The CMT Plug Cutter - 3/8" Plug Diameter, 1/2" Shank, Right-Hand Rotation is a precision wood plug cutting tool engineered from SP steel for long-lasting performance in natural softwood and medium-density wood applications. Designed to produce clean, cylindrical wood plugs that conceal screw heads and fill counterbored holes, this cutter features 4 cutting edges and a robust 1/2" shank for secure, stable engagement in a drill press setup. Whether you are finishing cabinet boxes, assembling furniture joints, or hiding fastener holes in finish carpentry work, this plug cutter delivers consistent, grain-matchable plugs that blend seamlessly into the surrounding wood surface.

Key Features

• 4 Cutting Edges - four edges work simultaneously to shear clean, smooth-sided cylindrical plugs, reducing tearout and producing a better grain match when the plug is oriented to align with the workpiece.
• SP Steel Construction - super-strength steel body delivers extended tool life and sustained cutting performance across repeated use in natural softwood and medium-density wood projects.
• 3/8" Plug Diameter with 49/64" Outer Diameter - sized to produce standard 3/8" wood plugs with enough clearance geometry in the outer diameter to cut cleanly without binding in the workpiece.
• 1/2" Shank - a full 1/2" shank provides a firm, vibration-resistant grip in the drill press chuck, keeping the cutter centered and stable throughout the cut for accurate plug sizing.
• 5 1/2" Total Length - generous overall length gives adequate reach for deep plug cutting setups and provides clearance between the chuck and the workpiece surface.
• Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - standard clockwise rotation is compatible with all conventional drill press spindles, making this cutter a direct fit without any special tooling or adapters.

Why This Product

• If you need plugs that actually disappear into the wood surface, this cutter is the right choice - its 4-edge design produces clean-sided cylinders that can be oriented for grain alignment, making the repair or fastener cover virtually invisible in softwood and medium-density wood.
• For woodworkers who demand consistent plug sizing across multiple holes in a project, the 1/2" shank and drill press-only design keep the cutter true to center cut after cut, eliminating the oversized or tapered plugs that result from handheld use.
• SP steel construction means you are not re-buying this cutter after every major project - the material is selected specifically for long-lasting cutter performance, making this a durable addition to a professional or serious hobbyist tool kit.
• The standard 3/8" plug diameter this cutter produces is one of the most commonly specified plug sizes in cabinet making and furniture construction, making it directly applicable to production and custom shop workflows without any conversion or adapter requirement.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 529.095.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Plug Diameter: 3/8"
• Outer Diameter: 49/64"
• Small Diameter: 9.52mm
• Total Length: 5 1/2"
• Shank: 1/2"
• Number of Cutting Edges: 4
• Material: SP Steel
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Approved Applications

• Cutting wood plugs to conceal screw heads
• Cutting plugs for counterbored holes
• Cabinet making
• Furniture construction
• Finish carpentry in natural softwood and medium-density wood

Frequently Asked Questions

What size plug does this cutter produce?

This plug cutter produces a 3/8" diameter cylindrical wood plug. The outer diameter of the cutter body is 49/64", which provides the clearance geometry needed to cut plugs cleanly without binding in the workpiece material.

What types of wood is this plug cutter designed to work with?

This cutter is designed for drilling plugs in natural soft or medium-density woods. It is not specified for use in dense hardwoods or engineered wood composites - staying within the intended material range helps preserve the cutting edges and ensures clean plug quality.

Can this plug cutter be used in a handheld drill?

No. Plug cutters must be used in a drill press for safe and accurate plug cutting. A drill press provides the controlled, perpendicular plunge and stable clamping that handheld drills cannot replicate, and using a plug cutter in a handheld drill creates a serious safety risk and produces inaccurate plugs.

How many cutting edges does this CMT plug cutter have, and why does it matter?

This plug cutter has 4 cutting edges. Multiple cutting edges distribute the cutting load evenly around the plug circumference, which produces smoother plug sides, reduces heat buildup on the tool, and results in a cleaner, more consistent cylindrical plug that is easier to grain-match and install flush with the surrounding wood surface.