The Most Indispensable Woodworking Tools: Pocket Hole Jigs

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What you’ll need:
Finishing

How to Choose a Pocket Hole Jig

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Durability

Accessories

Care

Most pocket hole jig kits will include four key items:
Want to give it a try? See our full tutorial and get your tools in order!

Angle Adjustability

If you spend the money to buy a pocket hole jig, you’ll want to make sure it’s built to last. Two key aspects of a jig’s durability are its construction materials and its overall design. Many jigs are constructed of plastic, nylon 66, aluminum, and other types of metal; the most important thing here is to ensure the materials are of high quality. As for design, reading user reviews can give you a good idea of how well the unit functions and how well it’s put together for the intended tasks.

Tips for Using Your New Pocket Hole Jig

Cons:

• Be familiar with the different parts.

This jig may be on the pricier side, but you’ll soon see why. The real selling point here is its construction: it features a build of glass-reinforced nylon and hardened steel, two choice materials in this type of tool. You can rest assured that this product will last from one project to the next, never faltering or letting you down when you need it most. You’ll also enjoy using its many different settings and its range of accessories, and you’ll love how clean it makes the pocket holes! If you’re a professional woodworker or hardcore DIYer, the Kreg R3 is a must-have tool.

Best For: Straightforward setup and application with user-friendly features – MulWark Premium Pocket Hole Jig System Kit
Without a pocket hole jig, your other options include: making the pocket hole manually (which is difficult if you’re inexperienced), using more advanced techniques (which will add time to your project), or using a different joining method entirely (which may result in a weaker hold).
Pocket holes are a sturdy, reliable way to join wood pieces. That said, using wood glue in addition to the pocket hole screws is a great way to give the end result an even stronger bond.
Yes, you can. If you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t see the need to purchase a dedicated pocket hole jig, you can make one yourself. Using basic materials you have on hand (such as wood, MDF, a sander, etc.), you can craft a pocket hole jig for long-term or one-time use.

• Understand the basic process.

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1. Measure the wood piece’s thickness and set the depth collar and drill guide accordingly.
2. Clamp the jig onto the wood piece to keep it well-aligned and in place.
3. Use the drill bit in conjunction with the collar and drill guide to make the hole.
4. Drive the pocket hole screws into the hole you just made, once you’re ready to attach the wood pieces.

• Use wood glue, too.

This jig from General Tools is perfect for newbies who want a quality set that won’t break the bank.

• Keep pocket hole plugs on hand.

A pocket hole jig is a simple device that guides your drill bit so that you can form more precise pocket holes. The jig is particularly useful in keeping the drill bit at just the right angle (typically around 15 degrees) to ensure maximum strength and security. This is crucial in successfully joining two pieces of wood near the corners, as a single piece of wood has different types of grain that traditional drills cannot handle with the same aptitude as a pocket hole jig.

Types of Jigs

If you’ve never used a pocket hole jig before, the process can seem intimidating. But with a few useful tips and hints up your sleeve, you’ll be using your new jig like nobody’s business.
Pros:

Drill Jigs

There are several detailed steps involved in the creation of this desk, so I’ll just briefly go over what to expect here.

Dowel Jigs

Miter Jigs

Pros:

Dovetail Jigs

Cons:

Tapering Jigs

Staircase Jigs

Some jigs come with a dust collection unit, an essential feature for easy cleanup and product longevity. Aside from this, you should also make sure the materials are easy to clean and that the design allows for cleaning in crevices or hard-to-reach spots. If any are included, also read up on the directions and recommended use to ensure you treat the jig well.

Use It or Lose It: Some Fun DIY Projects

Dowels are those odd-looking pegs you sometimes see used in furniture construction. A dowel jig is specially designed to create holes in the wood for these dowels.

Desk with Shelf and Hairpin Legs

The Clamp. This is used to clamp the jig onto the wood piece you’re drilling.
A drill jig is any type of jig that acts as a guide for a drill (like pocket hole jigs!).
There are three parts to this project: crafting the shelf frames, installing them, and finishing the shelves.

• Four 28” hairpin legs
• ¾” project panel (20” wide by 8’ long), cut into two 4’ lengths
• 1×8 lumber, cut into one 4’ length and four 8” lengths
• 1×3 lumber, cut into two 3’ lengths (optional, for cord concealer)
• 1” or 1-1/4” wood screws
• 1-1/4” pocket screws
• Kreg jig, right-angle clamp
• Wood glue, clamps, wood filler, fine (220-grit) sandpaper
• Pocket hole plugs
• Finish of your choice (e.g., paint, stain, polycrylic, etc.)

There are three parts to this project: crafting the shelf frames, installing them, and finishing the shelves.

• Two (2) 1×10 boards cut 28” long
• Two (2) 1/4″ plywood boards cut to size (28”x9-1/4”)
• Two (2) 2×3 boards cut 28” long
• Six (6) 2×3 boards cut 7-3/4” long
• Two (2) 1×4 boards cut 29-1/2” long
• Four (4) 1×4 boards cut 9-1/4” long
• Twelve (12) 2-1/2” screws
• Eight (8) 3-1/2” screws
• Brad nails, wood glue, level
• Kreg jig, power drill, brad nailer, clamps
• Whatever you want for finishing (e.g., sandpaper, stain, paint, etc.)

There are three parts to this project: crafting the shelf frames, installing them, and finishing the shelves.

• Two (2) 1×8 boards, cut to 18” long
• White paint (spray paint or brush-able)
• Wood stain (use whatever you have on hand; example shows Dark Walnut)
• Graphite transfer paper
• “Gobble” printed out in a large size in the font you prefer
• Three fall-ish colors of acrylic paint
• Slim-tip paintbrush
• Sandpaper
• Kreg jig + three 1-1/4” Kreg screws
• Painter’s tape

The Depth Collar. This is used to adjust the depth of the hole you’ll drill.

1. On one of the boards, create three or four pocket holes on the long edge.
2. Paint each board along the front and sides. If desired, apply a second coat. Let dry.
3. Sand the face and sides of each board.
4. Rub wood stain into both pieces of wood using a cloth. Now wipe the stain off with another cloth, which will give the boards a dirty, rustic appearance.
5. Align the two boards and attach them via the pocket holes.
6. Use a template to trace the words “Gobble Gobble” (or any words of your choosing) onto the wood. Then carefully paint them, using two coats. Let dry.

Pergola Rafters Without Brackets

Before trying to use a pocket hole jig, you should familiarize yourself with the five basic parts:
The jig is up! You need to start using the proper tools for your wood joining before something goes terribly wrong (and believe me, it will). One of the best tools you can own as woodworker or DIYer is a pocket hole jig. This type of jig allows you to make precise pocket holes, which are known for their strength and reliability in holding wood pieces together in otherwise awkward or unsuitable positions.
Experience is the only way to perfect your pocket hole drilling technique, but you’ll get along just fine as long as you understand the basic process. Here are the (very simplified) steps to remember:

DIY Colorful Wooden Dresser

The Premium Pocket Hole Jig System Kit from MulWark has a lot to be excited about: a crazy number of settings for depth, thickness, and jig positions; one of the highest-quality constructions you’ll find in a tool of its category, with steel and nylon; and a range of accessories, including pocket hole plugs. This set is ideal for both first-timers looking to get into the game and those who have been woodworking all their lives. And all of this is wrapped up in an impressive lifetime warranty. What are you waiting for?
Cons:
Crafting

The Best Pocket Hole Jigs

1. Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320

What you’ll need:
Yes! Pocket holes are one of the strongest joining methods you could use. The unique angling and depth of the pocket hole is ideal for drilling through the different types of wood grain and does a fantastic job of keeping the screw in place.

Conclusion

Are you curious what sort of DIY wonderland you can expect once you have your new pocket hole jig in tow? Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing!