When it comes to woodworking projects the perfect button or plug could be the key to finishing the project in style. Buttons and plugs are used to decoratively cover and hide a screw hole or the screw itself. Buttons and plugs come in different dimensions. They are usually installed with the aid of wood glue or they may fit perfectly into the screws head.
Although buttons and plugs are used for the same purpose they are different. Screw buttons usually have a circular top while screw plugs are flat or have an oval top. Both come in various wood finishes to match your woodworking project. Buttons and plugs could be found in cherry, mahogany, walnut, ash, hickory, beech, poplar, pine, white birch, oak or maple. Face grain plugs blend well with woodworking projects as they absorb stains and color much like the wood itself. Side grain tapered plugs are also said to hold a better fit and hide the screw hole better than flat head tapered plugs; however, side grain tapered plugs are usually more expensive. Plugs are also usually made over the size of the screw to ensure a tight fit.
Buttons and plugs could usually be found at your local hardware store or lumber yard. It is rare to buy a single button or plug; they usually come in bulk sizes of about 50-100 pieces. The price could range anywhere from $10-$14.
By Venus N. Brady