Can't get screws tight in leaning post

[pcbayou]

I am trying to reinstall the reupholstered backrest/cushion for my leaning post, and I can't get the screws to go back in tight. They have to go through holes in the arms of the leaning post, then through the upholstery, and then into the inside frame for the upholstery. I had to drill new holes in the new upholstery. so I might not have lined them up precisely with those inside screw holes. Also, those inside holes inside might be stripped or torn away.  I can't tell if it the frame inside is wood or fiberglass or something else. Whatever it is, the screws aren't fitting tightly. I've tried longer screws, wood filler, screw anchors, and lock washers. Maybe try epoxy next? I hate to glue screws that I might someday have to remove again. 

[ugadawg]

Remove the screws, fill all the holes with epoxy and let it dry. Then redrill pilot holes and sink the screws

[pcbayou]

Thanks, UGAdawg. Letting it dry so it doesn’t stick to the screw sounds like a way to go.

[geofish]

Epoxy with toothpicks filling the old holes

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[pcbayou]

Thanks, geofish. That's a good idea.

[fishinfool]

If you can access the back side of the holes, maybe machine screws with nut and washer is the way to go?

[pcbayou]

Thanks, fishinfool. To get to that back side, I would have to take off the new upholstery and put an access hole in the cushion's frame. Unfortunately, that's above my limited know-how.

[pcbayou]

Thanks, everybuddy. I'll try any or all of your good advice.

[fishinfool]

Thanks, fishinfool. To get to that back side, I would have to take off the new upholstery and put an access hole in the cushion's frame. Unfortunately, that's above my limited know-how.

Rats...good luck with the project, I hope you are successful.

[pcbayou]

Folks, I finally found just the right thing. They're threaded brass inserts used for screws in furniture, and they're in the specialty fastener trays at hardware stores. I had epoxied the holes inside the cushion and drilled new holes. But there still wasn't enough there for the screws to grip. These inserts did the trick.

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[geofish]

Yay! Nice trick

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[RiverRunner]

Almost like a Helicoil, I had to use one for my exhaust on my airboat cylinder jug.

[pcbayou]

Well, now I know what a helicoil is and what it does. Thanks for the info. I learn something new every time I use this forum.