ASTM D8023-23
(Specification)Standard Specification for Round Wood Dowels (Pegs) for Use in Wood Construction
Standard Specification for Round Wood Dowels (Pegs) for Use in Wood Construction
ABSTRACT
This specification covers the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The round wood dowels shall have diameters from 1/2 in. (12.5 mm) to 2 in. (51 mm). Diameters shall not be more than 2% oversize, nor less than 1% undersize, and shall not vary, along a wood dowel length (other than deliberate chamfer) more than 1%. Wood dowels shall be fabricated to ensure that the wood fibers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the dowel. They shall be fabricated from any species of wood that has an oven dry specific gravity of at least 0.57; from wood that has been air-dried or kiln-dried to approximately constant weight before fabrication; and from clear, straight-grained timber free from any form of decay. Furthermore, wood dowels shall be protected with a treatment of paraffin wax, or similar sealing substance capable of inhibiting the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The referencing of this specification in design, construction, and purchase order documents is intended to provide some assurance that the round wood dowels to be used in an assembly meet minimum materials-quality standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure connection performance. This specification provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the acceptability of round wood dowels encountered in the field and in fabricators’ shops.
1.2 This specification only addresses the standardization and manufacture of round wood dowels. Other types of wood dowels, such as sawn or cleaved pegs, are outside the scope of this specification.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the use of this specification. The products manufactured to this specification should not be brittle or difficult to install with proper tools.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2023
- Technical Committee
- D07 - Wood
- Drafting Committee
- D07.05 - Wood Assemblies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2014
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
Overview
ASTM D8023-23: Standard Specification for Round Wood Dowels (Pegs) for Use in Wood Construction establishes industry-wide requirements for the dimensions and materials used in the manufacture of round wood dowels, also known as pegs. These dowels are key components in wood construction, serving as connectors for creating strong, durable joints between wooden structural elements. By referencing ASTM D8023-23 in design and construction documents, manufacturers, contractors, and regulatory agencies can ensure that round wood dowels meet consistent quality and dimensional standards vital for safe and reliable wood assemblies.
Key Topics
Dimension Requirements:
The standard specifies that round wood dowels must have actual diameters between 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) and 2 inches (51 mm). Diameter tolerances are strictly controlled, with dowels required to be no more than 2% oversize and no less than 1% undersize. Along the length of the dowel, diameter variation, excluding deliberate chamfering, must not exceed 1%.Material Quality:
Dowels must be made from clear, straight-grained wood, free from knots, shakes, checks, splits, or any form of decay. The wood species used should have an oven dry specific gravity of at least 0.57 and must be air-dried or kiln-dried prior to fabrication to achieve a consistent moisture content.Manufacturing Criteria:
- Wood fibers must be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the dowel for maximum strength.
- Protective treatment with paraffin wax or a similar sealing substance is required to inhibit atmospheric moisture absorption.
- Slope of grain should not exceed 1 in 20 (i.e., grain deviation 1 inch over a 20-inch length).
- Only cylindrical, turned dowels are covered - sawn or cleaved pegs fall outside the scope.
Safety and Performance:
The standard addresses the expectation that compliant dowels should not be brittle and must be easy to install using standard tools, providing consistent performance in structural wood joints.
Applications
ASTM D8023-23 round wood dowels are widely used in various wood construction applications, including:
- Timber Framing:
Essential components for load-transferring connections, enabling strong, traditional wood joinery in timber structures. - Furniture Manufacturing:
Providing sturdy, reliable joints in wood furniture without the use of metal fasteners. - Architectural Woodworking:
Supporting decorative and structural woodworking that requires precision and durability. - Restoration Projects:
Ideal for historically accurate reconstructions or repairs in timber buildings where round wood pegs are traditional.
By adhering to this standard, suppliers and fabricators can ensure that the dowels used facilitate strong, durable, and moisture-resistant wood-to-wood connections across a variety of construction and manufacturing scenarios.
Related Standards
Several other standards and documents are referenced within ASTM D8023-23 or are commonly used in conjunction with it, including:
- ASTM D9 – Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
- ASTM D2395 – Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
- ASTM E176 – Terminology of Fire Standards
- NDS – National Design Specification for Wood Construction (American Wood Council)
These related standards support consistent terminology, testing procedures, and structural principles when working with wood dowels in wood construction.
Keywords: wood dowels, round wood pegs, ASTM D8023-23, wood construction connectors, timber joints, structural timber standards, wood dowel manufacture, wooden joinery standard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D8023-23 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Round Wood Dowels (Pegs) for Use in Wood Construction". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The round wood dowels shall have diameters from 1/2 in. (12.5 mm) to 2 in. (51 mm). Diameters shall not be more than 2% oversize, nor less than 1% undersize, and shall not vary, along a wood dowel length (other than deliberate chamfer) more than 1%. Wood dowels shall be fabricated to ensure that the wood fibers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the dowel. They shall be fabricated from any species of wood that has an oven dry specific gravity of at least 0.57; from wood that has been air-dried or kiln-dried to approximately constant weight before fabrication; and from clear, straight-grained timber free from any form of decay. Furthermore, wood dowels shall be protected with a treatment of paraffin wax, or similar sealing substance capable of inhibiting the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The referencing of this specification in design, construction, and purchase order documents is intended to provide some assurance that the round wood dowels to be used in an assembly meet minimum materials-quality standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure connection performance. This specification provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the acceptability of round wood dowels encountered in the field and in fabricators’ shops. 1.2 This specification only addresses the standardization and manufacture of round wood dowels. Other types of wood dowels, such as sawn or cleaved pegs, are outside the scope of this specification. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the use of this specification. The products manufactured to this specification should not be brittle or difficult to install with proper tools. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The round wood dowels shall have diameters from 1/2 in. (12.5 mm) to 2 in. (51 mm). Diameters shall not be more than 2% oversize, nor less than 1% undersize, and shall not vary, along a wood dowel length (other than deliberate chamfer) more than 1%. Wood dowels shall be fabricated to ensure that the wood fibers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the dowel. They shall be fabricated from any species of wood that has an oven dry specific gravity of at least 0.57; from wood that has been air-dried or kiln-dried to approximately constant weight before fabrication; and from clear, straight-grained timber free from any form of decay. Furthermore, wood dowels shall be protected with a treatment of paraffin wax, or similar sealing substance capable of inhibiting the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The referencing of this specification in design, construction, and purchase order documents is intended to provide some assurance that the round wood dowels to be used in an assembly meet minimum materials-quality standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure connection performance. This specification provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the acceptability of round wood dowels encountered in the field and in fabricators’ shops. 1.2 This specification only addresses the standardization and manufacture of round wood dowels. Other types of wood dowels, such as sawn or cleaved pegs, are outside the scope of this specification. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the use of this specification. The products manufactured to this specification should not be brittle or difficult to install with proper tools. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D8023-23 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 79.080 - Semi-manufactures of timber. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D8023-23 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E176-24, ASTM E176-18a, ASTM E176-18, ASTM E176-15a, ASTM E176-15ae1, ASTM E176-15, ASTM E176-14c, ASTM E176-14b, ASTM E176-14a, ASTM E176-14, ASTM D2395-14, ASTM D2395-14e1, ASTM E176-13, ASTM E176-12b, ASTM E176-12a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D8023-23 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8023 − 23
Standard Specification for
Round Wood Dowels (Pegs) for Use in Wood Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8023; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D9 Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Prod-
ucts
1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions
D2395 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs)
tive Density) of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
used in the fabrication of connections in wood construction.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
The referencing of this specification in design, construction,
2.2 Other Standards:
and purchase order documents is intended to provide some
NDS National Design Specification for Wood Construction
assurance that the round wood dowels to be used in an
assembly meet minimum materials-quality standards and that
3. Terminology
dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure
connection performance. This specification provides regulatory
3.1 Definitions—Definitions used in this practice are in
agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the accordance with Terminology D9 and Terminology E176,
acceptability of round wood dowels encountered in the field
unless otherwise indicated.
and in fabricators’ shops.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 This specification only addresses the standardization 3.2.1 round wood dowel—cylindrical turned wood dowel.
and manufacture of round wood dowels. Other types of wood
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Wood dowels may be chamfered (or
dowels, such as sawn or cleaved pegs, are outside the scope of
rounded) at either or both ends, to facilitate installation and
this specification.
give a more finished appearance when left protruding from the
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
connected timber member surfaces.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.2.2 wood dowel (peg)—cylindrical, turned, sawn, or
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
cleaved load-transfer device, intended to transfer shear across
and are not considered standard.
planes between wood structural members that have been drilled
with holes to accept the wood dowels (pegs).
1.4 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the
use of this specification. The products manufactured to this
4. Classification
specification should not be brittle or difficult to install with
proper tools.
4.1 This specification covers round wood dowels in diam-
eters from ⁄2 in. (12.5 mm) to 2 in. (51 mm). The use of these
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
wood dowels is covered in wood design standards.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Materials and Manufacture
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 5.1 General:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.1 Wood dowels shall be fabricated to ensure that the
wood fibers are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the dowel.
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.2 Wood dowels shall be fabricated from any species of
2.1 ASTM Standards: wood that has an oven dry specific gravity of at least 0.57,
determined in accordance with Test Method D2395. Wood
dowels provided under a species designation shall be fabricated
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood
from material that has a minimum oven dry specific gravity of
and is the direct res
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D8023 − 17 D8023 − 23
Standard Specification for
Round Wood Dowels (Pegs) for Use in Wood Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8023; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers standardizing the dimensions and materials for the manufacture of round wood dowels (pegs) used
in the fabrication of connections in wood construction. The referencing of this specification in design, construction, and purchase
order documents is intended to provide some assurance that the round wood dowels to be used in an assembly meet minimum
materials quality materials-quality standards and that dimensions for fabrication and finish can be relied on to ensure connection
performance. This specification provides regulatory agencies with a set of standards by which to judge the acceptability of round
wood dowels encountered in the field and in fabricators’ shops.
1.2 This specification only addresses the standardization and manufacture of round wood dowels. Other types of wood dowels,
such as sawn or cleaved pegs, are outside the scope of this specification.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 Safety Hazards—There are no known hazards with the use of this specification. The products manufactured to this specification
should not be brittle or difficult to install with proper tools.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D9 Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
D2395 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
2.2 Other Standards:
NDS National Design Specification for Wood Construction
This test method specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.05 on Wood Assemblies.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017Feb. 1, 2023. Published October 2017February 2023. Originally approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as
D8023 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D8023-17.10.1520/D8023-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from the American Wood Council, 222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 201, Leesburg, VA 20175.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8023 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions used in this practice are in accordance with Terminology D9 and Terminology E176, unless otherwise
indicated.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 round wood dowel—a cylindrical turned wood dowel.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Wood dowels may be chamfered (or rounded) at either or both ends, to facilitate installation and give a more finished appearance
when left protruding from the connected timber member surfaces.
3.2.2 wood dowel (peg)—A cylindrical, turned, sawn,
...
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