www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi all, first post! I need some help with a problem of my own making.

I've drilled a hole into timber for a 25mm dowel. The hole saw I used has wallowed out the hole and has made for a very loose fit.
To fix this, I was planning to glue the dowel in place before redrilling with a forstner bit, but I'm not sure what product would be up to the job of gluing and gap filling that can then be redrilled and allow another dowel to be glued in? Would no more nails be suitable?

Use an epoxy resin. The two part glue is mixed together and it will set hard very quickly. See https://www.wickes.co.uk/Gorilla-Epoxy- ... l/p/121097 but shop around, cheaper on eBay or Amazon

DWD

Thanks I did consider it, but the application of the product doesn't suit. The hole is drilled into a stud wall and the epoxy would be a bit difficult to get into the hole and spread around, hence I was thinking of using something with a nozzle applicator. Epoxy is also quite expensive for the amount you get, which may or may not be enough.

How about something like a resin chemical anchor such as this?
Soudal Soudafix P300-ST Resin Polyester Based Chemical Anchor
https://amzn.eu/d/ddtY0fq

I cannot quite picture the job, are you plugging the hole in the stud with a 25mm dowel with a view to redrilling for another fitting? The grain would not be favourable as a cross grain plug would be best. Could you use your hole saw to cut a plug and fettle and glue this in with an expanding polyurethane glue like the original Gorilla glue?

DWD

That's correct. The hole I've drilled is oversize, and I need to plug and redrill a 25mm hole.
Please can you explain what you mean by the grain not being favourable.

If you plug a hole with a dowel the grain will be longitudinal. A plug should be made from a cross grain section so using your hole saw to cut into the face of a board to get a cross grain plug is best. Pare and sand to fit and the expanding glue will do the rest. Any fitting in the plug will hold much better in cross grain

DWD

I would use



It is a low expansion foam. We use it all the time. Not because we make mistakes - moreso that we have to deal with irregular situations.

Just .... don't get on your fingers. Wear gloves.

general comments
providing its a part depth hole you just cover the peg all over to at least 80% surface coverage
then enough glue/whatever to make sure the hole will fill
normal d4 will only fill 1mm gaps
no nails no real restriction
foaming glue need sparing application and tape on the face to stop free draining
and it will need support to make sure its sets dead level plumb and straight what ever method you choose