Filling in holes in particle board...?

Question

I was assembling a desk I bought from Staples, and I was drilling in some screws with a regular hand screw driver...not a power drill. There were no holes already cut in the particle board for me to put the screws in, so I made some small starter holes and screwed the screws in the rest of the way. The particle board seems very cheap, so the holes sort of stripped out/disintegrated when I put the screws in. As in, they wouldn't tighten any further, since the holes were just too big at that point. I am wondering if there is any product I can buy that will fill in the holes and dry/harden, so I can have a "fresh start" to re-screw in the screws. Does that make sense? I need answers as soon as possible, please. Any product name/description that would do the job would be best. Thanks so much!!!

Sensible_man - Thank you very much for your answer. How much would something of the epoxy type cost, roughly? Can I get a small tube, and where? Maybe Menards or Lowes? Please send me a message here on Y! Anwers if you could help a bit more. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Use any wood filler product. You can get the epoxy type if you want it to dry harder.

Answer 2

Best Screws For Particle Board

Answer 3

There are special screws for particle board available at most building and hardware stores. As long as the particle board is intack and not deteriorated the screws should do the job. You MUST pre-dril with the correct drill bit size before inserting the screws into the particle board. The drill bit size should be the diameter of the solid portion of the particle board screw so the threads can cut into the particle board without splitting it. Use long enough screws to hold the weaight of the door. Wax the screws. No need to heat the wax or burn the candle as this can be a fire hazard. This will allow them to screw into the particle board much easier. Use an old candle or parafin wax as your wax source. Just spin the threads of the screw over the candle or parafin wax.

Answer 4

Miracle Wood or Plastic Wood filler will work. Available at any hardware store, including Lowe's and Home Depot, etc.

Answer 5

you can try a toothpick and wood glue using the same holes.
glue available almost anywhere. just stick toothpick in hole to gauge, chop off excess, add glue and insert/tighten screw. wipe off any glue that comes out of hole when screw is tightened.

Answer 6

Bondo. When you re-drill the pilot holes you should use a counter sink as well.

Answer 7

I would use plastic wood. you can get a small can of it for under $5.00.