A dowel is a pin, usually made of wood, plastic or metal, used to secure two objects together. A hole is bored in one or both of the objects and the dowel is inserted into the hole.

Woodworking

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Dowels are commonly used in woodworking to reinforce joints. Dowels are also often used to support shelves and other components in cabinet making. The dowels are commonly cut from a length of dowel, which is a timber product made by drawing solid timber through a circular cutter forming a rod of a specified diameter. Precut dowels are also available in various lengths and diameters.

A fluted dowel has a series of grooves cut in its length. The purpose of the fluting is to allow glue to squeeze out as the dowel is inserted so that excess glue does not collect at the bottom of the hole causing the timber to split when mating pieces are clamped together.

Stone Masonry

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Steel dowels are commonly used in masonry to pin stone components together. Holes are bored in the stone and the steel dowels inserted to secure the components.

See also

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• Dowel reinforced Butt Joint
• Rebar

Joinery

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