Hinge screws stripped from cabinet door. Recommended repair?

The best solution depends on the severity of the damage and your tools and skill level. Here are several methods, from easiest to most advanced:

Solution 1: Easiest & Quickest Fix (For Mild Damage)

This is the first method to try, as it works in most cases and requires no special tools.

Using Wood Glue and Toothpicks or Golf Tees

Clean the Hole: Remove the original screw and clear any debris from the hole.

Fill the Hole:

Dip the tips of several wooden toothpicks (or a wooden golf tee) into wood glue (e.g., PVA glue).

Pack them into the stripped screw hole as tightly and fully as possible. You can gently tap them in with a hammer.

Cut Off Excess: Use a utility knife or pliers to snap off the excess toothpick or golf tee flush with the surface.

Let it Dry: Allow the glue to dry completely (usually 2-4 hours, refer to the glue instructions). The glue will bond the wood fibers, creating a new, solid wooden base.

Reinstall the Screw: Once fully dry, carefully screw the original screw back into the repaired hole. It will feel much tighter.

Pros: Very low cost, extremely simple, and a classic, highly effective DIY hack.
Cons: May not be the most permanent solution for very heavy doors or massively oversized holes.

Solution 2: Very Robust & Strong Fix (For Moderate to Severe Damage)

Using Epoxy or Wood Filler

If the hole is very large and misshapen, toothpicks might not be enough.

Clean and Enlarge the Hole: Use a drill bit to clean out the damaged hole and slightly enlarge it to create a clean, new cavity.

Mix Filler:

Epoxy (e.g., 2-Part Epoxy Putty or Liquid): Mix the two components as per instructions. It fills irregular spaces and hardens rock-solid, allowing you to drill and screw into it.

Wood Filler: Use a high-strength filler or mix sawdust with wood glue to create a thick paste.

Fill the Hole: Press the mixed filler tightly into the hole, ensuring no air pockets.

Let it Cure: Allow it to harden completely according to the product's instructions (epoxy may need 24 hours to reach full strength).

Drill and Screw: Once cured, treat it like new wood. First, drill a pilot hole (slightly smaller than the screw's diameter), then screw in the Hinge. This crucial step prevents splitting the new material.

Pros: Extremely high strength, arguably a permanent repair.
Cons: Requires buying materials and has a longer curing time.

Solution 3: Using a Specialty Hardware (Good for all cases, especially heavy doors)

Using a Hinge Repair Plate

This is a metal plate with new pre-drilled holes.

Remove the Old Hinge: Unscrew the hinge from the cabinet frame.

Install the Plate: Attach the repair plate over the damaged area using the provided short screws.

Attach the Hinge: Screw the original hinge onto the new holes on the repair plate.

Pros: Extremely strong, installs instantly, no waiting for glue to dry, perfect for severe damage.
Cons: The metal plate is visible (usually silver), which may affect aesthetics. It can be painted to match the cabinet.

Use a Larger Screw

If the surrounding wood is still solid, simply replacing the screw with a longer and/or thicker screw can often grab fresh wood and solve the problem. Ensure the new screw won't go through the other side of the cabinet frame.

Solution 4: The Ultimate Repair (For extreme damage or a perfect finish)

Installing a Wood Dowel

This requires some woodworking skill.

Drill Out the Hole: Use a drill bit (e.g., 8mm or 10mm) to drill out the damaged hole, making it larger and deeper.

Glue in the Dowel: Coat a pre-made wooden dowel of the same size with wood glue and hammer it into the new hole.

Flush-Cut the Dowel: Saw off the excess dowel and sand it flush with the surface.

Drill and Screw: Drill a new pilot hole into the solid wood dowel and screw in the hinge.

Pros: Strength is equal to new wood, and the repair is invisible.
Cons: Requires specific tools (drill, correct drill bit, saw) and more advanced skill.

Summary & Recommendation

For most people, [Solution 1] or [Solution 2] is the recommended first choice. They will solve over 95% of cases.

Pro Tips:

Always remove the cabinet door before working on it for much easier access.

No matter which method you use, drilling a pilot hole before inserting the screw dramatically reduces the risk of re-damaging the repair.

Ensure your new screw is an appropriate length and will not drill through the other side of the cabinet frame.