My kids playroom door got beat up, and we managed to pull the screws out of the jamb. Tips to fix it? I've heard drill out + dowel + redrill, anything else?
Fix stripped screws in a doorframe
door-framescrews
Related Solutions
Your plan to fix the gap in the center of the door sounds fine. I might suggest using some shingle shims instead of flat stock however. If you want to just remove the interior trim only, that is fine also. Using the shingle shims, place the thickest end in first and by trial and error, adjust the opposing shim to a size that will snug in nicely and then by gently tapping it in next to the first shim, remove the excess gap. Put a small finish nail through the jamb and shims to prevent them from moving. Drilling a pilot hole will assure not splitting the shims with the nail in inserted. Now just trim off the excess and reinstall your trim. Job done! Good Luck
You took the wind out of my sails with that last paragraph. I was going to suggest using a nut/bolt.
As far as it causing problems when the tabletop is lowered, you can recess the bolt head. Yeah, you could make the cavity in which the bolt will stay on the underside of the tabletop, but maybe you'll drill too far or crack/scratch the tabletop if you chisel it out. It could end badly... which is why you should instead house the bolt head on the top-side of the cross member.
Brown = table top
Black = underlying cross member
The one on the left is what you were talking about. The one on the right is what you want to do.
Also, use a washer under the bolt head, etc.
Related Topic
- How to keep the door jamb moulding from pulling away from the wall when hardware is screwed in
- Doors – Fixing part of interior door jamb/frame
- Doors – Why do we screw doors into the doorframe rather than the studs
- Doors – Pneumatic screen door closer screws have loosened
- Remove Tight Decking Screws
- Doors – How to keep screws in a hollow door
Best Answer
In order of my personal preference:
Option 1: Go Go Gadget Screws
Get longer screws that reach the framing. Don't run them in so tight as to pull the jamb out of position. All-thread screws might bite into the jamb somewhat to prevent movement.
Option 2: A Square Peg in a Round Hole
Fill the holes with wood glue and tap in wood "dowels" shaved from a scrap block. They don't need to be perfectly round but should fit snugly. Let it dry well and re-drill with a 1/8" bit.
Option 3: Bulk Up for Success
Procure screws with the same head size but a larger shank. They're somewhat specialty, so try an old-school hardware store rather than a home improvement box.
Option 4: See You on the Flipside
Drill and countersink the hinge holes in an opposing stagger pattern. Pilot with 1/8" bit.