Tech Tip: Stock Repair For Recoil Pads

Published on May 23, 2025
Duration: 23:53

This guide details a robust method for repairing stripped screw holes in wooden firearm stocks, specifically demonstrated on a Remington 870 recoil pad. It emphasizes drilling out damaged holes, inserting glued wooden dowels, and re-drilling pilot holes for a permanent fix. The technique, presented by Caleb from Brownells, ensures proper alignment and structural integrity, avoiding temporary, less effective solutions.

Quick Summary

The best way to fix stripped screw holes in a wooden gun stock is to drill out the damaged area, glue in a wooden dowel, and then drill a new pilot hole. This method, demonstrated by Brownells, ensures a permanent and strong repair for recoil pad attachments.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Identifying Stripped Screw Hole Problem
  2. 00:48Firearm Safety and Stock Disassembly
  3. 02:18Dowel Repair Method Explained
  4. 03:31Tools and Materials for Stock Repair
  5. 04:28Creating a Drilling Template
  6. 06:58Measuring Screw Depth for Drilling
  7. 11:44Drilling and Gluing Dowels into Stock
  8. 14:47Final Drilling and Recoil Pad Reinstallation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to fix stripped screw holes in a wooden gun stock?

The most effective method involves drilling out the stripped hole, gluing in a wooden dowel, letting it dry, and then drilling a new pilot hole. This provides a strong, permanent repair for recoil pad or other screw attachments on wooden stocks.

What tools and materials are needed for a wooden stock screw hole repair?

You'll need a 1/4-inch drill bit, 1/4-inch wooden dowels, waterproof wood glue (like Titebond III), a 1/8-inch drill bit for pilot holes, a drill, a vise, paper for a template, and basic measuring tools.

How deep should I drill when repairing stripped screw holes in a stock?

Drill to the depth of the original screw that was removed. Measure the screw's length to determine the correct drilling depth for both the initial hole and the final pilot hole after inserting the dowel.

Why is using Q-tips or steel wool not recommended for fixing stripped screw holes?

While Q-tips or steel wool might offer a temporary fix, they are not structurally sound and can easily fail. The recommended method using glued wooden dowels provides a permanent and reliable repair for stripped screw holes.

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