Biscuits & Plugs

Biscuits are thin, oval-shaped wood pieces used to align and strengthen miters and butt joints in woodworking; plugs are used to conceal screw heads or fill holes in wood and some plastics for a finished appearance or to protect fasteners in plumbing fittings

Choose biscuit size based on slot size of your biscuit joiner and the joint's strength needs (common sizes are #0, #10, #20); select plug material and diameter to match the screw size, hole depth, and the workpiece material for a tight fit and consistent grain or finish

For biscuits you need a compatible biscuit joiner and appropriate glue; for plugs you need a plug cutter or hole saw, a drill, and adhesive or finishing nails, plus sanding and finishing supplies to blend plugs with surrounding wood

Kits and basic packs of biscuits or plugs can be found in budget ranges under $50, while specialized cutters, joiners, and larger professional packs can raise costs; average unit prices in this category are moderate, with tools and consumables varying by brand and material

Keep biscuits and wooden plugs dry and sealed to prevent warping or moisture uptake; clean and lubricate biscuit joiner blades and plug cutters per manufacturer instructions, and store cutting tools in protective cases to preserve alignment and sharpness

Yes, but match plug material and grain orientation to the base wood when possible; for veneered surfaces use shallow plugs or veneer-compatible repair plugs to avoid splitting the veneer, and test fit and finish before final installation

Wear eye and hearing protection, use dust collection or a mask to avoid inhaling dust, clamp workpieces securely, and follow tool-specific safety guidelines for blade guards and proper feeding techniques to prevent kickback and injury