Having trouble tightening a threshold flush to the floor with screws that aren’t catching – any thoughts or advice?
Asked by Pihla Marttila 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: October 31, 2024
Hey, so I was attempting to secure this threshold so it’s level with the floor, but my screws just won’t grab onto anything.
They’re 2 inches long. Any ideas on what I should do next?
Is it stripped?
Said it’s actually a star head, not stripped.
At some point, did it become tight again by using smaller screws?
Didn’t tighten it up
The wood is stripped, not the screw,
Mind if I take a look at the trim head screw?
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Hey , those screws have a shank that’s too long. Try getting ones with threads that stop closer to the head.
Hey ! Looks like your threads went a little too deep there. Maybe try using a trim head with shorter threads or a smaller size, like one inch and a half.
Are there any particular ones you would suggest?
Kevin s, do you think keeping the fasteners on the edges like the original is a good idea to try?
Is okay but a bit shorter
It’s likely stripped. You’ll have to remove it and place an anchor underneath. Another option is to remove the screw, insert a toothpick or piece of paperclip into the hole, and then tighten the screw. However, make sure you’re using the correct type of screw that can be screwed in with a screwdriver. I’m guessing you used a drill for this.
Consider using 1.5″ screws instead
Perhaps there’s a gap in the flooring between the rooms
Due to the limited 3/4 of material underneath, you’ve reached the end of the threads. Consider using a 1.5″ or 1.75″ screw instead.
The screws are intentionally not threaded all the way to the head. You may have reached the end of the thread in the threshold before engaging with the subfloor. Have you checked what is underneath the threshold? Sometimes there is a gap. Try lifting the threshold to see what’s there. If there is a gap, you can fill it with some spare plywood that you secure before attaching the threshold.
The screws may be slightly too long, causing them to strip the hole when catching the ply. Did you try using pilot holes first? It might be easier to use nails instead.
You can use a nail set and hammer to fill the holes with colored wood putty.
Maybe consider using countersunk heads when attaching the threshold to the subfloor, so they are not sticking out. If you go with bolts, they might create a tripping hazard unless they are flush with the flooring.
You’ll need to drill countersink holes for the heads on that oak. It requires different screws than just shooting a trim nail in. The resistance caused it to strip out the wood below. If it’s new, lift it up, glue it down, add weight, and tape around it on the floor for guidance. Once glued, tape over it to hold it in place. Alternatively, consider using a plug cutter and counter sink #8 screws before plugging the holes.
You can spot the nails to the left of the screws. Why do you believe it needs to be screwed down?
It looks like is a bit raised in the middle. Since it’s not new, what do you think we should do about it?
You might have hit something underneath, like a nail or screw securing the subfloor. Try drilling at a slight angle in the same hole to see if it will grip better and fully tighten. Remove both screws so one doesn’t interfere with the other. Consider countersinking the heads, maybe even just with a slightly larger drill bit to avoid grabbing and over-drilling.
I personally prefer using Liquid Nails and adding some weight on top. Let it sit for about 3 days.
Looks like this threshold is fully worn down. Maybe try using shorter screws?
It seems like you might be hitting your slab
Have you located your joists?
Asking what exactly is a joist
Talking about floor framing