Is the borehole too big for the plug and screw? You can solve this in different ways. Drilling a new hole next to it is a solution, but what if the hole has to be in that one place precisely? Then you can make the existing hole smaller or fill it in to drill a new hole of the correct size.
Use a larger plug
The most obvious way is to use a larger size plug. This is possible when the drill hole is nicely straight and not sloppy because the drill has slipped. You will also need a larger screw. If you do not have a plug and screw within reach, the following solution is suitable.
Fill the gap with toothpicks or matches
Squirt wood glue into the hole, and then insert toothpicks or matches until the hole is filled. Tap them lightly with a hammer to push them into the hole as deep as possible. Let the glue dry and break off the protruding ends of the toothpicks or matches. Now you can screw the screw into the repaired drill hole. This is a quick and simple way — suitable for hanging objects that are not too heavy.
Use steel wool
Push a piece of steel wool into the hole and press it down firmly with a screwdriver. The compressed steel wool gives the screw sufficient grip for light loads.
Fill the borehole with filler
Fill the oversized hole with filler and immediately push the plugin while the filler is still liquid. When the filler has hardened, the plug is firmly in place.
A hole in the drywall that is too big
The above solutions will not work with plasterboard because the connection will not be strong enough. The best way is to use a special toggle plug. This plug anchors itself to the back of the drywall and holds the screw firmly enough to hang lightweight items.
In wood
A drill hole in wood that is too large can be filled with different materials. It is best to use a wooden dowel, a piece of wood the size of the hole. In most cases, you will need to drill the hole a little more to make the dowel fit. Squirt wood glue into the hole and tap the dowel into place. Once the glue has cured, you can drill a new hole to the correct size.
In metal
To fill a drill hole in metal, you need a special product, such as SteelStik. This is a steel-reinforced epoxy putty used for all kinds of repairs in metal. Let it cure for an hour, and you can drill a new hole of the correct diameter.
In plastic
Superglue is the appropriate solution for repairing a drill hole that is too large in plastic. If the hole needs more filler, insert a piece of wood or a toothpick into the hole before applying the glue.
More smart tips from the Klium professionals can be found in 15 tips for drilling and screwing.
