Working on furniture or woodworking projects often comes with the challenge of covering up or repositioning nails and screws, which can unexpectedly strain a budget. Luckily, there are drillable wood fillers available that offer a user-friendly solution.
I’ve seen too many pieces cracked or ruined by mistakes, so I tested and evaluated the best wood fillers I’ve used in my work for years. Hopefully, these recommendations will help you save and uphold the quality of your projects!
Reviews of the Top Wood Fillers That are Drillable
1. Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound
The Abatron WoodEpox wood filler is resistant to temperature changes, moisture, chemicals, and environmental extremes. It forms an indestructible bond with everything you put it on.
After drying, the Abatron WoodEpox is ready for drilling and nailing. This filler comprises two parts, A (resin) and B (hardener), which must be blended until a uniform hue is achieved before usage.
Then, you can use the resulting paste to patch up the damaged area. In most cases, the filler will be dry in two hours, although full curing may take a full day.
What I Like
- This product is perfect for large surfaces
- It hardens in less than an hour
- It's great for rough wood and hardwood
- There are putty knives, gloves, and bottles included in the package
- Best for beginners
What I Don't Like
- It's a two-part mix
- It's stronger than other fillers
2. J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Epoxy
It may not look like the wood filler you need, but the J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood epoxy stick can withstand drilling and redrill without much damage. When the filler has cured, it will be as dense as real wood and possibly stronger.
True to its promise, Kwikwood hardens in 20 minutes. It takes less than an hour to cure and reach full potency.
Also, the filler boasts a strength of around 900 PSI. If you’re in a hurry to finish your project, I’d highly recommend this product. Surfaces filled with it will be ready for machining or drilling in just an hour.
What I Like
- It does not decay, swell or contract
- For general use
- It hardens in less than an hour
- High-density
- It's suitable for indoor and outdoor use
What I Don't Like
- It would be best if you pressed it hard
- It may not be suitable for beginners
3. Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy
When I only need a touch of filler for my projects, I usually reach for the Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy. It’s not just the most cost-effective option in the market, but also a crowd favorite. This epoxy is known for its outstanding adhesion, hardness, and strength.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and need to drill into a hard surface after filling, the Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy is your best bet. You need to wait after one day for the filler to cure completely and be ready for drilling.
Furthermore, this two-part filler is both water and solvent-resistant, which saves users from any accidental spills. But what truly sets it apart is how it dries: crystal clear and without a blemish.
What I Like
- The syringe is convenient to use
- It is water and solvent-resistant
- It gives a clean finish
- It is a strong adhesive
What I Don't Like
- The curing time takes about 24 hours
- It may not be suitable for beginners
4. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
The Famowood 400221126 is a latex-containing wood filler. It has a smooth texture that is very easy to apply. Once dry and set, the surface can be stained to match the surrounding wood.
Furthermore, these wood fillers dry rapidly, usually in under an hour. You may utilize it in either an indoor or outdoor setting. Since it is a water-based formula that dries in 15 minutes, it doesn’t shrink or crack and has a little scent.
When used for drilling, sanding, or planing, you won’t have issues as it is firm and solid once dry.
What I Like
- It's good for interior and exterior use
- It can absorb stains to match the wood
- Very affordable
- It doesn't smell as much as other fillers
- It gives a smooth finish
What I Don't Like
- You may need to apply a second layer
- The drying time is longer than wood epoxy
Buyer’s Guide: Wood Fillers For Drilling
Wood Filler Type
Two-Part
Epoxy wood fillers are made from a resin and hardener that cure together to form a strong, long-lasting material. Epoxy fillers are known as “two-part” due to the technique.
You must apply a filler undercoat before the epoxy [1] is poured into the hole, and you have to apply a second layer to keep the filler in place.
Two-part epoxy wood fillers are notable for curing rapidly. When they dry, they’re rock solid. In other words, they retain their size in the hole regardless of external factors such as temperature or humidity.
(See some of the strong epoxy wood fillers in the market in this review!)
In addition, once epoxy wood fillers have cured, they provide a firm surface that can be further finished in various ways, such as painting or staining.
Multi-Purpose
Multi-purpose wood fillers will have features of exterior wood fillers and two-part epoxy fillers. They are special because of how fast they dry. You may use them in the winter because of how quickly they dry.
This wood filler can be painted or polished, and it comes in a variety of colors.
Exterior
Exterior wood fillers are used mostly in outside settings, as the name implies. They’re impervious to water and can store paint, polish, and other surface treatments. Therefore, an exterior wood filler is required to be used to repair wood damaged by weather.
In addition to that, other types of filler, such as external wood fillers, also enable drilling. They are useful for securely holding nails and screws in place.
Which Wood Filler Type Should I Use?
Two-part epoxy wood fillers are the clear winners in re-drillable wood fillings. Even if various wood fillers can endure drilling, they perform less well than epoxy fillers.
After a two-component epoxy wood filler has dried completely, it is sturdy enough to endure drilling and even nailing. This filler is so sturdy that it may be sanded and sawed without losing its integrity.
However, to get the best results from the two-part formula, it’s crucial to follow the instructions closely. For most epoxies to serve as an effective wood filler, you’ll want to mix the resin and hardener in equal parts.
However, I’ve also come across various types of two-part epoxy fillers that demand specific ratios when combined.
In either instance, you must wait at least 24 hours before touching the epoxy filler after it has been applied.
Steps in Drilling into a Wood Filler
Drilling through wood filler can be difficult, but several things might affect the outcome. You’ll need some standard tools and the ability to follow some standard procedures to apply wood filler successfully.
Step #1: Preparation
Wood filler adheres best when the surface is properly prepped. This means removing any peeling paint or stain and clearing away any loose wood bits before application.
Step #2: Sanding
There must be no sharp corners near the hole before you fill it. After the edges have been smoothed out, you may clean up any dust or debris left behind using the best shop vac or a damp tack cloth.
Letting the surface dry completely once the sanding dust is cleaned is important.
Step #3: Wood Filler Application
The most important step is filling the wood. With your putty knife, you can squeeze the wood filler into the area, beginning at the edges.
For safety purposes, I’d recommend overfilling the space if the filler contracts slightly or deforms during drying.
Step #4: Drying Time
This process requires patience. If you want flawless results from your filler, you must let it dry and set for a long while. Expect results to be brief; this could take 20 minutes or several hours.
Once the filler has dried, you can sand off the rough spots and smooth it out, so it blends in with the surrounding area or takes on the desired aesthetic.
Step #5: Drilling
Wood filler is surprisingly easy to drill into. Once the wood filler dries, you can begin drilling the hole for the nail or screw.
The first step is to test the area with a small drill bit. If necessary, create a “pilot hole” first.
FAQ
How do you fill and redrill a hole in wood?
To fill and redrill a hole in wood, you should apply your filler, as instructed, or wooden plugs to cover the old screw holes, then insert a toothpick in the gap before redrilling. You can also use sawdust and wood glue to create a wood filler.
My Top Pick For a Wood Filler For Drilling: Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy
Having tried various products on the market, I’ve settled on the Abaton WoodEpox as the best drillable wood filler.
Whether it’s to mend large damaged wood sections or to permanently fill in small cracks and drill holes, this epoxy wood filler has proven invaluable. It handles almost like clay, making it easy to work with. Plus, once it’s set, it sands down seamlessly, leaving a smooth finish.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
