How to Remove Wood Plugs and Replace to Hide Screws for Furniture Repair (aka Bungs)

Removing and replacing wood plugs (also known as Bungs) can be challenging. Learn how to quickly and easily remove existing wood plugs. See how to make your own wood plugs or bungs. Watch how to trim wood plugs flush on new projects and existing finished furniture. Stain and finish the wood plugs to match the existing finish. We hope you find this useful. Here are some links to tools for wood plugs (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases to fund our KZbin work):
Countersink Drill Bits amzn.to/33HiqMr
Tapered Wood Plug Cutters amzn.to/2QydpQW
Flush Cut Saw amzn.to/39aNSni
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This video is hosted by Scott Bennett, Owner of Wooden It Be Nice - Furniture Repair in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada. WoodenItBeNice.ca
#plug #woodplug #woodworking

[@joehart3481]

Your voice is so calm and reassuring. While I am stressing over my DYI projects, I listen to your voice and I know it will all be okay.

[@robertjamesofwales]

thank you wish i had seen this years ago.would have saved me hours and hours .

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you found it helpful... even iff a little late. Cheers, Scott

[@thomasherbig]

Great video! Crystal clear explanations. I especially like that you delve into some of the related techniques such as how to cut the plug and how to get the mirror finish on your chisel. Not belabored; just to the point.

[@FixingFurniture]

Awesome, thank you!

[@swesleyharris]

Thank you this was very helpful as I have a project that I have to remove two wood plugs on a chair restoration. These videos are so thoughtful and well presented.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful!

[@misteranonym4067]

I enjoyed the video. What a relaxed guy.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Scott

[@jonathanviborg4229]

This was so cozy to watch

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you liked it! Scott

[@jimishorts]

Love the way you take so much time on things that most people will never see. Another very informative video from a true craftsman.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much! Scott

[@georgecontival2229]

Really enjoyed the making and finishing of the plugs. Thanks.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for posting your comment. Scott

[@a.d.8792]

This was so helpful! I’m building a tiny house, and I’m using wood plugs to conceal a cedar wall. I don’t want to damage the finish on the boards - looks like I’ll need a sharp chisel and a steady hand! This video was so informative and the only one I could find with instructions for installing wood plugs in a finished piece. Thank you!

[@FixingFurniture]

That's awesome that it's helped you out. Thanks for sharing that Annice! Scott

[@AT-yo9er]

You are a true craftsman. Thank you for sharing!!!!

[@lizenriquebravosanger5764]

Thank you for all the helpful tips!

[@FixingFurniture]

You are so welcome! Scott

[@astrojourneyuk]

An excellent video, thank you.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Scott

[@gmartinson01]

Great advice, very helpful🙂

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Greg! Scott

[@leonardbutler9338]

Scott, first, you put out nice videos. You have a calm and deliberate manner that I find impressive. I was about to say you erred in referring to the drilled hole as countersink when it is actually a counterbore. I am not so sure now and will leave it to you to decide. I am a lifetime woodworker but non-professional so I consider mine a "layman's" opinion. I believe you used a countersink bit but a counterbore technique. I believe a countersunk screw would sit flush with the surface.

[@FixingFurniture]

Good question Leonard. I had to look this up to be sure, as countersink is the terminology I learned over the years. It turns out a counterbore is a flat-bottom hole. A countersink is a hole drilled to make a screw flush or set it below the surface. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countersink That made me do some thinking... which is a good thing. Thanks for your question Leonard. Scott

[@jackknack4263]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Need to pull a bunch of plugs from my ipe deck!

[@ajomehri]

another great tutorial respect

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertadamplant]

I’m about to fix our garden furniture which involves plugs. I am grateful for your advice. Wish I had looked at your video description before making my purchase though. Zipped off to Amazon as soon as you explained how to make the new plugs and bought the first reasonably priced set that came up. I’m hoping that they last for the chairs at the very least. The ones you recommended seem like much better quality (based on cost)

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your project. Scott

[@R2d2koko]

Thank you sir

[@nileshr9]

Very informative, Thank you

[@melmma6938]

I love this channel . Thank you! You've been of much help

[@FixingFurniture]

Happy to hear that! You're comment made my day today. Thanks. Scott

[@RobertKurupo]

Cool 👍

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks

[@rrome6178]

I love your patient, thorough and very informative information regarding the removal and reinstallation of plugs on furniture. Your video is exactly and everything I needed to complete my project. Thank you!

[@lostsailor2759]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@mrdavidurquhart]

How would you approach removing a pocket hole plug that enters the wood on an angle, and where the plug was glued?

[@tskinny45]

Brilliant idea. Thanks for the very clear instructions. Im was going to try to remove plug by using a Forstner bit ( very careful) . Your idea was way better and very successful. Thank you.

[@leewittle64]

Nice clear presentation, very professional. I don’t know if you respond to comments but I’m not clear about the sharpening board, I got the strop and the honing compound what was used on the opposite side? And, what was the staining product. (I live on a boat which needed repair. I’ve exposed about 100 screws in removing the time and am now reinstalling the time and about to screw coving plugs. I haven’t found a match for the stain and attempted mixing off the shelf colors isn’t working.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

Awesome! (How would you repair a gouge if the chisel slipped??? [asking for a friend...LOL] )

[@sherrytemple4382]

Hi. I really enjoyed your video. I have question for you. I am redoing some dining room chairs, and my surface where the plugs are is slightly curved. How do you deal with that? Any tricks?

[@brettyoung8328]

I can understand what you are saying, the pocket screws could also loosen up as the would ages. Hmmm

[@brettyoung8328]

What is that you use to stain the plugs?

[@FixingFurniture]

I used Saman wood stain. It's a water-based stain. Scott

[@befmx31]

Man, after that plug was stained, wow, it looked great! Cool tip on how to remove the plug.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching. Scott

[@benlee3545]

Hi Sir, do you know what is the electrical tool used that remove excess plug from the surface and make it even with the surface. I saw in some videos but do not know the name of that tool. That tool also does not damage the surrounding of the surface. I have low strength and chisel may not be suitable for me.

[@pschreiber71]

I tried this method, but unfortunately it did not work like in the video. The wood plug did not come out. I had to use a large wood drill bit to basically drill out the wood plug. Then the screw inside didn't budge. I tried all the screw heads that fit, I tried by hand and with screw head bit in the drill. Nothing. How can I get a deeply imbedded screw out of the wood?

[@1d2a3ve41951]

does this work just as effectively with soft wood, like spruce or red deal? Do the plugs cut just as clean as the hardwood ones that you cut?

[@rickonami]

Is it ok is you don;t use Music background while in speedup run? Kinda ruins the relaxing mood of your work. Just my opinion ;)

[@johnisley4578]

Excellent work, you have my subscription. Cheers

[@EwanSadie1]

Why would you not replace the screws with dowls right through. If this repair was not done for a customer, would you still keep to the original way of assembly?

[@FixingFurniture]

The screws held fine, for the lifespan of this piece, so I didn't see the need to replace them where I reused them. What was wrong was how the cabinet didn't allow for wood movement. I adjusted for that when I reassembled it. Basically the front holes are where I reinstalled the screws. The remaining holes were just plugged. I installed floating brackets inside the cabinet to allow for the wood movement so the panels would remain intact. Now that I explain this, I guess I could have made a video just on that topic. Cheers. Scott

[@michaelfling7786]

Hey Scott, great video! Listen, Henry Taylor is one manufacturer still making paring chisel s with offset handles.......only paring so no hammers but gives you back that flat reference. I have several short and long blades versions, they are well made and work exceedingly well on those occasions when one needs to work in the middle of a larger surface.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for letting me know Michael. I just went to the Lee Valley Tools website and bought the 3/4" Henry Taylor paring chisel. I appreciate you reaching out. Thanks! Scott

[@FixingFurniture]

Hi Michael - I mentioned you in a video I published today about your recommendation on this chisel. As I write this I realized I pronounced your last name wrong though, sorry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_chYWVm7WGlbs

[@michaelfling7786]

Lol, no you did good. Thanks for the shout out.

[@FixingFurniture]

@@michaelfling7786 Thanks again for the recommendation Michael. I really appreciate it!

[@michaelfling7786]

@@FixingFurniture You're more than welcome, Scott. Keep up the fun work!!

[@idhatemet00]

5:00 to 5:04 ....so that would mean you place the bung in the bunghole? lol

[@ronski50]

Excellent tutorial on plugs. I like the screw extraction method. If I did it, the plug would have been hacked to death.

[@FixingFurniture]

Tricks of the trade... glad to hear you found this helpful. Scott

[@Foxholeatheist]

Great video! The advice I've read for boat work is not to use wood glue to hold the bungs/plugs, but rather to use a little bit of varnish. The theory is that it makes it easier to remove plugs in the future, and you're less likely to harm the counterbored hole.

[@GregCantori]

Exactly!

[@Gwynbuck]

I was taught that you should put a groove on the side of the dowel/plug to allow the excess glue to escape. Any thoughts on this?

[@FixingFurniture]

I want a perfect surface without needing any filler. I wouldn't put.a groove in it. Also, if you're using the right amount of glue, there isn't enough glue to get in the way. I hope that helps. Scott

[@jgorry69]

I agree. Pocket holes are not going to allow the furniture I make today to be around in 2221. No antiques a hundred years from now. I am a Dowling jig fan and with practice, these are super and fewer holes left to fill up.

[@barryrandall8925]

I have been binge-watching these videos the last couple of days and have learned so much.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Barry. I love to hear you're learning some new skills - that makes me happy. Scott

[@barryrandall8925]

@@FixingFurniture Some of the repairs are so simple that I smack my forehead wondering why I didn't think of them before.

[@osvaldocristo]

Great trick to remove those plugs! BTW our house has a number of raised panel cabinet door with no plugs, only PVA glue in the framing (panel is free). Thirty years and going strong... all of them.

[@hungryarch7319]

I would never use pocket screws on an item that sees dynamic forces like cabinet doors

[@FixingFurniture]

I agree. I would never build a door like this either. The age demonstrates this construction technique is a failure. Scott

[@Matasky2010]

@@FixingFurniture This door looks like it used half-lap joints (?), no wonder they failed. My guess is the screws were added later when the glue joints failed, in which case they simply squeezed the 'dry' joints together, without using glue. I'm sure basic tongue-n-groove joinery would have lasted much longer...

[@FrostElement]

In my experience, pocked hole screws fracture easily.

[@FixingFurniture]

I've never heard of that, but I rarely build with pocket hole screws as I use traditional joinery methods. Thanks for the tip! Scott

[@larryjacobs5713]

Would like to know if the plugs were glued in, originally. Thank you

[@FixingFurniture]

Yes, plugs won't stay in place over time if they don't have a bit of glue on them to keep them in place. Cheers. Scott

[@videogalore]

I have that exact Stanley flush saw that I bought to do just this task, but I wasn't happy with the result. I appreciate that the chisel option is the most versatile, but I decided to go hunting for a better flush cut saw and ended up going for a Japanese saw (I had to look up the type, but it's called a Kataba) which works flawlessly without leaving any marks on the surrounding wood.

[@FixingFurniture]

Cool! Thank you for that tip. I will look into getting a Kataba. Scott

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

Shhh don't tell all our secrets. Pocket holes are so in 20 years we'll have maintenance jobs on stuff we already built. Lol just kidding I don't use that crap

[@paulrichards8323]

Thank you for this informative video. Question: when cutting the plugs level with the chisel would it help putting down some type of tape around the hole to prevent or reduce the chance of scraping the original adjacent wood? I m thinking of easy removal tape that will not leave any residue. Tape could be applied before hole is drilled?

[@cherylramp8033]

Great video--however, I am still failing to get my wood plug out of an old mahogany chair--oddly they are slightly oval. Any suggestions for what to do when the plug just isn't coming out? Your videos are so great--just stuck on this one.

[@FixingFurniture]

When that happens, I drill out the center of the plug and use a chisel to gently break away the perimeter of the plug so I don't damage the surrounding wood. Here's a video on that technique for removing dowels kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5yQYoeeaM-goqc

[@leo9021]

Hello, Can anyone give me a link to buy a sample kit of wood stain? I come from Belgium. Regards.

[@cubul32]

Perfect timing for this vid! Handrail work ahead.

[@mattg6262]

I don't know why they went into the end grain. They could have pocket holed into the edge grain for a better bond. The end grain screw over time with the expansions and contraction around the screw gradually loosened up it's grip.

[@terrmaso]

There are several versions similar to the ones you use, many have poor reviews. Do you have a specific brand you use/prefer? Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@jeannehickey7081]

Great idea! Would this work if the plug was glued as well? If not, I would love to see a method to handle that. Thank you!

[@Mike-ql4sz]

Wonderful job & skills! Thanks for sharing! Great tips!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@woodspirit7701]

The best plug cutters -by their nature are cut as a taper form. If you don't have one of these - grind or sand your drill bit down to a VERY tight fit. the gap with the glue will always show - be it 1/4 mm or less -what you want is over tight and matching grain - ideally no spacing and things -once sanded -disappear. Tight Tight Tight is what you want. Many sell sets that leave a clear glue line around the edge- Tapered plugs get rid of this with the next thump down - Don't have one -taper one of your drill bits to be SLIGHTLY smaller than the plug -so that there is always a force fit.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing your tips! Scott

[@kevinkennedy-spaien8163]

When you go to remove the old plug, is there an easy way to tell ahead of time if it is, indeed, a plug and not a dowell?

[@jeroenru]

Kevin Kennedy-Spaien Use a magnet or a electronic device to scan walls for studs and nails

[@adamcturnbull]

@@jeroenru Good answer. And great question too. Thank you to both.

[@raymondpender1709]

I don't understand, you removed the plugs so easy, it was if they weren't glued but I see you using glue when you install yours.

[@donf3739]

7:50 Now that's a great idea! Cutting them close together. Not only saves material, but makes them easier to break off. I learned a lot from this video, especially the simple way to pull plugs. I probably would've drilled them out.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful Don! Cheers. Scott

[@stephenpohlman326]

You’re my go-to source to see if I’m doing it right. Often I’m not and your method is much better.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to hear our videos are helpful for you... that's rewarding! Thanks. Scott

[@thiemofischer2230]

Interesting thought on pocket holes. I like it when you explain why a joint might have failed.

[@SukYongYano]

How can you remove a plug that has previously been glued or epoxied in place and make a clean appearance?

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Hmmm second video I've watched and you still have not finished your own drawers on your cabinet!.Pray tell why not?

[@FixingFurniture]

Oh, on my tool cabinet? It has been a labour of love. I don't have much time to work on my own pieces, so I get to it when I can. With our business shut down for COVID, I may have some time soon once I work though the pieces I have in the workshop. You have a keen eye! Scott

[@kwiknikk]

That lasted 35 years with a screw into end grain? Pretty good if you ask me. I think since pocket holes don't screw into the end grain they would last even longer. At the same time, I don't think anyone would use pocket holes for heirloom furniture like this.

[@FixingFurniture]

I agree that plugged screws aren't what makes quality furniture, but this was a style back in the 1980's. I haven't seen many pieces of furniture like this.

[@ChatsOfTheTwisted]

Thank you so much for this info. and making it easy for us to understand the process. I have a 50 year old chair that my mom gave me and this really helped me to be able to repair the leg. I hope to keep this chair as long as I live.

[@patriciafavors606]

I so enjoy your fixing furniture. I watched your video on fixing a tambour on my Hoosier cabinet that was my mothers. Not sure I'll do it but it was very good step by step.

[@adamcturnbull]

Man, thats very helpful woodworking. Not so much for furniture but matching and repairing wood and hiding. Those are great finishing tips. Thanks so much.

[@FixingFurniture]

You bet! I'm happy to hear you found this useful. Scott

[@BoxcarJerry]

Nice job on the explanation . Do you know who makes that SamaN stain you use . I'd like to check some of it out . Thanks

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Back again but to be honest I have not paid attenton in other recent video's how much you have changed your cabinets? but I would bet you've tot to something during the height of the Covid lay offs / time etc. but none the less I keep seeing things in your videos each time I watch that I missed the first time. so always worth the second look! Thanks again for sharing Scott.

[@puffkat68]

Yet another future project I have been putting off because I haven't had luck with those. I just went and tried your trick and damn thing going popped right out. My Thanks as always.

[@thebordernow]

Excellent video! Great tip on how to pull out the old plug using the mechanical advantage of a screw!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks. Glad you found dit helpful. Scott

[@libertarian1637]

I like pocket hole screws but I don’t use them as the solo joinery method. I use them with glue as a clamping facilitator for areas and joints not easily clamped or wherein time is a constraint. I have removed pocket screws after gluing with no steaming reduction in joint strength. I’ve switched to pocket screws with panel glue ups for ease and speed as you can keep working without having to wait on clamping; I don’t use thus method if you’ll readily see both sides but it works well for table tops. Pocket screws also work great for quick shop jigs, fixtures, or cabinets; they’ve always outlasted my need. I find I change things before any joints fail; always trying to save time and streamline things.

[@garyworley5806]

Just discovered your channel. All I can say is.... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Subscribed

[@TheTsunamijuan]

You where talking about pocket hole screws. I recently built a shop stool using nothing but them. What I noticed is that in the softish wood i used (Doug Fir). Once the wood dried more (as it was fairly green) the screws did loosen and require retightening. So far that did the trick. But Its going to be interesting to see how they do over time. (stools only been together for about two months at this point). I have never seen them fail in face frames of cabinets. But those are all Kiln Dried woods.

[@FixingFurniture]

There's an important difference between face frames and stools. Stools and chairs are subjected to live loads - people sitting and shifting. Because of this movement, the metal screws will wear out the wood and will loosen over time. That's why chair legs don't have screws in them. It will be interesting to hear how the stool performs over time. Cheers. Scott

[@TheTsunamijuan]

yeah its definitely a good test. The stool was made this way since i was in a hurry for shop furniture and at roughly 15$ and a short amount of time. It was an acceptable compromise. Other wise mortise and tenon's all the way.

[@livenhfree]

Very cool. But were those original plugs glued in?

[@Richard-dh8ny]

Very helpful and informative! Thanks for sharing your expertise. If you have a moment to reply I'd to know what size of strop you use. I would like to make one but not certain about the best width and length. I assume you also hone your planes in a similar fashion.

[@FixingFurniture]

I show stropping a plane blade in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omi4gaGmgrOsrac My strop is 1 3/4 x 9". If I had to replace it, I would go with a 3" wide strop to have more width for large plane blades. I hope that helps. Scott

[@tedfriesen9466]

What a cool idea to remove a plug! It looked like you were using a #2 Robertson bit to drive the removal screw, then I noticed French on the glue bottle label. Sacre bleu--you must be Canadian.

[@07roadking43]

My wife was having a yard sale about 15 years ago so I had to throw together a set a sawhorses quick And I wanted to use the pocket hole jig she had bought me for Christmas so that’s what I did that was 15 years ago and I use those sawhorses quite often and they’re still pretty dang tight, also i never used glue .. its one of those honey i need them NOW !

[@gsp0113]

Great content. Very informative. Subscribed!

[@FixingFurniture]

Awesome, thank you! Scott

[@paulmaryon9088]

Hi greetings from the UK, i have seen plenty of antique furniture with pocket hole screws, that method of join can last for many decades, enjoyed your collaboration with Tom, more of those please, keep up the great work, thanks, stay safe and Happy Christmas

[@jaybig360]

Will the plug come out as easy if glue was added ?

[@jeanine6492]

I have had the same concerns re pocket holes and screw made furniture, so I’ve stuck with either mortise and tenons or dowel joints. Great tips, thanks

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for your sharing your thoughts Jeanie. Scott

[@DickvanZanten]

Nice to see such a succinct and to the point series on repair! This has been missing on the net up until now as far as I know. Keep it upfolks.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for the encouraging feedback Dick! Scott

[@herrcobblermachen]

Been looking high and low for plug removal methods. Thank YOU.

[@FixingFurniture]

You're welcome. It makes me happy to hear you found this useful! Scott

[@jimm9577]

It wasn't glue together to start with. What if it was?

[@johnc6809]

I was taught to place the plug / bung grain in alignment with the wood grain of the hole, so that more than anything, it will expand and contract in the same direction orientation. Same species for both, but this was boat building specific.

[@nickpotter1897]

Hi just found your channel and subscribed, love the videos and your techniques. Got loads of videos to watch 😀👍

[@christopherbranco3430]

😊

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

That is exactly how we remove plugs at my shop.

[@robertbrown7422]

I could have used this video 2 months ago...lol

[@FixingFurniture]

Well that's too bad. I guess you're ready for the next time you have a challenge with plugs. Cheers. Scott

[@teddysurf]

Fixing Furniture Thanks for the reply actually watching your video it wouldn’t of worked anyway I cut up a dowel and glued them in so it would’ve been impossible. Now I know how to properly do it so thank you for that.

[@jeremywong9207]

Amazing! I've always wondered how to get those plugs out. I started Woodworking for almost 2 years now and I've only done tables, boards and little things like that. After finding your channel I'm not working on fixing a cracked hardwood table with leaflets and other furniture. Thank you!

[@pravski]

Hey I needed to remove a wooden dowels from my study table im assembling...the dowel isn't broken yet I just want to remove it but its kinda tight coz I hammered it into the wood....do u know how I should pull the dowel free without damage to it?....use pliers?

[@FixingFurniture]

You can try pliers while giving it a slight twist. Good luck. Scott

[@pravski]

@@FixingFurniture thanks man just saw this now. Was able to get it out with some pliers🙌

[@Kareszkoma]

This is really nice.

[@Alex_science]

Great tips and instructions. Thank you Scott for sharing with us.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for watching!

[@lancemumford3106]

I learned basically the same technique for cutting plugs flush 40 years ago. It's nice to see you carrying on the same way. Thanks.

[@michaelpack1198]

To protect your project while using a flush cut saw, drill the appropriately sized hole in the center of a playing card and place it around your plug, cut with your flush cut saw and sand flush. I have yet to damage a card much less my project. Unfortunately I am unable to post a photo. Playing cards are useful for dozens of projects in the shop, including minute adjustments, even spacing of a picture in frame, etc. Sorry if this has been suggested previously, I didn’t read through all 179 comments before responding.

[@FixingFurniture]

That's a wonderful suggestion Michael. Thank you for sharing that with this community. Scott #Tip

[@carlmax46]

joints should be thoroughly glued. screws are just to hold joint together while the glue dries.

[@bitsurfer0101]

I was worried about using plugs until I saw this trick.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you found it helpful! Scott