Fridge door hinge mounting screws stripped?

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
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1

I have a Frigidaire side by side model number FSC23R5dSBD (Cabinet parts for Frigidaire FSC23R5DSBD - AppliancePartsPros.com).

The sheet metal is bent out where the hinge screws go into the cabinet causing the door to sag preventing it from sealing. I have already had to shim it out. Now it appears as if the screws are pulling out of of the sheet metal, there are shavings and if I tighten them, they just pull back to where they were.

[ATTACH]5996[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]5997[/ATTACH]

It seems as if the screws are 1/4-20 sheet metal screws. I was thinking of hammering the sheet metal back into plain then replacing the screws with 1/4-20 machine screw and bolt with washer and lock washer. Or else tap a slightly larger sheet metal screw (5/16") in the same hole. It all depends on if I can get access from underneath and not need to remove too many parts (aside from maybe the front roller).

I’d appreciate any input.

Thanks.
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2

Hi.

I wood of done the same thing. Put 2 bolts through and install additional metal plate from inside.

Good luck.

Simon.

3

Hello,

I know this is an old thread by I have the exact same problem and was wondering if you came up with a decent solution. Thanks!

4

Wow. this is an old post.

Hammered the sheet metal flat and drove in a 5/16" self tapping bolt into the existing hole and hasn’t needed any attention since. It was the easiest option and worked well.

You can find the bolts online but if you have an industrial hardware store like Marshall’s in San Diego with rows and rows of fasteners they will have it. Home Depot will not.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018U2324/ref=asc_df_B0018U23245328539/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B0018U2324&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198095900368&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2218439499640148147&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031351&hvtargid=pla-349864714685