How To Use A Plug Cutter

Using wood filler might be a convenient way to fill screw and nail holes, but it isn’t the best way. Wood constantly shrinks and expands with temperature and moisture levels and this constant movement can cause wood filler to crack. Plug cutters can be used to make your own plugs for filling counter bored or countersunk holes in wood. The biggest advantage of using a plug cutter is that you can get a matching plug by using scraps from the same project.

Plug cutters come in sizes of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16mm. I normally use the Tork Craft range of plug cutters. They’re affordable and you can buy a pack with assorted sizes. When cutting plugs to fit into counterbored or countersunk holes, make sure that the plug has a nice snug fit. You will need a drill press when cutting plugs. Again, Tork Craft have a reasonably priced unit that will come in handy for other precise drilling projects as well.

When you use a drill press, clamp the wood down at the ends so that your hands are free to hold the drill/driver and adjust the drill press height.

Wood filler is messy, you have to wait for it to dry and then you have to sand it. If you are making your own wood furniture or projects, you might consider investing in a small drill press and a set of plug cutters.

The cut plugs need to be as long as the hole you are filling is deep. Apply a small amount of wood glue around the sides and base of the plug and push it into the hole and give it a quick tap with a rubber mallet to make sure they are fitted nicely. Let the glue dry and sand smooth.

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