Help my Microwave got "shook out"

[Toasterlife]

So we have a 23 foot Christopher Dean that is about 10 years old. It has the bed at the back and the microwave over the fridge. Part way through our 4K trip, the microwave screws began to come loose and the microwave jolted about an half an inch out of its place - so we tightened the screws and all looked well, BUT, the problem kept happening and each time a little worse. Reaching home the microwave was front feet out and several screws on the floor.

Does anyone have a good fix for this?

My thoughts are try a slightly thicker screw, but the limitation is the that the screws seem to just go into the chipboard surround.

Also thought about stuffing some brillo-pad steel wool in the screw holes and using the same screw.

Looking for a good fix that has stood the test of time. Many thanks.

[BayouBiker]

toothpicks and wood or white glue to fill the holes. Then when dry sheer off the extra length and reuse the original wood screws. For extra measure a bit more glue on the threads when you screw them in. Your problems will be behind you.

[wulfraat]

^^^^^^ x2

[pcskier]

If you want to solve it permanently, use T-nuts and machine screws. Remove microwave; insert machine screws in the holes, then thread a T-nut behind the face frame. Tighten it enough so that the T-nut starts to set in to the wood.

After all four nuts are set, reinstall microwave, and use the machine screws to tighten until the T-nuts are firmly pulled in to the back of the face frame. I painted the heads of the machine screws to match the black of my the microwave surround. That's optional.

In case your aren't familiar, a T Nut is a nut that has spikes that are set into the wood. Do this and it'll never loosen up again. You are basically "through-bolting" the screws.
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Hardware...s/N-5yc1vZc2a4

To really make it robust, get some backing plywood cut into little squares, and glue them on the back of the face frame at each corner. Drill through the hole in the face frame through the piece of added backing wood. Then install the T-nut. This ensures there's lots of wood for the nut to set in to, without and risk of compromising the face frame.

Also, while you have the microwave out, install more sheet metal screws in the frame that holds the microwave to the face plate. They have a tendency to loosen up as well, so add more to strengthen that whole thing.

[BayouBiker]

T-nuts are fantastic. I keep forgetting about those....

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by BayouBiker

toothpicks and wood or white glue to fill the holes. Then when dry sheer off the extra length and reuse the original wood screws. For extra measure a bit more glue on the threads when you screw them in. Your problems will be behind you.

X3 but substitute MarineTex for a more permanent fix.

MT... a handy addition to the AS fix-it tool kit.

Bob
🇺🇸

[wlrhoads]

A simple quick permanent fix that we have used many times is to place a small amount of Gorilla Glue in the existing hole and dip the existing screw water then put the screw in the hole. The water will set off a reaction that expands the glue around the screw holding it in place.

[banderabob]

I’ll have to look at those t-nuts! Had the same problem, tried the toothpicks to no avail, settled for larger/longer screws.....seems to have worked.