My screw is loose!

[Cougar Campers]

Owners of a 2013 Cougar 333mks fifth wheel with a screw ( see pic) that was loose and making the vinyl bubble between the dining table and island. I cut the vinyl carefully and unscrewed it. It's a very long screw (4 inches long, 1/4 diameter)and appears to be a self tapping one. Kinda looks like the tip snapped off. Now I can't get it to go back in. Anyone know if it was holding up something darn important underneath? I hate to start cutting the underbelly searching. Appreciate any insight.

[JRTJH]

It probably attaches the floor to the aluminum joists. If you look at the attached picture, number 2 is those joists. The floor OSB is fastened to them using screws similar to what you show in your post. I wouldn't try to reinstall a broken screw, the blunt end won't cut properly and could cause more damage making a good replacement screw not hold in the same place.

[Cougar Campers]

Thanks so much for your reply. I now need to find and buy this screw and attach next to the other screws location! Always something, but half the battle is determining the problem and how to solve it. This forum is invaluable-thanks to all of you that make it happen.

[hankpage]

From your photo, it does not look as if it is broken off. It is a self threading screw ..... either the hole it went into is stripped or the installer missed the joist altogether. If the hole is stripped, find the same length screw in 5/16 and that should thread in just fine. If there is nothing there to thread into, I would do without it as drilling to find the joist may cause larger problems. JM2¢, Hank

[Campy]

Most of those "self tapping" screws had drill bit tips that were easily broken off.