The plastic end caps are to cover the grub screws on DF 500 connectors are, well, disappointing. First off, the 4 color choices are all too light. There's no Dark Brown color and that's the one I need, naturally. Second, I'm not sure how well these will stay in place over time. Sure, a little dab of glue will help but then they're not really knockdown are they? Has anyone come up with a better cap? I've looked at Bed Bolt End Caps and that's a good idea, but using a 1-5/8" round metal plate to cover up a 15mm hole is a little overkill to me. Anyone got any ideas to hide the grub screws on a piece of Mission furniture?
Festool DF 500 Connector End Caps
- Thread starter C9belayer
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Birdhunter
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I’ve never had one of the caps come loose and I usually orient the holes to a hidden side. If I was very concerned about color, I’d find a spray paint color that was close to what I wanted and paint the caps. Fingernail polish is another option.
grobkuschelig
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Same for me. The caps seem to keep tight in the holes.
You need to put them so that the two tabs on the cap are basically on a cross axis to the connector. This way, there is ample space for the tabs to sit in the hole.
For other covers, how about FastCap? If I recall correctly, they even do veneer?!
You need to put them so that the two tabs on the cap are basically on a cross axis to the connector. This way, there is ample space for the tabs to sit in the hole.
For other covers, how about FastCap? If I recall correctly, they even do veneer?!
Thanks for the input, folks. I've already considered the other solutions mentioned, especially the painting. However, I've always had problems painting on plastic... eventually the pain wears off. I think my only recourse is to sand the caps roughly, wipe with solvent, then apply latex paint specifically made for plastic. It IS good to know others have used these caps and that they don't fall out over time. Finally, in my situation, I'm building a crib, so the holes MUST face outward -- I don't want my grandson picking off the caps and then possibly eating or choking on them. I was just hoping there'd be something really cool out there, like, maybe, antique brass bed bolt covers that are only 5/8" in diameter!
How far are you willing to go?
Custom plugs made out of the same wood are a possibility. The plugs are not to glued in; rare magnets are glued to the end (recess predrilled) so the plugs can be pulled out (I'm assuming the connector screws are ferrous). Lots of extra work but fine details come with a price.
Custom plugs made out of the same wood are a possibility. The plugs are not to glued in; rare magnets are glued to the end (recess predrilled) so the plugs can be pulled out (I'm assuming the connector screws are ferrous). Lots of extra work but fine details come with a price.
Cheese
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ChuckM said:
Great idea...that's doable. [smile] The large round metal retainer is zinc or some other non-ferrous metal but the setscrew is steel.
[attachimg=1]
It's also recessed .070"-.080" below the surface so there may be some additional room for a magnet.
[attachimg=2]
The only caveat is that if for some reason the attached arm cannot be drawn fully into the round metal retainer, the set screw will sit a bit more proud and that may not allow the cover to sit properly...
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ChuckM said:
Pretty far, since I'm a frickin' OCD perfectionist!
So I just ordered these from Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Button-Plugs-Hardwood-Furniture/dp/B07WCC6FSR. Of course they may take some modification, but I can do that much, and then dye/stain/finish to match. Fingers crossed!
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