Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Jun 17, 2020 10:37pm | #1

   Whatever finish you put on will be enough to hold them in. And usually the plugs are in a spot they'll never be seen anyway.

2. 
   concealed | Jun 17, 2020 11:15pm | #2

   I would glue them. The usually come out with just my pocket knife to help get a hold of them. If you sanded them flat, you may not want to. But I find that I end up with several loose each time. The only time I use plugs is in places that will be visible and I dont want the ugly hole.

3. 
   rahm0277 | Jun 17, 2020 11:41pm | #3

   Yeah, I only did put them in somewhat visible places. Some are loose enough, so maybe I will be able to pull them out. Thanks!

4. 
   rahm0277 | Jun 17, 2020 11:41pm | #4

   That's good to know - maybe I only have to glue the ones that are really loose.

5. 
   rob_ss | Jun 18, 2020 06:02am | #5

   Without glue, wood movement will lead to them working loose. Holes in wood change shape slightly as wood moves and the plugs get squeezed. They don't quite come back afterwards and so get loose.
   You have three choices.

   1. Remove all the plugs and glue them. Those that don't come out can be removed with a small brad point drill and a no6 screw. They will need to be re-cut.

   2. Just remove the plugs that are loose. Glue them. The others should be fine. if not, glue them when they fall out.

   3. Depend on the finish to hold them in. A film-forming finish will hold most plugs in as polyurethanes are effective adhesives. Most of these can also be applied over thin CA glue, which can hold the plugs in place, though as with ALL finishes, do a TEST PIECE first.

   Next time you are looking for a plug cutter, consider the Veritas plug cutters. These make a slightly tapered plug which always fits snugly. Not ideal for pocket holes tho.

6. 
   mikaol | Jun 18, 2020 07:51pm | #6

   You could also use thumbtack or push pin to get them out. And trim & glue.
   Mikaol