Can't get screws tight in leaning post

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pcbayou
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Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by 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. 
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ugadawg
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by ugadawg »

Remove the screws, fill all the holes with epoxy and let it dry. Then redrill pilot holes and sink the screws
pcbayou
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by pcbayou »

Thanks, UGAdawg. Letting it dry so it doesn’t stick to the screw sounds like a way to go.
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geofish
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by geofish »

Epoxy with toothpicks filling the old holes

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pcbayou
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by pcbayou »

Thanks, geofish. That's a good idea.
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fishinfool
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by fishinfool »

If you can access the back side of the holes, maybe machine screws with nut and washer is the way to go?
pcbayou
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by 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
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by pcbayou »

Thanks, everybuddy. I'll try any or all of your good advice.
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fishinfool
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by fishinfool »

pcbayou wrote: April 10th, 2021, 9:37 am 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
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by 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
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by geofish »

Yay! Nice trick

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RiverRunner
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by RiverRunner »

Almost like a Helicoil, I had to use one for my exhaust on my airboat cylinder jug.
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pcbayou
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Re: Can't get screws tight in leaning post

Post by pcbayou »

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