All that matters is that it remains in place. This no doubt was also what was going through a British builder's mind when he stuffed cloths soaked in pig's blood into a hole in the wall of the British Museum in 1919 to hold a screw in place. The Fischer dowel plug developed by Artur Fischer in the 1950s is a much more hygienic and longer-lasting option. In 1956, Fischer's former teacher asked his pupil to make a special type of plug. Fischer, however, went one better, and invented the expanding wall plug. Manufactured from weather-proof nylon, the small plug had everything needed to ensure a firm grip. The lack of stopper means it is suitable for any depth of hole. When a screw is inserted, it expands, and its trademark "tails" prevent the fixing element from turning when the screw is screwed in. A stroke of genius which does exactly what it promises.
Significance: the basic principle of the dowel is still just as valid today. Every day, the Fischer company produces over ten million dowel plugs. With its intelligent fixing systems, Fischer is currently the world market leader in dowel technology.
Invented by: Artur Fischer
In: 1958
Special Information: Artur Fischer's inventions also include the fischertechnik construction kit system and the synchronized flashgun. His latest achievement is a biodegradable child's toy made of potato starch.
Dowel
