Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

[Sorrento 25]

I have some trim around the rear of my cockpit that I would like to remove to buff the glass adjacent to it that is stained with teak oil, and to restore the teak. What is the trick to safely remove the plugs over the screws without destroying anything? What are some options for replacing them after reinstallation?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

you're going to destroy them to get them out, probably glued in. to replace go to the home improvement store and buy a plug cutter. it's a special drill bit that make the plugs, then just cut some out of a piece of teak.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

That sounds miserable and those cutters aren't cheap. I don't have any scrap teak either. With my luck I'll splinter and destroy the wood adjacent to the plugs in the process of removing them and have nothing left. Maybe there are nuts underneath.

If not it might be less work for me to grind/pry/whatever from underneath to free the screws and get them off, and then install studs in new locations for reattachment.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

drill out the old plugs, with a metal cutting bit. to where you can get to the screw head. you can always use a larger plug. and only need 1 ft of teak.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

Check the local boating supply stores. Many carry cut teak plugs. Alternatively, the cutter isn't very expensive ($10-$20).

I find the teak plug usually pop out pretty easily. It must be because teak is such an oily wood. If one was giving be trouble, I think I would just run a screw into it & use that as a handle.

Your plan B sounds like way more work to me.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

OK thanks I'll try one very carefully first.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

Wow teak plugs are everywhere and almost free! I had a 10X harder time finding a decent price on those SS canvas snap studs. I expected just the opposite for each.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

congrats.

 

[flashback]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

yep, the plugs are quite common.. as far as getting the old ones out. I have always used a small screw driver. just tap it into the center of the plug with the grain. The plug will split and you can pry out the two halves with no problems in most cases........

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Flush teak plugs over trim attachment screws.

You don't need to drill the plugs out. All you have to do is lightly bang a blade screw driver into the plug, and it will split, and it will easily pop out in 3 or 3 sections. When you replace the new plugs get some Elmers wood glue ( you can get it in a brown color) let it dry abit, and with a wood chisel, stay about a 1/16" away and chisel most of the teak plug away, leaving just enough to sand flush. That always worked for me fine.