Professionals and DIYers alike prefer Kreg Pocket Hole machinery for woodworking joinery. With nothing more than a Kreg Jig, some Kreg Screws, and a drill, you can discover how to use a pocket hole jig to craft flawless joints that will hold together for years to come. Combine the pocket hole jig with Kreg drill bits and the Kreg Accu-Cut extension for maximum efficiency.
Which Kreg Jig do I need?
Kreg has a full line of pocket hole joinery solutions, from the tiny Kreg Jig Mini to the impressive industrial-grade 5-Spindle Pneumatic Pocket Hole Machine. If you’re searching for the right jig for your woodworking project, here are the top options worth looking at:
| It may be small, but it’s versatile, compact, and can set its own solid-wood plugs. The mini also has no positioning fence (unlike other Kreg Jigs), so you can make precise adjustments to the angle and stock depth. |  |
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| The R3 is handy for household projects and repairs. Use it for repairing broken furniture, drawers, or bookshelves. The easy-to-adjust depth slider sets quickly to your material thickness, whether it’s a 2x4 or a thin drawer panel. |  |
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| The 3-hole drill guide and clamp make a world of difference in this L-shaped jig. Use the fast toggle clamp to attach the jig securely to your workpiece for quick drilling. |  |
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| An upscale K4’s L-shaped design, the large support wings on this model hold the workpiece steady and conceal convenient storage compartments. You can also remove the guide block for portable use. |  |
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| The heavy-duty strength you need for high volume work with large stock and big projects. Excellent for framing walls, building deck railings, and crafting outdoor furniture. Works as a standalone jig, but it can also connect directly to your K3, K4, or K5! |  |
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| A total Kreg pocket hole machine. Create standard, micro, and HD-sized pocket joints on a large table with generous workspace, a built-in storage tray for accessories, and double the drilling speed from a 2,800 RPM motor. |  |
Get the Most Out of Your Kreg Drill Bit
Kreg’s stepped drill bit is peak innovation at work. Make sure to match the “step” (the point where the drill bit transitions to a much thinner-gauged tip) to your material thickness—not the tip. The thin tip of a stepped bit drills a pilot hole for the screw, while the thicker portion creates the pocket in which the screw will hide.
A sharp drill bit is also essential to a cleanly drilled pocket hole with no tear-out or rough, visible finishes. Over time, drilling with the bit may become harder, or the bit will get extremely hot when in use. These are signs that it’s time to get it professionally re-sharpened or replaced for peak performance.
Place Your Kreg Pocket Holes Wisely
If you’re using a model with Kreg’s 3-hole design, space your pocket holes according to the width of the material.
- 1” to 2” wide material: Use B and C holes (very close)
- 2” to 3” wide material: Use A and B holes (mid-range separation)
- 3” to 4” wide material: Use A and C holes (the farthest apart)
For large wood panels, place the first pocket hole about 2” from the edge or end, then space new holes every 6” after that. You can use any of the drill guide’s holes for these.
