Tail light reflector screw holes stripped

[tetranz]

Hi all

Recent first time RV owner here. 2017 Minnie Winnie 31K. I've never owned any vehicle bigger than a four cylinder car before

I have a simple silly problem. I replaced a faulty tail light and now the screw holes that hold the plastic cover / reflector are pretty much stripped and won't tighten up. They seemed tight before and I didn't apply excessive pressure with the screwdriver but now only one or two of the six screws tighten to a stop now. The two center screws on the reversing light are fine. The six that go into the back wall are the problem.


Someone told me "just use some bigger screws" but that feels like a losing battle that might cause a bigger problem over time. I can imagine next time needing even bigger screws.

Should I fill the holes with something and then make new holes? If so, what should I use as a filler?

Thanks

[Morich]

Alternate plan? How about stick short pieces of toothpick in the holes with a bit of glue before running the screws in? It just shims up the hole a bit so the screws get a better grip.

[ThomB]

Originally Posted by Morich

Alternate plan? How about stick short pieces of toothpick in the holes with a bit of glue before running the screws in? It just shims up the hole a bit so the screws get a better grip.

I was going to suggest the same. For some fixes you can fill the hole with glue and a golf tee then re-tap the hole as needed too.

[tetranz]

Yeah that's worth a try, thanks.

[Blastvalve]

I just swapped out my taillights and had the same issue in 2 screws, toothpick trick worked like a charm.

[IOS 3]

Piling on... wooden match sticks mixed with a little bit of glue or caulk sealant will do the job. Tight to snug but not beyond. You will be fine....!

[tetranz]

I just did the toothpick trick and it's all good now. Thanks.

[JoeC]

ALL of my tail light screws were stripped from the manufacturer (I bought new) and only noticed after a few years when the tail lights started to fail from corrosion. The seals on the lights did not work as there was no stress on them from the stripped screws. This was not the only area where screws were stripped out. Some dumb-dumb working on the assembly line cranked up the torque adjustment on his screwdriver.

Because they were all stripped, I went with stainless screws one size larger than stock and was careful not to over torque. Tail lights, upgraded to LED, have been fine ever since. I would recommend using the toothpick/glue method if only a few screws are stripped out.

[peggwn]

If the excellent suggestions above do not work for some reason here's a more drastic suggestion -- When I swapped my tail lights, I discovered two holes on one light that were actually almost 1/4" diameter because (my guess) the screws had been "ripped" out at some time before we owned our MH; don't know how it was being held on. I cut a thin, but stiff piece of scrap sheet metal big enough to more than cover the area of the screw holes, applied contact cement and then riveted them on. I then re-drilled the two holes, used the same screws on the new tail light, and Bob's your uncle. Good luck.

[floridabob]

Here is my suggestions , First, don't be afraid to use bigger screws, you will not be unscrewing them very often. If the holes are too big, install squeeze nuts , Harbor freight has the whole set up. They go in like pop rivets , install reflector with machine screws. third method for really bad holes, Get a piece of 1/8 aluminum cut about 1/2" bigger than the reflector all around, cuts can be made on a band saw or jig saw, polish if you like it nice , screw this plate onto you rig with nice stainless strews, drill for new holes for your reflector, all good .

[UrbanTarzan]

I Had a few stripped screw holes on a rear taillight , there was a little room behind the fiberglass so i cut a few short lengths of wood , put some construction adhesive on them and stuck them behind the holes. Let it cure and screw away !!

[Goodspike]

Couldn't you use some sort of drywall anchor?

https://www.amazon.com/T-K-Excellent...9863080&sr=8-5