insteekstuk

An insteekstuk is a separately manufactured piece that is designed to be inserted into another component to restore, reinforce, or adapt its function. The term is used in Dutch technical and craft contexts and covers a range of inserts in woodworking, metalworking, and construction.

In woodworking and furniture making, insteekstukken are used to repair or replace damaged sections, to extend a member, or to modify a joint. They are shaped to fit a corresponding cavity, groove, or mortise and are typically secured by glue, dowels, pins, or screws. In metalworking and mechanical engineering, inserts can serve similar purposes—for example to renew a worn bore, to add a threaded interface, or to adapt a hole to a different size. In such cases, insteekstukken may be cylindrical, rectangular, or custom-shaped, and may be press-fit, threaded, or pinned.

Materials commonly used include wood, metal, plastic, and composite. The choice depends on compatibility with the base material, required strength, and environmental conditions. Installation requires precise measurement of the receiving cavity, proper finishing for a seamless appearance, and consideration of factors such as moisture, expansion, and wear.

See also: inlay, plug, dowel, threaded insert, mortise and tenon.