CMT Plug Cutter 1 1/2" - Model 529.381.31 is a heavy-duty SP steel plug cutter designed for drilling clean, cylindrical wood plugs from natural softwoods and medium-density woods. With a 5/8" shank, 6 cutting teeth, and a generous 6-5/16" overall length, this right-hand rotation cutter delivers long-lasting performance for woodworking tasks where concealing screw heads and filling counterbored holes with grain-matched plugs is essential. Built for drill press use, it is a reliable tool for cabinet making, furniture construction, and finish carpentry applications that demand tight-fitting, cleanly cut plugs.

Key Features

• SP Steel Construction - Super-strength steel body provides extended tool life, reducing the frequency of replacement in high-use woodworking environments.
• 6 Cutting Teeth - More cutting edges than standard plug cutters mean cleaner plug sides and smoother cuts in natural softwood and medium-density wood species.
• 1-31/32" Outer Diameter with 1 1/2" Plug Diameter - Precision-sized to produce plugs that fit snugly in standard 1 1/2" counterbored holes, creating flush, grain-matchable repairs and coverings.
• 5/8" Shank - Provides a secure, stable grip in drill press chucks, reducing vibration and improving cut accuracy during plug drilling operations.
• 6-5/16" Overall Length - Extended length allows access to deeper workpieces and facilitates easy plug extraction from the host material after cutting.
• Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - Compatible with standard drill press spindle rotation, making this cutter a straightforward fit for typical shop setups without any special configuration.

Why This Product

• For woodworkers who need to conceal screw heads or fill counterbored holes with matching wood plugs, the 6-tooth SP steel design cuts cleaner, more consistent plugs than lower tooth-count alternatives - reducing sanding and finishing time.
• The 1 1/2" plug diameter is one of the most commonly needed sizes in cabinet making and furniture construction, making this cutter a practical addition to any production or finish woodworking setup.
• SP steel construction is engineered for long-lasting cutter performance, meaning fewer interruptions for tool changes when working through natural softwood or medium-density wood projects.
• With a 5/8" shank and 6-5/16" overall length, this cutter is sized for stability and reach in drill press applications - giving woodworkers confident, repeatable results on each cut.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 529.381.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Product Type: Plug Cutter
• Plug Diameter: 1 1/2"
• Outer Diameter: 1-31/32"
• Small Diameter: 38.1mm
• Total Length: 6-5/16"
• Shank: 5/8"
• Number of Cutting Teeth: 6
• Blade Material: SP Steel
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Drilling cylindrical wood plugs to conceal screw heads
• Cutting plugs for counterbored holes
• Cabinet making and furniture construction
• Finish carpentry requiring grain-matched wood plug repairs
• Natural softwood plug cutting
• Medium-density wood plug cutting

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This CMT plug cutter is designed for use in natural soft or medium-density woods. It is not intended for cutting plugs from dense hardwoods or engineered wood products.

Can this plug cutter be used in a handheld drill?

No. Plug cutters must be used in a drill press for safe and accurate operation. Using a plug cutter in a handheld drill is unsafe and will not produce acceptable results.

How many cutting edges does the CMT 529.381.31 have, and why does it matter?

This cutter features 6 cutting teeth. More cutting edges distribute the cutting action across a larger surface area, which helps produce cleaner plug sides and more consistent cylindrical plugs - particularly important when the plug needs to grain-match the surrounding workpiece.

What size counterbored hole does this plug cutter produce plugs for?

This cutter produces plugs with a 1 1/2" diameter, designed to fit snugly in standard 1 1/2" counterbored holes for a flush, concealed finish over screw heads and fasteners.