teak plugs for toe rail etc. (bit over screw holes)

[forrestmichael]

Hi everyone, two questions about these little teak plugs they put over the screw locations.

1. how do i get them out without gouging the toe rail?
2. Where can i get some new ones?

Thanks

Mike

 

[PCUK]

To remove use a small sharp chisel and great care!
Make your own new ones with a plug cutter that fits in the electric drill. Get the correct size for the holes and a bit of old teak.

 

[MoodySabre]

Cheap enough to buy ebay or google for lots more http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270239924865

 

[MoodySabre]

Not my idea but sounds good

Using a small drill bit, say 1/16", drill into the center of each plug until you reach the screw beneath it. Take another screw that is twice as long as the plug and screw it into the newly drilled hole in the plug. Once you make contact with the concealed screw head, keep turning the screw and it will act as a worm drive and remove the plug easily and cleanly. The smaller the drill you use, the less damage to the plug.

 

[cliffordpope]

Not if it is still well-bonded to the sides of the hole - it will splinter the surrounding wood. The best way is to drill a large hole in the middle and then carefully chisel the remaining ring into the centre.

When making your own plugs, you MUST use a drill stand. If you try it free hand it is liable to suddenly grab the piece of wood and give you a nasty knock or jar your arm..

 

[1955patric]

Or buy a 1/4" shank plug cutter and use a plunge router

 

[Blueboatman]

A straight Screwdriver set across the grain of the plug and the width of the plug,smack hard,once, with a hammer,this should break the glue line or friction joint,then give it a twist to loosen the plug,then extract by screwing a self tapper in and gripping with plyers,as explained earlier
...Obviously much quicker if you get a little production line going.... smack 10 then use a battery drill to wind in 10 screws,pull em out 10 at a time....

 

[Twister_Ken]

Aladdin's Cave, and no doubt other swindleries. The most expensive bits of wood you'll ever buy.

 

[forrestmichael]

ok thanks all, you've given me plenty of things to try.

Mike

 

[absit_omen]

Do not use a plug cutter with a hand held drill as you will quickly find yourself in orbit along with the piece of teak you are cutting.

Bite the bullet and pay through the nose for a packet of plugs unless you are doing in quantity (50 plus) when you may like to use a cutter on a pillar drill.