I pulled my teak and refinished it, Where can I find new plugs to cover the fasteners? I need about 100 or so.........
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Buy a tool
There is a drill attachment that is a bit that will make them for you. They can be made from any scrap teak that you have and offer a near-perfect color match. I don't know what it is called, but I saw a friend make some for his teak job. Just buy the correct size to use.
There is a drill attachment that is a bit that will make them for you. They can be made from any scrap teak that you have and offer a near-perfect color match. I don't know what it is called, but I saw a friend make some for his teak job. Just buy the correct size to use.
Plug cutters
The tool is called a plug cutter and fits into a drill, or ideally a drill press so that the cut is perpendicular to the wood stock. They cost about $10 or so at hardware stores. One thing to keep in mind is that the size of the plugs you need may vary, so you'll have to decide if it's worth it to buy more than one plug cutter (and teak stock if you don't have some on hand) versus just buying precut teak plugs from West Marine, Boat US, etc. In any event, the plugs are usually longer than the hole they need to fill. After you put them in place and they are secure, a wood chisel can be used to remove most of the excess length. (Because the grain of the plug may not be even, don't try to cut it off exactly at the surface. Better to leave a little to sand off prior to finishing.) Since you've already refinished the surrounding teak, not sure of the best way to deal with finishing the plugs to match. It will depend in part on what finish you used for the surrounding teak. Others may be able to advise you on that situation.
The tool is called a plug cutter and fits into a drill, or ideally a drill press so that the cut is perpendicular to the wood stock. They cost about $10 or so at hardware stores. One thing to keep in mind is that the size of the plugs you need may vary, so you'll have to decide if it's worth it to buy more than one plug cutter (and teak stock if you don't have some on hand) versus just buying precut teak plugs from West Marine, Boat US, etc. In any event, the plugs are usually longer than the hole they need to fill. After you put them in place and they are secure, a wood chisel can be used to remove most of the excess length. (Because the grain of the plug may not be even, don't try to cut it off exactly at the surface. Better to leave a little to sand off prior to finishing.) Since you've already refinished the surrounding teak, not sure of the best way to deal with finishing the plugs to match. It will depend in part on what finish you used for the surrounding teak. Others may be able to advise you on that situation.
West Marine, BoatUS, maybe Sailnet.com
First two sell teak plugs in about 3 or 4 sizes. Be sure which size you need. Seems like 3/8's is the most common, but don't take my word on that.. having my 3rd cup of coffee and my mind does not start til cup 4.
First two sell teak plugs in about 3 or 4 sizes. Be sure which size you need. Seems like 3/8's is the most common, but don't take my word on that.. having my 3rd cup of coffee and my mind does not start til cup 4.
Found them!
Jamestown Dist. has 'em. I have such an huge amount of work to do I think I'll order them pre-made. The tool intrests me but I have too little time.
Jamestown Dist. has 'em. I have such an huge amount of work to do I think I'll order them pre-made. The tool intrests me but I have too little time.
Teak plugs & refinishing teak
I just removed and refinished my exterior teak. Removing it, although more work, made for much easier sanding to remove the old, weathered finish. Upon reinstalling the teak, I filled the screw holes with new teak plugs. I used a coping saw to trim the excess plug down to about 1/8". Then, I used a Black and Decker Mouse sander to sand the plug flush. Of course, this removes some of the finish from the newly coated teak, so you'll have to touch up with at least a couple coats of whatever finish you're using. Initially, my touched up areas (I used Cetol) looked slightly different immediately adjacent to the teak plugs. I figured the oils in the new plugs made for a slightly different shade of finish compared to my nearly 20 year old teak. After several weeks, the difference is much less noticeable. In the fall, or perhaps spring, I will lightly sand everything again (in place, so as not to require new plugs) and recoat thoroughly. That will (hopefully) even out the finish nicely. After that, I will do an annual top coat as recommended by the makers of Cetol. Randy
I just removed and refinished my exterior teak. Removing it, although more work, made for much easier sanding to remove the old, weathered finish. Upon reinstalling the teak, I filled the screw holes with new teak plugs. I used a coping saw to trim the excess plug down to about 1/8". Then, I used a Black and Decker Mouse sander to sand the plug flush. Of course, this removes some of the finish from the newly coated teak, so you'll have to touch up with at least a couple coats of whatever finish you're using. Initially, my touched up areas (I used Cetol) looked slightly different immediately adjacent to the teak plugs. I figured the oils in the new plugs made for a slightly different shade of finish compared to my nearly 20 year old teak. After several weeks, the difference is much less noticeable. In the fall, or perhaps spring, I will lightly sand everything again (in place, so as not to require new plugs) and recoat thoroughly. That will (hopefully) even out the finish nicely. After that, I will do an annual top coat as recommended by the makers of Cetol. Randy
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