Reducing screw hole size in Aluminium frame

richardw

The screw holding the locking bar screws into the aluminium window frame, self tapping I think it is.
It appears the screw was over tightened at installation, has now fallen out, leaving a slightly larger screw hole in the frame, this means the screw can't screw into the hole because it is too big.

Any ideas on how to reduce the hole size for something to screw into?

keith969

Bigger screw? Else you could get a threaded insert made up.

richardw

Larger screw would stop the locking bar working.
Would a threaded insert be expensive?

Do aluminium fillers work well?

casper_g

I'm not sure what this locking bar looks like, but could you move it to a slightly different position on the frame? That way you can just drill a new pilot hole of the correct size. If you're really lucky you can position it so the old hole is hidden by the bar when you re-attach it in the new location.

Sicard

I use match sticks for this type of problem.

richardw

Can't move the locking bar.
Tried match sticks but the screw pushes the match stick against the sharp aluminium hole and cuts it in half.

Perhaps something like a match stick but not as soft?

marleyboy

Try using a small washer or rivet on the screw.

tonyh66

rivet into the screw hole then drill new pilot hole throught the rivet.

brightontraveller

Depends on how much threads left, thickness etc wire wool in the hole can give it a bite probably better to re tap fit wider screw. You can buy Taps that increase in 0.5mm increments for less than £10

27cool

Pop rivet into the hole.Punch the steel mandrel out of the middle of the rivet, and then screw the self tapping screw into the centre of the rivet.

flashg67

Are you thinking of something like this to fill then redrill? Worth a try for a fiver? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLASTIC-PADDING-CHEMICAL-METAL-WOOD-STONE-FILLER-ADHESIVE-REPAIR-1000s-OF-USES-/400578878426?hash=item5d445c9bda:g:hDoAAOxyFjNSQhy9