Stripped hole in furnace fan housing assembly

metal

In the furnace blower housing, where the blower motor sits, the holes have gotten may be a little bigger. This is a thin piece of metal where the screw sits. But now my screw keeps rotating. On two screws, I have put put a nut to tighten the bolt, but for one hole, I cannot put a nut because once the blower is there, my hand wont reach.

I have tried everbilt mr. grip but that doesn't help much. I can't run the A/C because of this (the same fan supplies cold air in summer from A/C). Really appreciate any ideas. Is it easier to drill a new hole? I tried but couldn't do it with the screw. May be I need to use a drill bit?

Best Answer

I would solder a nut with the matching thread to the thin piece of metal, more than sufficient to hold the nut in place.