Expert: Kirk Ryan - 7/26/2009

Question
How do you remove the furniture buttons that cover the screws on furniture?

Answer
Sometimes the "plugs" are actually glued in, so reupholster shops are forced to break them out. But they usually have replacements. Others can just be in there so tightly that they don't come out easily, so they break.

If a reupholster shop doesn't have replacements you can go to a furniture store and see if they can order some for you or a woodcraft store. They have a few universal sizes for these, so its just a matter of matching the wood.

The best way to get them out is to take a wood punch, and hit it with a hammer in the direct middle of the plug. This usually causes them to crack evenly and come out. Others may use a small drill bit and drill into the center and then break it out. Again, its highly unlikely that they will come out without breaking.