Once you have repaired the stripped screw hole, you can re-drive the screw. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as this could strip the hole again.
Use a toothpick or matchstick. This is a simple and quick fix that works well for small stripped screw holes, especially in softwoods. Simply insert the toothpick or matchstick into the hole and break it off flush with the surface. Make sure to use a sharp knife to break it off flush with the surface. This will prevent the toothpick or matchstick from sticking out and potentially breaking off again.
Use wood glue and sawdust. Mix together some wood glue and sawdust to create a paste. Fill the stripped screw hole with the paste and let it dry completely. Make sure to mix the two together until you have a thick paste. This will help to ensure that the paste fills the hole completely and does not dry out too quickly. Once dry, re-screw.
Use a dowel. For larger stripped screw holes, you can use a dowel. Cut a dowel to the same diameter as the screw hole and insert it into the hole. Then, use a hammer to gently tap the dowel into place until it is flush with the surface. Make sure to cut it to the exact diameter of the screw hole. This will help to ensure that the dowel fits snugly in the hole and does not split when you hammer it in.
Use a screw extractor. If the screw is stripped and cannot be removed, use a screw extractor. Screw extractors are specially designed tools that can grip stripped screws and remove them. Be careful not to overtighten it. Overtightening the screw extractor could damage the screw hole.
Use a tap and die set. If the screw hole is stripped, you can use a tap and die set to rethread it. Taps and dies are tools that are used to cut threads into metal and other materials. To rethread a stripped screw hole, use a tap to cut new threads into the hole. Then, use a die to cut new threads onto the screw hole.