How do I fix shelf supports screwed into particle board if the sheves come out and the screws won't screw in?

Question

I have shelves which roll in and out of the cabinets. They are supported by runners, which in turn are attached to the particle board with screws. The weight of the shelves and stuff on them, forced the shelves to collapse, bringing down the runners too, and in turn the screws. I want to re-attach the runners, but want a solution which will leave the screws tight inside, to support the shelves. i need help!

Answer 1

The runner is just a piece of sheet metal, with some shaping, and a few holes for screws, yes? So get a sheetmetal drill bit, and drill new holes. Then you can screw into an undamaged section of the particle board.

Or you could fill in the holes with wood putty, screw the thing in while the putty's still soft, and then clamp it down till the putty dries, but this is not such a good solution, because you are using wood screws, not wood putty screws, and no matter what you do, the areas with the holes messed up in there will never be quite as sturdy an attachment point as an undamaged area.

Answer 2

If it is hollow behind the particle board you can get butterfly bolts or anchor bolts to put into the hole. Any hardware store should have what you need. If there is not a hollow behind the board you can drill out the hole to the proper size and put a plastic anchor into the hole. The screw will expand the plastic and hold the shelf.

If you want a temporary fix, you can break the heads off of some matchsticks, shove them in the hole, and put the screw back in. It will do the same as the plastic anchor but will not be as sturdy as the other suggestions. Good luck

Answer 3

Can you move the hole location slightly (up or down, forward or backward) so you'll have new wood to screw in to. I would do this, than predrill the holes. Hole size should be equal to the body diameter of the screw not counting the thread diameter. That way when you screw into the wood, the thread will engage the wood but the solid body of the screw will be less likely to act as a wedge and split the wood. You could also add a drop of wood glue to the predrilled holes just before you install the screw. good luck.
Synergy

Answer 4

I don't know how badly the particle board has been damaged. But molly bolts might work.

Molly bolts use a metal sleeve with wings that will hold the screws in the wall it are used with dry wall and or concrete.

I did a search for you on Molly bolts, here is a site that explains what I mean, and also has photo to show you what they are.

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffastener/infanchor/infanchor.shtm

Answer 5

Get some drywall/plasterboard fixings at you local store. get the screw in type, these simply screw into the hole, then the light fixing screw screws into this. works for holes unto approx 1/2 inch diameter.

Answer 6

Try putting some carpenter's glue on the screws or use the plastic sleeves like the kind used when you screw stuff into sheet rock.

Answer 7

You could a) shove some tooth-picks in the holes, break them off flush with the particle board, and try again. b) reduce the weight by decluttering. c) buy some decent quality furniture instead.