A crate repair does not always need the biggest screw in the drawer. In fact, oversized fasteners can split a side panel, crush a corner block or make a simple repair look rougher than the damage that started it.
Start by matching the screw to the job. A loose slat or light handle usually needs a clean pilot hole, a modest wood screw and a square seating surface. Save heavier screws for corners, feet or parts that actually carry weight.
Pilot holes are worth the extra minute. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the screw shank, keep it straight, and stop before punching through the face side. If the old hole is worn out, plug it first with glue and a sliver of dry hardwood, then re-drill after it sets.
Use glue where wood meets wood, not as a substitute for bad alignment. A thin, even coat and a clamp can stop movement; a puddle of glue around a loose screw usually just makes cleanup harder.
For visible repairs, think about the next person who handles the crate. Keep screw heads flush, sand sharp edges, and use the same fastener style across one face so the repair feels intentional rather than patched together.
Practical takeaway: choose the smallest screw that holds confidently, add a pilot hole, plug damaged wood before re-fastening, and let glue support the joint instead of doing all the work.
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