Abstract: An apparatus for blocking a hole, especially for blocking a passageway within a mold. The apparatus includes one or more tapered members received within recesses of an expandable sleeve. As the one or more tapered members are drawn within the sleeve by a fastener, the outer diameter of the sleeve expands so as to substantially block the hole. The apparatus also includes a surface with threads that are the opposite hand of the threads of the fastener. This second set of opposite hand threads permit holding and placing the apparatus within a location of the hole, and also for reacting the torque applied by a second tool used to tighten the fastener.