with metal doors.
Prevention is better than repair so remember to use screws with enough torque. Also, always use the right tools and be very careful while working.
