NES cart cleaning - screws won't tighten!

[Ninjamohawk]

Hey guys, I'm a long time lurker but this is the first time I've decided to register and post.

I recently got into collecting NES carts and after cleaning a gold cart of The Legend of Zelda I couldn't seem to get the side screws to re-tighten. Middle/top screw is fine but it feels like the side screws aren't threading properly. I'm worried I may have wrecked the thread.

Anyone have any tips on how to get this tight again? Is there a way to re-thread the holes (probably not, I know) or could I use an incredibly small amount of hairspray or superglue on the screw to get it to stay?

Thanks.

[wingzrow]

I know you don't want to hear this but it sounds like you may have stripped the screw ( screw holes? )

[staxx]

You can do the following methods:

Use glue in the screw holes with the screws.
Use some caulk in the screw hole, a lil then put the screws in.
Use larger screws.

[cynicalhat]

+1 on the use larger screws.
also don't torque them down' as soon as the head hits the cart, stop. if it ever loosens up you can simply re tighten it down. you aren't putting wheels on your car. if you prefer it tigt, give an extra quarter turn max.

[Ninjamohawk]

I'm 100% sure I stripped the hole. When I was opening it up the side screws didn't want to come, and wouldn't turn anymore so I figured they were "out" and just a little hung up.

More like real hung up. It popped and I think that's when the holes got wrecked.
I'll just get some larger screws.
Thanks for the tips!

EDIT: Just rechecked it and yeah, there's a tiny spiral of black plastic stuck in the threads on both side screws. Bummer. Oh well, souvenirs!