Plug cutters are essential for producing clean, matching plugs to fill screw holes, dowel holes, or other imperfections in timber. They’re the key to achieving a seamless, professional finish where visible fixings would detract from the overall look.
Because they cut plugs from the same stock, the grain direction and colour match the surrounding surface, allowing the repair to virtually disappear once sanded and finished.
Whether you’re installing hardware, hiding fixings, or adding subtle decorative details, the right plug cutter elevates the quality of your woodworking and gives your projects a refined, custom-built appearance.
Plug cutters feature a sharp, hollow cutting profile that cores out perfectly round plugs from a workpiece or offcut. The fluted cutting edges shear cleanly through the grain, producing smooth, uniform plugs with minimal tear-out.
Most designs include a central pilot or point for accurate positioning and to maintain alignment, ensuring each plug is cut square to the surface and fits snugly into the matching hole.
Plug cutters are ideal for use across a wide range of woodworking tasks, including:
The material of the plug cutter affects its sharpness, durability, and suitability for different timbers: