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Adding Glue to Screw Holes
Issue: Issue 219
Posted Date: 3/24/2009
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Is there ever an advantage to adding glue to a wood screw hole for either added strength or preventing the screw from working loose?
Tim Inman: In new work, I think a well-fitted pilot hole and screw are all you need. However, in restoration work, I often harden the interior of a worn screw hole by soaking in a little water-thin CA (cyanoacrylate) before I reset the screws.
Andy Rae: For outdoor work, or any furniture that's exposed to a lot of wet/dry cycles, I routinely dip my screws in a non-shrinking adhesive, such as epoxy, to prevent moisture from working its way into the screw holes and loosening the joints. There is probably a slight advantage in screw-holding ability using this technique. Having said that, I wouldn't rely on just screws and glue to hold up a stressed joint, such as a seat-to-arm connection. Sound joints, such as mortise-and-tenon and dovetails, should do all the really hard work.