Teak Plug Size?

[Mattlikesbikes]

Does anybody know what the size teak Plugs are needed for the hand rails?  I keep forgetting to measure my handrail and wanted to order some today.

Thanks

[MacGyver]

When I got my stuff from Hutchins, they send the plugs with em. all different ones, and too many for me to use on the projects at hand.

Not sure where you get your handrails from, but I would just buy them in different sizes, it is always a good thing to have around, and gives you some options when in a pinch.

(I have a garage full of stuff, and work on a lot of different things constantly, so at some point stuff gets used if not right away.)

Mac

[wes]

Matt - from personal experience I can tell you the 19 and 27 both use 1/2" plugs for the handrails and 3/8" for most other locations (eyebrows, trim around the companionway opening, etc.).

Don't know about the 16 and 23 but would be surprised if they were different.

Wes

[capt_nemo]

This comes from a guy who makes his own plugs and has worked with quite a few.

Whatever you do, take care and go slow in removing the plugs on handrails (or any other wood pieces) to avoid damaging the hole. Otherwise, the plugs that should fit nicely won't!

And, when you insert and glue the plug back in - be sure to align the top grain with the handrail grain (for nice appearance) and take note of the ANGLE of the cross grain in the SIDE of the plug. When dry, cut the plugs HIGH allowing for any slant in the cross grain then use sand paper block to get it down smooth with the handrail surface. Sometimes, trying to cut a plug TOO CLOSE, TOO QUICKLY, with a sharp cutting edge will cause the plug to break off, with the slanted grain carrying the cut BELOW the top of the hole.  Then you've got another problem to correct.  I've had great success in using a very fine toothed cutting saw (for models) or even a hacksaw blade to SLOWLY saw through the plug a little high to avoid problems when finishing off.

Good luck, enjoy, and have fun.

capt_nemo

[Mattlikesbikes]

Thanks for the info guys. I stopped over at west marine yesterday and the had every size except 1/2. I will have to order them on line.