5 Things Every Beginner Needs To Know About Pocket Hole Joinery

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#1 Choosing The Right Jig

Watch review videos to see which one matches your needs.

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Kreg 720Pro

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Massca Aluminum Pocket Hole Jig System Set -M1 – Adjustable & Easy to Use Joinery Woodworking Tool w/Drill Bit, Hex Key Screws, Square Driver & Stop Collar

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Link to Massca M2 PRO Aluminum Pocket Hole Jig System


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Massca Twin Jig is a great budget friendly starter jig but you will need a clamp to help hold it into place.

Massca Twin Pocket Hole Jig Set – Adjustable & Easy to Use Joinery Woodworking Tool w/Drill Bit, Hex Key & Stop Collar

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#2 Setup

You have to set up your jig properly to get the best results.

  • It’s best to pick up extra bits because the end tip of the bit can break off easily.

You just need to be able to clamp your workpiece in place firmly to set up your jig.


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#3 How To Drill

Let the drill do the work. Don’t force it down In there let the drill bit cut the wood. If you force it you will start to see tear out around the hole and if you drill with the grain you should see cleaner holes. You can always take some sandpaper and clean up your hole if needed.

You want to drill from the end grain into the edge grain for the strongest joint.

On 90 degree joints you want to drill from the outside into the board giving the screw more wood to grab instead of the opposite way toward the edge of the board.

You want to remember to avoid stripping your screw by using too much power with your drill.

#4 Screw Sizes/Types

Don’t use super cheap screws. They are more likely to break on you while screwing them into your project.

Screw Size:

  • 1 ¼ Inch screws for ¾ plywood
  • 2 ½ Inch screws for 2 X 4

Blue screws have a special coating on them for outdoor projects. They won’t rust.

Fine thread screws should be used on Hardwoods like maple, walnut, etc.

Coarse thread screws should be used on Softwoods like plywood, spruce, pine. Etc.

#5 Accessories

These most of the time are clamps. Face clamps are going to be used most commonly when attaching pieces together with the screws.

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Face Clamp

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Right Angle Clamp will help you screw 90 degree joints on your work pieces. You can clamp in one pocket hole to keep the boards together while you screw in the 2nd hole.

Right Angle Clamp

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Massca Mounting Board

Dewalt Tool Organizer Box

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Top 13 Pocket Hole Tips and Tricks

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