CMT Plug Cutter 1-1/4" - 1/2" Shank, Right-Hand Rotation by CMT is a precision wood plug cutter designed for drilling clean, cylindrical plugs from natural soft or medium-density woods. With a 5/8" cutting diameter producing plugs that seat into 1-1/4" counterbored holes, this tool helps woodworkers achieve flush, grain-matched finishes that conceal screw heads and fastener recesses in cabinet work, furniture construction, and finish carpentry.

Key Features

• SP Steel Construction - the super-strength steel body delivers long-lasting cutter performance, reducing the need for frequent tool replacement during high-volume or production woodworking tasks.
• 5 Cutting Teeth - five cutting edges work together to produce clean-sided cylindrical plugs with smooth walls, supporting accurate, snug-fitting results when plugging counterbored holes or concealing screw heads.
• 1/2" Shank Diameter - the robust 1/2" shank provides a secure, stable chuck connection in a drill press, minimizing vibration and helping maintain accuracy throughout the cut.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - standard right-hand rotation is compatible with conventional drill press spindle direction, making this cutter straightforward to set up without additional configuration.
• 5-1/2" Overall Length - the generous total length allows the cutter to reach deep enough into stock to produce plugs of usable depth, giving you material to work with when fitting and trimming flush.
• 1-19/32" Outer Diameter - the precisely ground outer diameter defines the kerf around the plug, ensuring consistent plug geometry and clean release from the surrounding wood stock.
• Optimized for Natural Soft and Medium-Density Woods - the tooth geometry and steel grade are matched to softwood and medium-density hardwood applications, producing plugs that split cleanly from the workpiece without tearing grain.

Why This Product

• Woodworkers who need a reliable, repeatable plug-cutting solution for concealing screws in furniture or cabinetry can count on the SP steel body and 5-tooth design to deliver consistent plug quality across many cuts without quick dulling.
• The 1/2" shank and 5-1/2" total length suit standard drill press setups, making this cutter a practical fit for shop environments already equipped with benchtop or floor-standing drill presses.
• The right-hand rotation and purpose-matched tooth geometry eliminate the guesswork of configuring a plug cutter for softwood and medium-density wood stock - the tool is ready to perform straight from the box in its intended material class.
• For finish applications where grain matching matters - such as hardwood floors, furniture panels, or face-frame cabinetry - the clean cylindrical plug geometry produced by this cutter supports precise grain alignment when the plug is glued and trimmed flush.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 529.317.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1-19/32"
• Small Diameter: 31.75mm
• Total Length: 5-1/2"
• Shank: 1/2"
• Number of Teeth: 5
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Material: SP Steel

Approved Applications

• Cutting wood plugs to conceal screw heads in face frames and panels
• Filling counterbored holes in furniture construction
• Cabinet making and finish woodworking in natural softwood
• Plug cutting in medium-density hardwood stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What size plug does the CMT 529.317.31 produce?

This plug cutter has a small diameter of 31.75mm, which corresponds to a 1-1/4" nominal plug size. The outer diameter of 1-19/32" accounts for the kerf around the plug as the cutter works through the wood stock.

What types of wood can this plug cutter be used on?

According to the product data, this cutter is designed for natural soft or medium-density woods. It is not specified for use in high-density hardwoods or engineered wood products.

Does this plug cutter require a specific machine to operate safely?

Yes - plug cutters of this type must be used in a drill press. The 1/2" shank is designed for secure chuck mounting in a drill press spindle. Use in a handheld drill is not a safe or appropriate application for a plug cutter of this size.

How many cutting teeth does the CMT 529.317.31 have, and why does that matter?

This cutter has 5 cutting teeth. A higher tooth count helps distribute the cutting load more evenly around the plug perimeter, which supports cleaner plug walls and more consistent cylindrical geometry compared to cutters with fewer teeth.