Sheared screw holes for rear light cluster

[NorthernSands]

How do, all.

A little while ago I reversed the van into a post. The only damage was a crack to the rear light cluster lens, which is a minor on the MOT. New clusters have been purchased but, on removal of the old cluster, one screw had no grip, and the other three screw holes were using red rawlplugs (see pic).

Whats the best / easy way to have the screws grip without a massive bodge? The plastic isn’t overly thick, so I’m surprised the plugs didn’t spin.

Many thanks!

Peter

 

[Garfields]

Glue in some matchsticks or dowel and use stainless steel self tappers

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Can you use the metal clips that they use in cars, the are sprung steel with a slotted hole in them, they clip on or sit behind where the screw goes in, assuming you can get behind the hole, as you score in the screw grips and pulls the clip in tight.
Don't know what they are called, sorry.

 

[NorthernSands]

Can you use the metal clips that they use in cars, the are sprung steel with a slotted hole in them, they clip on or sit behind where the screw goes in, assuming you can get behind the hole, as you score in the screw grips and pulls the clip in tight.
Don't know what they are called, sorry.

I know the ones you mean, often come with car speakers. I do have some, but I'd need to cut a slot in the plastic above / below where the hole is, top be able to get them in.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

You could always squeeze in some plastic putty. Let it set and then pop st steel screws in.

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[Jev88]

These are useful sometimes.

 

[NorthernSands]

These are useful sometimes.

View attachment 403335

I actually have some of those (well, plastic version). I'll ponder. Good idea.

 

[Two on Tour]

Rubber nut (wellnuts), it what's used for fixing back the lights on the rear of our van.

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[rb62]

Beaten to it

Many years ago I found our Fleetwood caravans lights were held on with these

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Zains Pops]

Drill out and insert threaded screw inserts, fix inserts with an adhesive

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Then use stainless steel machine screws. Then the lights can be removed and refixed without problem, sods law says you'll never again have to remove the light after fixing it properly

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[Zains Pops]

Beaten to it

Many years ago I found our Fleetwood caravans lights were held on with these

Pardon our interruption...

Same idea different device, both will work well.

 

[glenn2926]

Can you use the metal clips that they use in cars, the are sprung steel with a slotted hole in them, they clip on or sit behind where the screw goes in, assuming you can get behind the hole, as you score in the screw grips and pulls the clip in tight.
Don't know what they are called, sorry.

These would be a good clip to use they're called spire clips. If you can get a hand behind the panel that the lights screw to.

 

[WynandJean]

These are useful sometimes.

View attachment 403335

I find these brilliant. I have used them for all sorts. Much better than normal wall plugs.

Wyn

 

[Emmit]

Can you use the metal clips that they use in cars, the are sprung steel with a slotted hole in them, they clip on or sit behind where the screw goes in, assuming you can get behind the hole, as you score in the screw grips and pulls the clip in tight.
Don't know what they are called, sorry.

Speedclips, Jim

 

[Emmit]

I know the ones you mean, often come with car speakers. I do have some, but I'd need to cut a slot in the plastic above / below where the hole is, top be able to get them in.

Wouldn't a craft knife, pushed vertically down at the 'fold' between horizontal and vertical do the trick? Just sayin'.

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[pappajohn]

Slotting the panel to accept speed clips would be the better solution BUT... the part of the clip which is behind the panel isn't flat, the screw hole is shaped and needs more than a thin slot. A slot maybe 2mm or 3mm thick would work.

 

[NorthernSands]

Slotting the panel to accept speed clips would be the better solution BUT... the part of the clip which is behind the panel isn't flat, the screw hole is shaped and needs more than a thin slot. A slot maybe 2mm or 3mm thick would work.

Indeed. A bit of sealant would also avoid water ingress... We'll see. I don't have a Dremel so might be tricky to do the cut.