thisplace.com.au - Filling Existing Screw Holes

When replacing existing hardware, it is often necessary to fill the old screw holes, and drill new ones. Rather than using messy putty or filler, try this old carpenters trick.
Get a bunch of toothpicks (or wooden matches) and some wood glue. Put a drop or two of glue on the end of a toothpick, and push it into the existing hole. You may need to use more than one toothpick depending on the size of the existing hole.
After the glue has dried, simply break of the toothpicks and sand down the rough edges. Now your ready to drill new holes or to drive screws in to the old holes. No mess, no fuss, and the toothpicks actually do a better job than putty!