Pocket Hole Jig

W hen you are tired to see visible screws all around the house, what do you do? You search for a solution, right? Then you have come to the right place because we have a solution for that problem. Thanks to these jigs, you can now have the perfect front face joints, for which you can thank us later. Additionally, there are other purposes for which you can use these tools as you will soon learn.

Top 9 Pocket Hole Jigs Compared

Photo	Product Name	Holes Diameter	Material Thickness	Body Material	Drill Spacing	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Porter-Cable 560	3/8”	1/2” to 1-1/2”	Metal	Automatic adjustable	3 years	Check Price
Our Choice	2. Kreg K4	3/8”	1/2” to 1-1/2”	Glass-filled nylon	9/16”, 7/8”, 1-7/16”	Lifetime	Check Price
Best for Beginners	3. Kreg K5	3/8”	1/2” to 1-1/2”	Hardened steel	9/16”, 7/8”, 1-7/16”	Lifetime	Check Price
	4. Kreg K4MS	N/A	1/2” to 1-1/2”	Glass filled nylon	9/16”, 7/8”, 1-7/16”	Lifetime	Check Price
	5. Drill Master Portable Kit	3/8”	Various material thickness	Anodized aluminum	N/A	Lifetime	Check Price
	6. Wolfcraft 4643404	3/8″	1/2”, 3/4”, 1-1/2”	Glass-filled nylon	N/A	Limited Lifetime	Check Price
Best Budget-friendly	7. Milescraft 1323	3/8”	1/2”, 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/2”	Reinforced nylon	1”	3 years	Check Price
	8. General Tools 850 Heavy Duty	3/8”	1 ½”	Metal	0.75”	1 year	Check Price
	9. Massca Twin Jig Set	3/8”	1/2” to 1 ½”	Aluminum and plastic	7/8”	30-day satisfaction guarantee	Check Price

1. Porter-Cable 560

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It measures 8.8 inches in height, 16 inches in length and 10 inches in width, and it is made entirely from aluminum, thus it is strong and time resistant. It is a bench-top tool, so it requires to be installed on a tabletop, and it provides you extensive variety, as you can safely employ it for frames or furniture adjustments. Despite its intimidating use, it’s easy and simple to use. It features an adjustable wood clamp, which permits several types of thicknesses, as it adjusts with a simple turn of a knob. It even incorporates a locking system that will maintain the set thickness if you need to do repeatable drills.

Modifiable Drills

You won’t have to adapt the bit for every wood piece you’re going to use. This unit provides you with a one-time-only fix, as the collar requires to be adjusted only once. It features an automatic depth gauge, which adjusts itself according to the wood portion you’re using. For even more versatility, the dial placed on top permits you to select how far apart from one another you wish the holes to be. Therefore you can move them further apart or closer together according to your preferences and work.

Additional Features

It includes a side chart which eliminates the guesswork you’d otherwise have to do when selecting the screws. The chart will tell you what kind of screws you have to use, when you set the gauge for the wood planks. Moreover, it has a stop, which enables repeated cuts at the same distance every time. It can also be removed, by using 2 Philips screwdrivers, for whenever you need it at a further distance. If you need more support for the board, the base measures 1 1⁄2”, thus you can add two 2×4 boards on both sides of the unit. Therefore, you’ll be able to work with longer wooden boards without any problem.

It offers a rear dust collector, which once equipped to a shop vac, will keep your workshop clean. It is conveniently placed at the back of the tool, so it won’t get in your way as you work. Additionally, it comes with 2 drive bits, a drill bit, a clamp, a dust collector, a hex wrench, a collar and 3 packs of starter screws, thus it can be used right away. Furthermore, it is backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee, a one-year free service contract along with a three-year limited warranty.

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2. Kreg K4

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Ideal not only for DIY lovers but also beginner-friendly, Kreg K4 provides an easy-to-use design and a hassle-free setup. It can be utilized with a large range of materials, ranging from 1⁄2” up to 1 1⁄2” and 1/8”, while thanks to its steel-core, you won’t need to worry about its durability. It has a minimum bit deflection, which in turn diminishes tear-outs and supports a clean drill.

It includes 3 drilling guide holes, thus providing versatility in crafting, and the drilling guide is detachable, for increased portability. If features an integrated clamp, to help secure the wood boards you’re going to utilize, and it incorporates all the necessary accessories for an out-of-the-box utilization. Therefore, it provides you with a drilling bit and a drive bit, a clamp, a collar, as well as a dust collector. It is warranted for a lifetime, beginning from the moment you acquire it.

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3. Kreg K5

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Don’t let its simple concept fool you, as it provides you with quality work, which is beginner-friendly as well. It features facile thickness adjustments, thanks to its ratcheting clamp. Just slide the wood piece into position, adapt the clamp, and push down the lever to lock everything in place. Thus, not only will your board stay secure, but you can use the same settings repeatedly for the next pieces, as well.

To help prevent the materials from moving, it incorporates a pin that prevents the wood board from moving as you drill. It offers guiding-holes, which permit you to set the drill from 1⁄2” up to 1 1⁄2”, and it provides drill-guide spacing from 9/16” up to 1 7/16”. It features a separable dust port that moves sideways for accurate positioning according to your needs. You can attach it to a shop vac, keeping working bench clean from debris.

It incorporates a sizing chart, which will eliminate the guesswork, as it provides you with exact measurements regarding what type of screw length you need depending on the material you’re using. Even more, it comes with 2 support wings, which can be linked on both sides if you need additional support when using long wood boards. The wings can store your items, including different types of screws and bits, keeping all the accessories tidy, in one place. It features a lifetime warranty from the moment of your purchase

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4. Kreg K4MS

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Due to its design, which sports a rear-placed clamp, resistance and durability are guaranteed. Owing to this, several adjustments are possible, like swiveling it until the correct setting is reached, or quickly releasing the locknut, without physically draining you. Besides its clamp concept, the Porter-Cable 560 incorporates a 3-hole drilling guide that permits you to drill in a generous range of materials, starting with those that go from 1/2” to 1-1/2” in 1/8” increments. It is detachable, for increased convenience.

Furthermore, every model encompasses a durable, steel core, which doesn’t only cover the bit, but it also supports the board through its drill-stroke. This way it will reduce the drifts, and tear-outs, allowing a clean result. Additionally, it features a dust-collecting mechanism that gathers all wood chips in one place, preserving the workbench clutter-free. The entire jig is backed by a lifetime warranty, which starts from the moment of your purchase

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5. Drill Master Portable Kit

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It is made from anodized aluminum, which provides you with durability and a lengthy use, as well as corrosion and rust-free unit. Portable and hassle-free to utilize, it measures 3 1⁄2 inches in width, 5 inches in height and 9 7/16 inches in length. It weighs only 4.45 pounds, thus it is lightweight, and it has an ‘L’ shaped base, which increases its stability during use. It incorporates 2 sets of durable steel-crafted drill-guides, and, according to what type of wood you’re using, you can choose how deep the holes are going to be.

The drill guides closer to you can be used with thick materials, ranging from 1 1⁄4” up to 1 1⁄2”, while the second layer, closer to the wood, can be utilized with thinner materials, ranging from 1⁄2”, to 3⁄4” up to 1”. It features a variable center distance, so you can select how far from one another you wish the holes to be.

Additionally, it features a fixed toggle clamp, which, once you’ve placed your wood board it can adjust to the wood’s thickness. Thus, you can easily use it for a large number of materials, according to your project. When you receive the package, you will notice it incorporates several accessories like drill guide blocks, depth collar, together with 100 screws and 2 hex wrenches. Thanks to its accessories, you can utilize it straight away.

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6. Wolfcraft 4643404

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It offers a compact, facile-to-use construction, and it is crafted of nylon 6.6, combined with 30% fiberglass content, for increased durability. It reduces bit deflection as well as possible tear-outs thanks to the full-body steel guide holes, which cover the entire drill surface.

It comes with a built-in measuring guide, which allows you to use a large variety of materials, ranging from 1⁄2”, to 3⁄4”, 1” and 1 1⁄2”. It features a reversible head, which allows you to easily fix any, already mounted, piece of furniture, without requiring you to dismember it. While it doesn’t come with its clamp, it has a gripping surface so whenever you need to clamp it down, it won’t move, maintaining a stable and secure position.

The kit incorporates all the necessary accessories for you to start working on your project right away. It features the jig, two square drive screwdriver bits, 3/8-step drill, a hex wrench, a 3/8” stop collar, several types of screws and hole plugs. Everything is stored neatly into the carrying case, thus you can take it with you and have an organized way to keep all the accessories.

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7. Milescraft 1323

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With the Milescraft 1323, you are bound to finish projects fast, as it links workpieces quick. It can be employed for repairs, T-joins, miter and corner joints, as well as framing joints, due to the flip-fence. Regardless if you are accustomed to the metric or the imperial system, you won’t have issues utilizing it, as it features an inner-built scales of both measurement types. There are 3 thickness settings assure its versatility, permitting you to pick from 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1-1/2”. The readout arrowhead aids you in picking the pre-selected depth settings you need, whereas the hardened steel-crafted drilling bushings guarantee precision when you do pocket holes.

Its stop-collar lets you customize the depth as you, like quick and easy, and it is placed on the underside of the tool to never bother you. It comes with a clamping magnet, to properly secure it when utilizing it. It even comes with a plastic storage carry case that features special compartments for each kit component. Furthermore, a 3-year warranty backing is provided against defects by the manufacturer.

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8. General Tools 850 Heavy Duty

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This kit incorporates everything you might need to start using it right from the get-go. So, it comes with a clamp, to secure the jig on the wooden piece, a 3/8” drill bit, with steps, as well as a 6-inch square drive bit. The set also provides you with square drive tapping screws, and wooden pocket plugs; all kept together in a hard molded carrying case.

Ideal when you wish to connect legs and rails, construct cabinets or fasten frame miters, the jig can be used with wood pieces that go up to 1 1⁄2” in thickness. While it can hold a 2 by 4 wood piece, as well, it is recommended to stick with 3⁄4 materials, as they provide the optimum thickness. The drill comes with 3 step stops, at 1⁄4”, 5 1/16” and 3/8” to provide you with more versatility in your projects, while the 2 drill guide openings are 0.75” apart from one another.

The jig is made from steel, so it is also time resistant and durable, but also easy to use, regardless if you’re a beginner in the field or a professional. It measures 2.38” in length, 9.25” in width and 9.50” in height, thus it is compact and easy to carry around. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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9. Massca Twin Jig Set

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It is made from a mixture of aluminum and plastic, thus it is sturdy and time resistant. It measures 5 inches in length, 2 inches in width and 1 inch in height, so you can easily take it with you wherever you need. It provides you with a simple operation, as it features a magnetic base system, which allows you to easily adjust it according to your needs.

It features a one-in-all design, as it comes with an inbuilt thickness gauge, as well as a drill bit gauge. This way you won’t need other additional accessories to set the drill for the wood piece you’re using. It can be used with wood boards ranging from 1⁄2” up to 1 1⁄2” in thickness, thus providing you with increased versatility.

While it doesn’t come with a clamp, it does come with a clamping magnet, so you won’t have a hard time keeping it in place. Even more, it comes with a stop collar, as well as a hex wrench, for quick, out-of-the-box operation

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Signs that Show You Must Change the Drill Bit

After it has proved its utility for your project, the pocket hole jig requires a drill change or, if you’d rather keep the drill, a sharpening is in order. Nevertheless, it’s not necessary to repeat the procedure every single time you’ve used the drill. So, how do you know it is time to replace it? Here are the signs that show it’s time to change it:

• Its sharp days are gone

  By using it constantly for different projects, the drill will start to lose its sharp edges and hence not to go through wood with the same ease as before. To test sharpness, you can drag the drill on the surface of a balloon, and if it pops, it is sharp, if not, you need to replace it.

• Look for clean edges

  When drilling a hole, the edges should be clean and crisp. If you notice the lines are a bit fuzzy or jagged, and the hole itself looks chiseled, drill replacement is required.
  Sharpen rather than replace

• Sharpen rather than replace

  Did you know they can be sharpened? Well, yes. You can save money if you simply sharpen the drill instead of replacing it completely. How can you do this? A lot of manufacturers offer sharpening services, and we recommend you get into contact with the manufacturer to benefit from this perk.

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How To Use It

Woodworking is not only fun, but it also provides you with satisfaction when your project is done and ready to use. There are several techniques you can employ to craft your project, but one of the main elements is how you link all parts together. For woodworking beginners, or for those that have never used wood in their works before, using a pocket hole jig might be a completely foreign concept. However, it is not only easy to use, but it provides you with strong and sturdy woodworks.

There are three main steps you’ll have to consider before you venture into building the next woodwork: what does a pocket hole jig do, what types of screw you’ll need, and how to use it.

How Does It Work?

Wood boards come with three different sides: the face grain, the end grain, and the edge grain

When you join two boards through the end grain, the result might look nice, but it won’t hold for too long. The fibers might spread out in time, so there will be nothing left to support the screw. Therefore, when you combine two wood pieces, it is recommended not to use the end grain, but rather the edge or face grain, for more holding power. To do so, you’ll have to angle a screw, so it will pass through both wood pieces

Wood Screws and Drill

In order to successfully link the wood boards, you’ll have to use the drill that, most often, is incorporated in the jig set. It is a bit different than a normal drill, as the tip tends to be narrower while the base is wider.

Depending on what kinds of screws you utilize, they can be grouped in two classes:

• Fine threaded – they are usually used for hardwoods, like oak, mahogany, and walnut – just to name a few
• Coarse threaded – they are usually employed for other types of lumber, and plywood

The packages in which the screw come usually have a chart placed on them, to help you choose the length, and type you need, depending on what type of wood you’re going to use for your project. Additionally, it is recommended for the screw to go as deep as possible into the board, without pocking the other side.

Using the Jig

Every type of jig offers an adjustable lumber scale, which permits you to set it according to the wood piece you’re using. The scale usually comes with positive stops, for increased convenience.

Depending on the jig, it might come with plenty of guiding holes. This will come in handy when you want to space the holes along the board, according to what type of item you’re crafting. The drill has a collar – you can loosen it or tighten it by using a hex wrench. Place the drill bit in the guiding hole, and adjust the depth, and once it reached you’re required setting, tighten it up.

The jig might, or might not come, with a clamp. It is important to use one, for increased precision, so if it doesn’t come with an integrated one, you should consider investing in one. Although it one is already included, lock the wood board with it, and use your drill at the highest speed, until the collar stops it.

Repeat the procedure until all the pieces have been linked together. Once all of them have holes, clamp them together, and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws. Make sure to use the right type of clamp, as it will differ according to what angle you plan on using to join the wood pieces. Additionally, don’t forget to angle the screw towards the mainboard part and not towards its end, for more stability.

All in all, if used correctly, it can offer you a more stable finished product. If you’re worried about the left holes, there are plenty of ways to cover them up, and once you paint over them, there won’t be a trace left.

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Verdict

A handy person’s tool bag is never complete without a pocket hole jig, especially when woodworking projects are the main challenge. Ultimately, the model you pick must help you accomplish not only projects that you have the skill level for today, but future advanced projects when your woodworking skills improve as well. We hope that our guide makes your task to find the right tool easier as all the products presented and reviewed have been carefully selected to cater to the needs of both hobbyists and professionals. Furthermore, attention to detail was given to the flaws and highlights of each jig to ensure you are aware of the product’s strong points and weaknesses beforehand to eliminate any unpleasant surprises.

Best Overall : Porter-Cable 560
Strong, durable and powerful, providing you with versatility in crafting your dream woodworking project, Porter-Cable 560 is a great choice regardless if you’re a pro in the field or if you’re just starting. Heavy duty, it comes with an adjustable wood clamp, so not only can you work with several wood thicknesses, but you can do so repetitively, as it will maintain your settings. No need to readjust the drill bit and stop collar every time, as it features an automatic depth gauge, which will adapt itself to your needs.

Our Choice : Kreg K4
Suitable for beginners and professionals alike, Kreg’s K4 jig offers large clamping recess as well as an optimized drilling angle. It can be used wit several types of materials, and it comes with a hardened steel core so it will provide you with increased durability and time resistance. The clamp it comes with will make drilling a lot easier, while other accessories are also included to provide you with an out-of-the-box, right away, use.

Best Pocket Hole Jig for Beginners : Kreg K5
Kreg K5 is easy to use, incontestably accurate, and durable enough to ensure years of use without any issues arising. It lets you concentrate on your work, and caters to any professional or hobbyist’s needs as it handles board thickness of up to 1-1/2”. Even more, it comes with support wings that act as storage spaces, as well, so you can keep all your accessories in one place.

Best Budget-friendly Jig : Milescraft 1323
Perfect for all pockets, this jig is the perfect balance between price and quality. Perfect for creating ‘T’-joints, miter joints or corner joints, it comes with a clamping magnet that will secure it in place, providing safe and hassle-free operation. It features different thickness settings, so you’ll be able to use it with different types of wood pieces, while the plastic storage case it comes with will keep all your accessories in one place for hassle-free transportation.