What do dowels primarily serve as in woodworking?

Dowels primarily serve as round wooden pins that fit tightly into holes in wooden boards, providing alignment and strength to joints in woodworking projects. They are commonly used to reinforce joints, ensuring that two pieces of wood come together securely and maintain their alignment during assembly. When properly inserted into corresponding holes in the connecting boards, dowels create a strong bond that can resist shear forces, making them a popular choice for furniture construction, cabinetry, and various woodworking applications.

This functionality differentiates dowels from the other options. For instance, flat inserts, connecting elements, and support beams do not possess the specific attributes of dowels, which are characterized by their cylindrical shape and the role they play in enhancing joint stability. Thus, recognizing dowels as integral components in woodworking for the purpose of joint reinforcement highlights their unique role in the craft.