I have used two different kinds of plugs with bolts thru them. The metal kind, I think it was brass or copper, had to be of the same size as the original as the bolt only squeezed two plates together to make it expand and seal.
The other was rubber with a bolt thru it, a large washer on either side and a nut on the back, (no comments, please), Tightening the bolt squashed the rubber together to make it get fat and seal. It worked for about a week and then ejected itself and dumped all the coolant in the street.
I won't try that again, its only for emergencies to get you home as far as I am concerned.