Easiest Way to Fix a Stripped Pocket Hole

Have you ever over tightened a pocket screw and stripped the pocket hole? Or have you needed to remove a pocket screw and then tried to reattach it only to find the pocket hole is stripped? Don’t worry, today I’ll show you the easiest way to fix a stripped pocket hole!

You may also enjoy these 9 Solutions to Common Pocket Hole Problems.

Over tightening pocket screws or removing a pocket screw and then trying to reattach it can strip the pocket hole. This is the easiest way to fix a stripped pocket hole!

For your convenience this post contains affiliate links to products or tools I used to complete this project. Click here to visit my site policies.

Have you ever over tightened a pocket screw and stripped the pocket hole? To avoid over tightening pocket screws, set the clutch on your drill. In my Kreg Jig Quick Start Guide I mentioned my DEWALT Drill works best set at 3. If you don’t use the clutch chances are you may have over tightened your pocket screws and possibly stripped the pocket hole. You know that sinking feeling when that screw just spins and spins. No problem, we can fix that stripped pocket hole!

How to fix a stripped pocket hole - attaching pocket screws

Have you ever needed to unscrew pocket screws and then reattach? Even the best of us have accidentally skipped a step in a furniture plan or had to make an adjustment, so we needed to remove the pocket screws. Then when we go back to reattach those pocket screws the pocket holes aren’t as tight as they where the first time. The joint never quite comes together the way it should. Oh no, those screws are just spinning. No problem, we can fix that stripped pocket hole!

How to fix a stripped pocket hole - fixed

How to Fix a Stripped Pocket Hole

You’ll only need two supplies to fix a stripped pocket hole and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Supplies
Wood glue
Toothpicks

Step 1. Apply glue to a toothpick.

Step 2. Insert the toothpick in the pocket hole and break it off or cut it with a utility knife.

Step 3. Clamp the joint and attach using pocket screws.

That’s it! It’s just that easy to fix a stripped pocket hole!

Make Your Pocket Holes Virtually Disappear
The Kreg Pocket Hole Plug Cutter will take your furniture building to the next level! The plug cutter makes plugs to fill pocket holes. The plugs are cut from leftover scrap wood from your project, so the plugs will exactly match the wood color and wood grain of your project.

diy-pocket-hole-plug-cutter-plugs-drilled

The plugs are glued into the pocket holes and then sanded flush. With a pocket hole plug cutter, your pocket holes virtually disappear and you’ll make your DIY projects look more professional. This a “gotta have it” tool for the DIYer! Please check out my plug cutter setup tips and video!

diy-pocket-hole-plug-cutter-insert-plug

FREE Pocket Hole Mistakes Guide

Master your pocket hole projects with this FREE ten-page Pocket Hole Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make Guide! The guide is overflowing with useful hints and easy tips to help you avoid time-consuming mistakes. Click below, get your FREE guide, and tackle your next pocket hole project with confidence!


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Over tightening pocket screws or removing a pocket screw and then trying to reattach it can strip the pocket hole. This is the easiest way to fix a stripped pocket hole!

 

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