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I am working on my first wood product. I am completely new to this. The following happened: enter image description here

My question is: How do I stabilize this crack?

Can I fill something into the hole so that the crack doesn't get any worse?

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  • as rlc707 stated - you can countersink. However the stresses that might be applied to this - it will eventually split all the way down. Sometimes what is done is a large hole is drilled to end the splitting - when going lengthwise , it does not fix the original split but prevents it from walking further down the board. In your case you might try this at the end of the split - to limit the walk. This will weaken the connection as well which might cause that end piece to split off. – Ken May 20 '17 at 16:07
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  • I would add that although you can stabilize the crack, even with a pre-drill and countersink, a screw that close to the end of the board is likely to crack again anyway, particularly if it's carrying any load. – Steve Nov 9 '17 at 22:45
  • polyester resin can be ideal for this kind of repair – Sabrina Holloway-Whitehorse Apr 29 at 5:02
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Put glue-ca or wood glue in now, back out the screw and then predrill and lightly countersink so the screw will hold but not force wood apart.

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    I would add that you should disassemble, then glue and clamp tight until glue is cured. Then reassemble with appropriate pilot hole, countersink, fastener, and torque. – Jimmy Fix-it May 20 '17 at 18:17
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The rule with splits or breaks like this is

  1. Apply wood glue
  2. Clamp the pieces

Don't skip #2 or you'll have wasted the glue. Clamping forces the glue into the wood, and it will be a stronger bond when cured, than the wood alone would be.

I would remove the screw, glue, clamp, and then take a drill bit the size of your screw head and chamfer the hole (just rev the drill and press lightly to let the drill cut a bevel where the head will sit). The chamfer should ensure it doesn't crack when added again.

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