6 Ways to Plug or Fill Pocket Holes | How to

6 Ways to Plug or Fill Pocket Holes made by your Kreg Jig or other pocket hole jigs. Cover your pocket screws for painting.
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[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Full Blog Post with more commentary and details: fixthisbuildthat.com/6-ways-to-plug-fill-pocket-holes-how-to/ Please SUBSCRIBE! kzbin.info

[@DrkKnyght1981]

Fix This Build That you could also build a jig so that you can make your own dowels from the same species of wood for a better color and potential grain match

[@davidcoulson6645]

Which one would you recommend on a much bigger hole?

[@EPortillo5000]

To insert the angled dowel you do just bang them with a hammer on the flat face they will go in because of the angular force.

[@serpentinehat]

Please be careful while working .I just saw you get hurt two times in one video

[@louiejaycaballero9836]

9 ko

[@henrya5126]

Thanks for taking your time and making the test, in such a broad and hq manner! And having a very hq recording+eding procedure! Cheers from Sweden 😁

[@davidnleeh4]

Thank you for doing this demo! I think you've gotten me switched from store bought plugs (Kreg Plugs, since use their K5 Pocket Hole System) over to using the straight dole rod/plugs! One reason is the cost then there is the (which I'd never really thought about) ability to get different species of wood for matching the plugs to the specific wood species I used!!

[@talleysuehohlfeld446]

I use pocket-hole joinery pretty exclusively (I don't have the capacity to do other types of joints, and I make functional furniture only, really). Only recently have I decided that I'd like to fill the holes. This was really, really helpful! I recently was given an oscillating multitool that I thought I might use to cut off the excess plugs, but you've made that hand saw (the flush-cut trim saw) look really easy! and the idea of how to make my own dowels is useful as well.

[@craftedworkshop]

Great work, Brad. One thing with the glue and sawdust: mix it off of your workpiece. I think that's why you made such a big mess! I like that dowel cutting jig, going to have to try that!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Crafted Workshop yeah, I made a huge mess and obviously would never mix it on an actual workpiece. The jig was like a flash of brilliance, and Ihonestly can't think of a faster way to cut these. Plus it's zero clearance so no chipout on the cut. I might do a video just on this jig...and I already shot a funny parody of making it that I ended up cutting out. So even better reason to do it :)

[@sacrux]

Also heard of people keeping jars of sawdust w/ the wood species marked on them so they can just pull one out and mix it w/ glue to fill gaps/holes. Think you can also mix in a little stain or something to alter colors a bit.

[@svartahridxhgc]

Its a good filler sawdust and wood glue, you just need to mix well the parts, apply and remove the excess with a putty knife, so it dries clean and no need to sand later, it's a problem sanding wood glue, since it's harder than wood, that's why I always try to cut out the glue excess just after applied.

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Crafted Workshop Exactly what I was thinking! Great video though... Super useful!

[@keithjohnston5936]

I precut dowels by rolling them under a utility knife, but I like the jig idea so there are plenty on hand. Great vid, thanks.

[@FunkyjunkinteriorsNet]

Thanks for the demo, Brad! Just joined the pocket hole club myself and am immersing myself in good advice! Much appreciated!

[@johnroth8275]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I appreciate it. By the way Kreg has discontinued walnut plugs and no longer sharpens it’s drill bits. Just bought a walnut dowel, 3/8 inch , for six dollars

[@JimSollows]

I've used pocket holes for years and never would have thought of the square cut dowels method! I'm totally doing that from here on!! Thanks!! 👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Jim Sollows it's by far the most consistently easiest application method I found. Hope it works well for you!

[@SmallWorkshopGuy]

Yes, that was also what I learned from the video. Showing that hammer push those puppies in made my day!

[@evarogers8775]

I wish I'd found your video 2 days ago. I'm making a king size farmhouse bed (head & footboard rails and support frame. I did a lot if sanding yesterday. My store bought plugs did not fit very well. I will remember your video for my next project. That Bondo is impressive. Since I'll have to sand anyway and it looks like it is good alternative for most fillers assuming it's a painted, not stained project I'll be giving it a try.

[@makermarkdesigns]

Hi Brad. Thanks for the hands on research. If I am painting, I am definitely a fan of bondo for repairs (pocket holes and others). The more you use it, the more comfortable you will get with your technique. I generally overfill a hole (any hole) and just after the bondo sets up, I use a rasp (actually a drywall rasp works great) to get rid of the bulk of the overfill, Then I allow the bondo to fully set and sand as usual. BTW, I actually use bondo for filling knot holes even if I am staining. But when I do, I use a white catalyst instead of the red and add a color to match the final finish.

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

For a painted project, I have been using bondo for screw and nail holes for over 20 years.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Tom's Dreamshop Worx you were 20 years ahead of me!

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Just means I'm a old fart! LOL

[@carpediem1620]

@N. Shiva Guru 🤣😂

[@rogermccaslin6750]

@Kwistenbiebel200 Body fillers sand very easily, especially if you catch it at the right time. It sort of cures it stages. It first hardens to a rubbery state and then later hardens to a more solid state. As it transitions from frubbery to solid it sands very easy, by hand or machine.

[@GeneralPublic0000]

The Bondo plug will fall out over time. That’s satisfactory for someone who is just trying to make a sale, but a craftsman wants to do it right.

[@timthetoolman5128]

I've used bondo for years, it can harden in seconds and it sticks to everything. Good video👍🇨🇦

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Tim!

[@MrPhins]

I just started doing some pocket holes and used the sawdust and glue mix. Mine looks exactly like that. I mixed in a small container to minimize mess but any residue was horrible to remove by sanding. Wish I had seen this first. I'll stick with straight dowels for sure. Love that jig idea too. Thanks!

[@DarinBeard]

I've used Bondo and I love it. "Dries" fast and sands easily. I like your straight plug idea. I am going to try that.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Darin Beard let me know what you think of the straight plugs.

[@BRTardiff]

Love your videos and your Sunday night live show, Brad. Thanks for the Bondo tip. I gave it a try for the first time and preferred it over wood filler. Works great for a painted project in tight spots (I can’t reach with a saw) created from my own lack of planning.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Glad it helped!

[@Jason-kc6vk]

I'm a fan of Bondo, simply because of cost, durability, ease of sanding, and it practicality works on almost any kind of material.

[@haiaokuwa]

Thanks for this! Just got my pocket hole jig and I was pondering this very task.

[@asinger261]

Bondo now makes a fast drying wood color filler it's awesome to use

[@KrissyEllis]

Thanks for the tip for the dowel and jig. I've been disappointed with the store bought plugs too. Great video!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Krissy Ellis thanks, Krissy!

[@davidlang4442]

I use my bandsaw with a jig to cut my plugs from 3/8 dowels. I stick them in the holes with glue and bang them home with a Hammer and 3/4 stock using its edge against the plugs to set them flush. Works great.

[@Tom-xy7mx]

That jig you used to cut dowels is actually quite ingenious. Looks pretty quick to get set up and have the dowels ready in no time.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+- - thanks!

[@richardortiz197]

Hi Brad, really nice demo. Appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this video. Like how you showed the different methods and then you showed the method on the jig you made to cut the 3/8 dowel.well done.thanks👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks, Richard!

[@dadsworkshopbykipplabrie7982]

Great video Brad and thanks for sharing. I had very good luck with bondo all purpose filler when fixing a door jamb, I prefer it over bondo wood filler. The all purpose was easier to shape and sand. The wood filler dried super quick! And had to use a orbital sander. Thanks again keep the videos coming.

[@deathwishdave]

Great video! straight into it, no filler, just filler.

[@bobsmith-xn5jm]

Great video Brad! Quick, informative, and to the point. Other KZbin posters should take note.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Bob!

[@johnvodopija1743]

A good video. I have made a few projects using pocket holes recently and this is very useful. Thank you 👍😎🇦🇺

[@wilhelmtm]

Amazing video!!!!! I really appreciate the efforts and I agree with you, Bondo RULES!

[@soeaire]

Thank you for showing me the best way to plug holes. I was going to purchase a $74. Kreg plug cutter. However now I am going to simply get some 3/8" dowels. Saved some money now I can buy more wood. Thanks again brad.

[@Huey52123]

Excellent alternatives, thanks. Please be reminded of the Kreg dedicated plug cutters. Able to match wood species and even grain pattern/direction.

[@FunkyjunkinteriorsNet]

I just read about this option as well. Do you find when staining a project that the plugs are hard to detect? (my goal...) Thanks!

[@robertduley5446]

Literally your video series are absolute Gold, thank you 🙏

[@thedrizz1913]

Heading to the store to buy a flush cut saw now! Great video! Will be making the plugs myself going forward.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Adrian Orozco you'll get a ton of use from it!

[@cybersewingschool874]

Thank you! This was very helpful. I always struggle with the pocket hole plugs and the dowel rod tip was fantastic!

[@bpatters69]

Bondo is great! I had to use it on a newly finished work surface for my work bench which is 2 pieces of 3/4. It worked great! Yes, it's a different color but it's a work bench top.

[@tabithaanne24]

I'm really getting into your podcast "Made for Profit". I finally thought I'd come check you out! Love love love your podcast!!!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Glad you're digging it!

[@katie2920]

I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THIS VIDEO!! AWESOME!!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Kate YOU'RE WELCOME!

[@michaelleas]

Yo! That dowel jig is dope! Thanks for the tip

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Glad you dig it, Mike!

[@chemjames]

The dowel jig is a great idea and works well!

[@danalaniz7314]

Really informative. Thanks for sacrificing your knuckles! I'm just starting with pocket holes so this is really helpful.

[@peterm.eggers520]

Saw dust and glue I learned from my woodshop teacher over 40 years ago. It is a great wood filler, if done right. Mix thoroughly in a small plastic container first, then apply. Also, match your sawdust size and color to the size of the hole to be filled and color to the wood. It has worked as well or better than any wood putty for me for over 40 years.

[@williamfreeh9598]

i owned a small painting business and i used bondo on hinge recesses and striker plate holes in door frames it was easy and fast and held very well.

[@robertboinski4582]

I've used Bondo when I have done laminate work. I did the same Sort of samples as you, and I found that sometimes with the plugs/dowels, there would be very tiny bubbles on an otherwise smooth surface. Cool dowel cutting jig though. Love working with a Jap/Pull saw

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Robert Boinski Yeah, if I was veneer in over it I'd go bondo all day.

[@vicfeb3]

I'm going to try the dowel trick, but sand it down for a tight fit. Love your videos!

[@thysbasson1786]

Straight cut dowels, love the way you cut them into the bowl, I used my miter saw then they either break or fly somewhere where I can't find them 😂😂😂 Wood filler used as backup, also I think it is cheaper to mainly use dowels rather than wood filler, those pocket holes need a lot of filler. Excellent video, thanks.

[@Tdubya48]

Glad I found your channel. Subbed. Looking forward to more content while I browse the older stuff!

[@sunbrightlearning5345]

Very helpful video for a beginner like me. Thank you

[@joshgreer7196]

Love the jig , that will be in my shop soon. Thank you

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

So simple, still effective

[@KSFWG]

I like your jig for making dowels. It could be easily adapted to use on a band saw or table saw.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+KSFWG yeah, sure could. I still think using a hand saw will be the fastest method though just due to material handling on the power tools.

[@MikeFaneros]

Stop-block on a crosscut sled, use a pencil eraser to hold the end close to the blade and you can cut those small dowels pretty quick. It won't fall into a container like you have though - that's brilliant!

[@rml015]

My father and brother always used Bondo for woodworking projects, and I worked with them growing up, so I picked it up also. It wasn't until I owned my own home and actually had to buy some for myself that I found out it was actually for cars!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+LMR0015 that's funny :)

[@pvillefootball11]

Thanks for the idea for the plug cutting jig. It works great! Keep up the good work.

[@coder4liberty]

Note: when making your own wood filler with glue and saw dust mix it in a bowl and experiment with the amount of sawdust you use. It may not work well as it did here if there is too much saw dust compared to glue. The advantage over wood filler is that if the sawdust is the same kind of wood the color will be correct vs filler.

[@dibley1973]

20 odd years ago I knew a chippie in the UK who had to make a lot of Christmas display cabinets out of MDF and he always used easy-sand car filler with it. It was always spray painted before it went out so it was easy to hide I guess. Also around the same time I had seen it a lot in the building of custom MDF car door speaker pods, and used it myself in this way. These are often covered in material but smooth rounded edges were generally preferred. Probably a natural step as those like me building the speaker pods probably always had car filter on the shelf for filling holes in the body work of the "old bangers" we drove around in! So it's been around in the UK for years that I know of. Probably been around for longer than that too!

[@FCastil01]

Hey Brad, yeah the glue and saw dust I learned from my dad back in the 80's and I still use it today at times. I like the wood filler because it's easy and you don't need to go back and fill holes from the plugs (which I also use at times). So for the glue and saw dust, I use the "bigger" saw dust from the miter saw or table saw....not the fine powder (like you used) from a sander. I mix it until it's a wood filler consistency. I also notice it takes stain better than woodfiller.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Frank Castillo hmmm, didn't think about using larger bits of dust. Bet that would mix easier.

[@mkrbrkr]

Right on Brad. I totally agree with the straight cut dowels. I also use MH Ready Patch on stuff that will be primed and painted. It's like bondo without the mixing.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+MKRBRKR cool, not heard of that.

[@Malaperty]

Yeah, I was thinking DryDex should work well too but I'm new to plugs. I will give it a try though.

[@samuelligo7234]

Thanks. I found that I had to cut my dowels longer than you recommended. I really like the dowel cutting jig you recommended.

[@hallenw]

Thanks for doing this! You have my vote.

[@ituneyou1213]

I build custom kitchen cabinets and we use the bondo method and it works great also use bondo on any imperfections in the wood if we're painting the cabinets

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+ituneyou 12 yeah, I was surprised!

[@rickcuerrier8986]

Yes sawdust and glue works, separate dish and more care in application, also if you plan to stain or paint mix it in with your glue and dust equal parts. Bondo is nice but will not take a stain or paint unless properly applied primer sealer and then only paint- stain will not take. Liked how you made your own dowels very slick. Well done.

[@rm709]

I just love your videos. As a new woodworker, they are a concise, honest and candid way to learn how to build and get ideas. Thank you Brad!

[@brianhartfield8385]

Love using bondo for paint grade projects. There are other brands out there as well. The biggest thing is that it doesn't seem to shrink and when painted weathers really well.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Yes, it's much more durable than wood filler.

[@AslanAtreyu]

I love using Bondo because it is very forgiving.

[@MarisaElena843]

Fantastic video! Thanks for showing us

[@walshesworkshop]

Love your dowel-making jig 👍

[@billofalltrades1468]

Awesome tip thanks, I don't have a pocket hole jig yet, I need a new table saw but every bit of info helps! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@ReaperWoodworks]

Nice Brad. I love the last method, thats my go too also.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, man!

[@SDavis2702]

Thanks for this video! I was looking forward to it. #1, #3, and #6 seem like the best bet for me. I'm drawn to #6. Also, I can't help but laugh thinking back on the IG post showing the filler options and having us guess what the three displays were. Someone said Neapolitan ice cream boards lol. I never would have guessed that was strawberry bondo. 😂

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Sean Davis thanks! Yeah, I didn't even see the neapolitan until people started saying it. I had some good laughs over those comments!

[@shaffer4220]

Very good video! I read the comment section and didn’t think about how it would take stain. I also agree that if it will show don’t do a pocket-hole on the outside. Good all around subject.

[@markw3598]

Harbor Freight has a flush cut saw for about 5$, it is on the smaller size but it works great.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Mark W good to know!

[@TheMarkFerron6]

Can confirm. One of the first cutting tools I had ever bought when I started. Works great!

[@Resell_crazy]

Thanks for that info....gonna have to go get it

[@Patricksworkshop]

great test Brad im with you on the dowels looks like the woodworkers way right there

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Patrick's WorkShop Yeah, and you can make a jig too. Total woodworker move 😃

[@aroldfut]

Excellent! I think I'll go for the homemade dowel method from now on.

[@nadiajannette2966]

I like the bondo best. Thanks for sharing

[@michaelsvendsen1264]

Thank You. That information is helpful!

[@bigbearhungry983]

I made several different jigs so I could router a paternities on the hole. Heart, Spade, Clover, diamond and so on. Really makes a nice looking effect on the board.

[@mychalevenson7710]

Several quick 'two cents' to add. It is worth the couple seconds to chamfer the insert end of the dowels (dowels you make yourself). I just scrape them along some 80 grit sand paper while turning them in my hand. A good chamfer takes about 5 strokes.This really helps guide the dowel into the pocket hole. A power tool is faster for making dowels if you need a bunch of them. I just finished a shelving unit that needed 700 pocket holes filled. I rubberbanded together bundles of 10 dowels with a rubber band every two inches and a stop block in my miter saw. I cut 700+ plugs in about 10 minutes. Finally, the best option is a combination option of a plug and a putty. Plugs will always give some gapping and tearout. The putty (whether Bondo or Wood Filler) will fill that gapping. I prefer Bondo, but its five minute open time can significantly constrict a large project, so I only use it on smaller projects with only a few holes.

[@DesertBumWoodWorkn]

Good tip on the hole plugs, i've used the store bought and a cut dowel, i did like the the ones i cut myself. Thanks for sharing. DesertBum AKA Chuck

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks, Chuck!

[@DonVanzant]

Bondo is great. We use it all the time on paint grade stuff at my job. Obviously it can't be stained

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Crossway Woodworks yeah, I was impressed

[@nolanwoodworksartcompany6612]

So I've tried the sawdust and glue before with similar results. Thinking I would get the best color match with that method and ended up with a mess and a horribly filled hole. Surprised with the Bondo and I wonder how well it holds stain and if the color is too far off. I've had success with store bought before but seeing the results from the straight cut dowels why spend the money. Great jig idea. Going to go with your jig and straight cut dowels from now on. Thanks for another great video.

[@dlcook1971]

impressed with bondo! thanks for advise on dowels.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+David Cook you're welcome!

[@larrylau2063]

wonderful Demo, Good Work! Thanks!

[@eCitizen1]

Thank you or a review of each of these methods. It was very helpful. I make my own dowels so I prefer your cross cut dowel plug method. Also they don't cost me anything since I make them from off cuts, usually out of wood from the same project. Search dowel making jigs.

[@konamanstudio2447]

You're so right about the Craig I found myself using wood putty to install so when I say ended it was nice

[@shadowwalker23901]

Thanks for the tips, I'll be using them in the near future. How the items stained wood, would have been great. Bondo looks good but I'm not sure how it will look after you station the wood.

[@robbiterry38]

just wanted to add that kreg has came up with a set of plug cutters that allow you to cut plugs using the same wood you use to build your project with. I have the whole set. they work really well.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Robbi Terry yup, I've seen those. Look cool.

[@Howie656565]

this kind of custom made plugs I also had appreciated in the video

[@SmallHoldingAtHillhigh]

Use "Wood Bondo" (not auto or all-purpose), which blends to a tan tone. LOVE it!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Carla Heron oh, haven't seen that

[@GmoBuelna]

Very nice demo, I’ll try bondo next time, thanks a lot for share

[@FullersDuck]

Thanks, mate. I’ve just bought a pocket hole jig and it came with some plugs, but I think I’ll get some 10mm dowel and use that method. You have to use a flush saw in either case.

[@michaelg.gartman1148]

Sawdust and glue - This works best when you have sander dust that came from the wood you are actually working with and you need the filler to match in color and composition! Works great on fine cracks as well. Bondo - Use Bondo made for wood, not auto repair. Much tougher than wood filler and easily has 10 times the holding power of wood filler.

[@artv4nd3l4y]

Agreed, hard to beat the price of sawdust and wood glue, wood filler is not a bad product but not much sense paying for different color sawdust. Sawdust and Titebond glue is also very strong, wood filler products may or may not be. What I've read about Bondo body filler is metal parts are not moving like wood over time, the Bondo Wood Filler should be a bit more flexible to prevent cracking later on. We have a lot of great products these days the challenge is knowing what to use when.

[@MKimble515]

Saw Bourbonmoth use a coffee grinder on wood that wasn't super fine like saw dust.

[@elroyjacobs8126]

Loved this!

[@mitchellwelke2095]

A great video! it reminds me of America's Test Kitchen style of informative. Thanks!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Mitchell Welke thanks, Mitchell. I'd say the filling methods are much less tasty than anything on ATK :)

[@BernieBatuco]

I live in Chile. A long way from the big stores. I use sawdust and glue. One is mix it off the work area and two let it dry. Could take a pair of days!! Great VideoThanks

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the comparison Brad!👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Fred McIntyre right on, Fred! Thanks KS as always for watching!

[@MaxwellFaro]

In my journey to find the perfect wood hole filler(nail holes and gouges in interior trim work before paint) and for that particular purpose I'm blown away by Bondo "glazing and spot filler putty" it comes in the same consistency and container of toothpaste, it's red so you know exactly where your patches are, doesn't shrink, dries very hard and can be shaved off with a razor or sanded very easily for a perfectly smooth non-porous fill.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Nice! Never seen that

[@wolfa5151]

Clever & Interesting- Thanks!

[@aaudain1]

That’s awesome, just learn something new, thanks to you

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Anthony Audain you're welcome!

[@patrickbairamian5420]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful

[@sheilamartin7836]

Thank you for your video. I learned a lot and it was very helpfull. I will making my own plugs from now on.

[@jeromyashcraft4571]

Great video. Just what I needed. Thanks

[@timcarnes8111]

This was very helpful thank you love your stuff.

[@timdodd8943]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to try the 3/8 dowel.

[@jlr1487]

For store bought (or dowel-made plug), I gently persuade them in by tapping on them with a scrap piece on top along with a brushing motion.

[@valeriej291]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@akaredcrossbow]

Great video! Bondo makes a wood filler, it’s almost the same as regular Bondo. Bondo hardens to sand in about 5 minutes. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@sanmanross]

Never knew this. Checking out their product now. Thanks for the tip!