Stripped Cargo Latch Screw

[Tnedator]

One of the two screws on one of my bay door latches, the part that screws to the door, is stripped out. I think dealer did it when they were adjusting, as I never tightened that particular door. Any ideas on how to build up the hole to use the same screw, or do I need other try and source a larger self tapping screw?

 

[lostinfla]

Personally, I would drill and tap the hole to a slightly larger size if possible. Maybe a rivet nut? Like this

 

[Neal]

A picture would help. Are you talking about the black cover plate that goes into the white foam material on the inside covering the latch mechanism?

 

[Tnedator]

I meant to take a picture yesterday and forgot. Just got back from trip and it’s in garage across town now.

It’s this latch (or at least this is very similar) that is attached to bay door with two large screws. The top one is stripped.

 

[Neal]

Okay, so you circled in red a bolt you can't remove because it's stripped? You could try this. I have this kit but haven't used it yet. I have a bolt on the wheel assembly of my plane I will need to use this on when it's time to change the brakes.

Amazon.com

 

[stubones99]

Is the head of the torx screw stripped out or the threads that it uses stripped out?
A rivnut or threaded insert could be used to screw into the hole and restore the threads...

 

[Tnedator]

Man, I’ve done a terrible job of explaining. Sorry.

The bolt/screw appears fine, it’s the hole in the bay door that seems to be the issue. I think they over tightened and now the screw can’t get be properly tightened.

 

[Tnedator]

I haven’t tried swapping screws to confirm it’s the hole and not actually the screw stripped.

 

[osuallen]

Is the head of the torx screw stripped out or the threads that it uses stripped out?
A rivnut or threaded insert could be used to screw into the hole and restore the threads...

Those are headlock screws - not torx. Home Depot

 

[osuallen]

Man, I’ve done a terrible job of explaining. Sorry.

The bolt/screw appears fine, it’s the hole in the bay door that seems to be the issue. I think they over tightened and now the screw can’t get be properly tightened.

Is there a problem with the door - ie. not latching correctly? Your latch looks pretty beat up. Maybe replace the latch and go up 1 size on the self tapping screw.

 

[Tnedator]

Is there a problem with the door - ie. not latching correctly? Your latch looks pretty beat up. Maybe replace the latch and go up 1 size on the self tapping screw.

That picture was of the Internet, not mine. I didn’t take a picture. Latch is working other that being loose.

 

[Tnedator]

Is the head of the torx screw stripped out or the threads that it uses stripped out?
A rivnut or threaded insert could be used to screw into the hole and restore the threads...

Head isn’t stripped. It’s the hole its screwed into that has become enlarged.

 

[Neal]

Do you have any way to see behind and check if there is a way to grab onto whatever's back there? I'm guessing it's a self tapping screw or is it going into a plate behind? Adjacent basement or crawl in from opposite side?

Worse comes to worse I suppose you could use a Dremel and cut the head off.

 

[Roadglide117]

If you have the screw already out, I'd just go next size self tapping

 

[Neal]

@Tnedator can you get the loose screw out? Maybe put a flat head screwdriver or a knife as a wedge to help work it out? Also a thought, remove the other screw and see if that gives you any clue as to what's backing it? I know the latch D rings for the doors have a backing plate.