Stripped Enclosure Screw Holes --> How to fix?

[Masta' C]

Does anyone here have experience fixing stripped screw holes on aluminum pedal enclosures?

I have a pedal that features internal dipswitches, so I need to access them from time to time, but it seems the enclosure material is unusually soft and a couple of the screw holes have partially stripped after taking the back cover off just a couple of times.

This is a high-end boutique pedal, so I'm quite surprised. First time I've had this happen outside of a Chinese cheapie!

Any ideas for an easy fix?

 

[Securb]

If the screws are literally falling out, I would hit the hardware store and get slightly wider screws or maybe something with a courser thread. Screwing with the enclosed itself would be my last move.

 

[uOpt]

I would try wood filler (the mix of glue and sawdust).

 

[Masta' C]

If the screws are literally falling out, I would hit the hardware store and get slightly wider screws or maybe something with a courser thread. Screwing with the enclosed itself would be my last move.

They aren't quite "falling out" loose, but they barely grab and tend to spin in place as I'm backing them out.

My worry with going larger is that there simply isn't much material around the holes.

 

[Securb]

Loctite would be another move and it is designed for the task

 

[Hsb]

Take a small ziptie, put it the hole, put the screw back in, snip top of the ziptie off. The screw should bite into the ziptie and help hold it in place.

They also make epoxy putty for metal, that may work also. I used some to fix some splits on the legs of our deck table, pretty damn hard stuff once it dries.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/J-B-WELD-S...-Adhesive-Actual-Net-Contents-2-Fl-Oz/3389024

 

[Mincer]

Take a small ziptie, put it the hole, put the screw back in, snip top of the ziptie off. The screw should bite into the ziptie and help hold it in place.

They also make epoxy putty for metal, that may work also. I used some to fix some splits on the legs of our deck table, pretty damn hard stuff once it dries.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/J-B-WELD-S...-Adhesive-Actual-Net-Contents-2-Fl-Oz/3389024

Even paper or cardboard would work here.

 

['59]

Easy thing is toothpicks in the hole

 

[beaubrummels]

Plumbers tape on the threads works for me, if it's not fully stripped.

 

[v8stang289]

As others have said, If you just want to make sure it's secure, then toothpicks, thread tape, paper, or anything to fill the void and help the threads grip will work.

For a more permanent fix, if the screws are machine screws you may be able to get a heli-coil or or thread insert repair kit, or drill/tap to a slightly larger size. Otherwise, I would likely fill with a 2-part epoxy such as JB weld and then drill and tap, or put the epoxy in the hole, coat the screw with a release agent, and thread it in to form the threads. For a pedal the epoxy should be plenty strong and long lasting. Being a lifelong auto enthusiast/hobbyist and playing around with gunsmithing among other things, I've dealt with thread repair a time or 20.