dowel

thumb|Wooden dowel pins

The dowel is a cylindrical shape made of wood, plastic, or metal. In its original manufactured form, a dowel is long and called a dowel rod, which are often cut into shorter dowel pins. Dowels are commonly used as structural reinforcements in cabinet making and in numerous other applications, including: Furniture shelf supports Moveable game pieces (i.e. pegs) Hangers for items such as clothing, key rings, and tools Wheel axles in toys Detents in gymnastics grips Supports for tiered wedding cakes