Hinge Bolts Stripped on Clean Out Tray HatchHatch

[ToddW850]

Okay, for starters I'm a knucklehead. I'll explain.

I noticed when I lift the hatch for my clean out tray, that there was SOME wiggle from the left hinge. The hinge itself is solid. But the screws were a little loose. Tried tightening them, but they just spin, like it's stripped out.

So I go get 3 new longer SS Screws and 3 nuts. The plan is to drill all the way through and secure the new screws with the nuts. That's a solid solution! I did it with my anchor locker.

Here's the knucklehead part. I drill through, but I didn't realize the Dadgum hatch right there rests directly on the inside of the tray. Basically there is NO room for a longer screw OR nut.

DADGUMMIT!

Anybody happen to have a solution for this? Thanks.

 

[Seadeals]

You could try filling the holes back in with resin. If you have some extra glass mat, layup a small square of cloth (or two) on the bottom side. Then drill new small pilots and install screws.

 

[Speedling]

fatter screw, not longer
And it's wood, so you can fill the holes with epoxy and re-drill them if needed.

 

[ToddW850]

Two great ideals @Seadeals and @Speedling . Also, I had thought of the fatter screws, but the hole is about the same size as the hole in the hinge. But I like the idea of filling it and drilling new holes.

 

[Glassman]

D. All of the above






Or, many other methods. If you use resin or epoxy, try adding a tiny bit of chopped strand (fiberglass strands) stuff it down the holes with a toothpick. I know, easy for me to say, I could probably grab a pinch from the sole of my work boot. No fiberglass handy? use the toothpick!