Old swing set

Live at Three

Hi, I got a swing and slide set from a friend who's outgrown it.

It's in ok condition, I've replaced the lats for the ladder and some smaller pieces which were rotting. The main 6 poles which support everything are still good, I've treated them with a few coats of fencelife.

The question I have is, when re-assembling the poles with the connectors, should I re-use the same screw holes or rotate the poles and drill new ones? If so, how should I seal off old holes to prevent further rotting? The existing holes are not great but probably ok for another few years.

Connectors look like this:
https://www.wickey.ie/swing-corner-round-80-100?gclid=CjwKCAjw3-bzBRBhEiwAgnnLCioa4EWyIEHUSV15V1hBvbw8Wgwv-Wt2LUqqoIEVsecYpGFE50n3YhoC6uMQAvD_BwE

Swing is the type in pic shown.

brane.nikic87

I would not drill new holes as more holes you have drilled bigger is the chance of wood cracking in that area. If existing holes are not in a bad shape as you said, you can always fill them with epoxy to seal them and stop the wood from rotting and then reinstall screws into the same holes.

chillyspoon

I recommend the toothpick trick here, it's easier than trying to get glue in by itself.

Absolutely slather some wooden toothpicks or tiny bbq skewers (or just make some splinters the right size) with glue (epoxy or exterior wood glue is fine). Hammer them into the screw holes, as many as you can into each until they're jammed. Wait for it to dry and then cut/chisel/plane/sand (whatever you've got!) them flush to the surface. Apply a coat or two of Fence Life to each spot.

Pop your new screws straight into the same spot or rotate the poles - strength will be just the same - just as strong as new.

Double Barrel

Agree with what has being said but I would drill a pilot hole before installing the new fasteners.
Good luck

Live at Three

Thanks for all that, something to do tomorrow!