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Bettesworth Construction
screw holes

How to Make Wooden Plugs to Hide Screw Heads in Six Steps

A six-step method for making wooden plugs from matching scrapwood and fitting them cleanly over screw heads.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read
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Make wooden plugs from matching scrapwood, fit them over the screw heads, then trim and sand them flush. The sequence below follows WOOD Magazine’s six-step method, with its drill-press speed treated as a starting instruction rather than a universal setting.

1. Choose matching scrapwood and cut the plugs

Find scrapwood with grain that suits the surrounding work. Clamp it securely to the drill-press table, fit a plug cutter, and bore the plug stock. WOOD Magazine’s 2023 instructions specify about 1,250 rpm; cutter, wood, and machine conditions vary, so do not treat that figure as a setting for every setup.

2. Mark the grain before freeing each plug

Before cutting the plugs free on the bandsaw, mark the grain direction on each one. Transfer the mark to the newly exposed top end so you can align the plug’s grain with the surrounding wood during installation.

3. Adjust a tapered plug for a shallow hole

A tapered plug may not seat tightly in a shallow hole. If needed, hold it with a spring clamp and use a chisel to remove material from the smaller end until it fits.

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#1 Best Overall
Rocaris 6/10/13/16mm Wood Plug Cutter Drill Bit, 8 Pack
  • 8-Piece Set with 4 Sizes: Includes 4 standard wood plug cutters and 4 four-tooth chamfered cutters. Size in 5/8", 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4".
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4. Drill the counterbore and install the screw

A ragged counterbore can spoil the appearance of the finished plug. WOOD Magazine recommends a Forstner bit for a clean counterbore. Drill the pilot hole, install the screw, and apply glue for the plug.

5. Glue the plug, then trim it after drying

Orient the grain mark to suit the surrounding surface and glue the plug in place. Wait for the glue to dry before trimming. Use a flexible flush-cutting saw; a piece of cardboard, such as a business card with a hole cut in it, can serve as a guard over the plug to protect the work surface.

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Rocaris 8 Pack Wood Plug Cutter Drill Bit Set, 1/4 Inch Hex Shank, Black
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6. Sand the plug flush

Begin with 100-grit sandpaper, using either a random-orbit sander or a handheld sanding block. Continue with finer grits until the plug is flush and the surface matches the surrounding work. WOOD Magazine does not specify a complete grit progression, so choose subsequent grits to suit the surface and finish you are preparing.

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Source

This sequence is based on WOOD Magazine Staff’s “Six steps to perfect plugs”, updated July 7, 2023.

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Baorder 8Pcs Wood Plug Cutter Drill Bit Set Carbon Steel Titanium Coated Woodworking Chamfer Drill Bits Straight and Tapered Taper 5/8" 1/2" 3/8" 1/4" Cutting Tool
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Bromirix 8 Pieces Black Wood Plug Cutter Drill Bit Set, Durable Plug Cutter, Straight and Tapered Plug Drill Bits 1/4", 5/8", 3/8", 1/2" with 1/4 Inch Hex Shank, Cutting Tool for Wood
  • PRODUCT SIZE: Our wood plug cutter set include these dimensions 5/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/4 inch. With these versatile drill bit sizes, you'll have the right dimensions for a variety of projects, whether working on small repairs or larger woodworking tasks
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EZARC Countersink Drill Bit Set, 15PCS Tapered Bits with Plug Cutters
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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