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How to fix door latch screws loosening from Oamaru stone?

Hi. I have a glass balustrade door with laych drilled into Oamaru stone as below. The screws are working loose as picture shows, with giggling of the door in wind etc, and I’m wondering if I try squirting in some liquid nail to hold the screw and the plug in place? This was already a patch up job by a builder. Thanks

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Comments

AlanM52

Hi @RR1,

For a one-off job like that just use a better quality brick anchor.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 095548.jpg

Ramset 6 x 38mm Universal Anchor

Cheers

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @RR1. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about wall fixings.

As @AlanM52 has already mentioned, this is very likely a case where the existing fixings in the stone need to be replaced rather than patched. If the screws are working loose and pulling out, it usually indicates that the plugs are either undersized for the load or were not installed correctly to begin with.

From the photos, it looks like the lower screw is pulling the wall plug out with it, while the upper screw appears to be pulling straight out of the stone without the plug coming with it. That generally suggests the plug has been shredded or has lost its grip inside the hole. In that situation, squirting in Liquid Nails is unlikely to be a reliable or long-term fix, especially for a door latch that is constantly being moved and stressed by wind.

The best approach would be to remove the latch bracket completely, drill out the existing fixings if required, and start again with a more heavy-duty fixing suitable for masonry and stone. Something like the Universal Anchor that Alan has mentioned would be a much better option, as it is designed to grip more securely and cope with repeated movement. I'd go for the larger Ramset 8 x 50mm Universal Anchor.

Just a quick but important warning while you are working on this. You need to be exceptionally careful around glass balustrade panels, as they can shatter very easily. A single knock in the wrong spot can cause the entire panel to fail. Please make sure you are wearing safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, trousers and enclosed footwear. If you are not confident working so close to glass, it would be wise to engage a handy person or professional to carry out the work safely.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

RR1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/62121#Comment_62121

Thanks for that. The door can be moved well away from the stone or I’d definitely get someone in to do it. Difficult round here to get someone to do the small jobs, and I’m a bit reluctant to get the builder have a thrid attempt!

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