A dowelling fastener 200 has a head end and an insertion end and a cylindrical dowelling portion 201. The fastener is provided with a plunger 201 at the insertion end for clearing material from a hole as the fastener 200 is inserted into the hole. The plunger 204 may be rigid and has a circular cross section with a diameter substantially the same as the dowelling portion 201 of the fastener, the plunger thereby being a close fit with the hole.