How to Make Tenon Pegs

Using pegs to help secure the tenon in a mortise-and-tenon joint adds extra strength and beauty to your furniture. Hardwood dowels really simplify the process of making these pegs.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch by 36-inch hardwood dowel
• Tape measure or ruler
• Pencil
• Hand saw
• 150-grit sandpaper

Instructions

Making the pegs

1. Measure the peg with a tape measure or ruler from one end of the hardwood dowel. Mark that measurement with a pencil. Make sure the peg is long enough to trim flush after it's glued in place.

2. Cut the hardwood dowel to this length with a fine hand saw.

3. Lay a sheet of 150-grit sandpaper on a flat surface, such as a workbench or table saw bed.

4. Sand one end of the peg back and forth like you were sharpening a pencil. This will work it into a point to allow it to drive into the hole more easily.

Tips & Warnings

• To speed the process, cut all of your pegs to length at the same time. That way you'll have many pegs ready for use when you need them.

References

• Popular Woodworking