Pocket hole Jig

[Kevin54]

Who had a brand other than Kreg? I'd like to get one for use periodically but really don't want to shell out the change for a Kreg. I've looked online and see that Sears sell an aluminum one for something like $39. Home Depot has what looks to be the same thing for around $27. Does anyone have one other than a Kreg and how well do you like it? And for those that has a Kreg.....what advantages is there of the different inserts? Are they for thinner wood?

 

[Stuey]

Well, I have seen similar jigs in the past, but I'm having trouble finding any on Rockler or Woodcraft.

Kreg dominates the market. I have the $40 R3 (or similar replacement model) version, and it's decent. You can also give the mini kit a try for $20, but the $40 offers much more utility.

What different inserts are you referring to? There's a depth gauge on most of the jigs that allow you to adjust for different thickness wood, and the collar on the drill bit is adjusted for the same reason. Basically the jig controls hole placement, and the bit collar controls drilling depth.

Home Depot has a General Tools pocket hole jig listed on their site for $30. Honestly, I'd spring for the extra $10 and get the Kreg. The Kreg offers many more expandability options, and should be better constructed.

 

[hammlm]

I have the General Tools, and also some other chinese version that I found in my Dad's stuff when I was cleaning out his shop.

I've used the Kreg, no comparison -- much better than my General Tools version. However, this is one of those areas when I ask "what is much better worth".

I've used the GT version on a number of projects (mostly cabinet facers) and it has always done the job. I agree with Stuey for $10 more I would go for the Kreg, but at the time I purchased, I "needed it" right then. Home Depot was the only option.

I buy "pocket hole screws" at woodcraft

http://www.generaltools.com/Products/E-Z-Pocket-Hole-Jig-Kit__849.aspx

It's cheaper than that at HD.

 

[His200HerScout]

I bought the General Tools jig from Home Depot because they don't carry Kreg tools.

Then I went across the street to Lowes and looked at the Kreg R3.

Then I went back to Home Depot and returned the General Tools jig.

Never used the General... I was putting in a staircase and didn't want to, uhh, screw it up. Since then I've used the Kreg several times, and I think it's one of those "why the hell didn't I buy this years ago" tools.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I started out with the Rocket jig, which predated the now sold R3 (around $40 at Lowes). It was used a couple of times, but when they came out with the K3, I picked that up, and haven't used the Rocket again yet.

When I bought the K3 and used it, I was wondering, WTH did I try to save money on the Rocket, even though the K3 wasn't out then. (and there are differences between the K3 and the newer K4, that explain why it is more prefered)

 

[Doug19]

The Kreg is exteremly well constructed and comes with high quality fastners. Also has some very good directions. I have the Kreg Jig Jr. and is worth every penny I spent on it.

 

[Ross]

The Kreg also has a steel sleeve in which the drill bit slides. The aluminum ones do not and tend to get eaten up by the bit over time. I have used both and would buy another Kreg not so much on the aluminum ones... though I do not remember who made the one I used.

 

[Coach James]

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/pocket-hole-jig.html

Never used this brand only Kreg, but I have read good reviews.

Coach

 

[Kevin54]

MAybe I was looking at something different on the Kreg site that I was on. What I seen the Kreg was right at $100. It might take me a while to drill a hundred dollars worth of holes. If it's around $40, then I'll pick one up.

Then I went across the street to Lowes and looked at the Kreg R3.

Where are they at in Lowes? I've asked about Kreg pocket hole jigs and they look at me like I'm an idiot. The few times I have asked both Lowes don't have a clue and neither do the multitude of Lowes people that I have asked. I've walked the aisles and have not seen them, and if they are in the tool section, what are they close to? I thought maybe it would be in the lumber section somewhere also but to no avail.

 

[His200HerScout]

MAybe I was looking at something different on the Kreg site that I was on. What I seen the Kreg was right at $100. It might take me a while to drill a hundred dollars worth of holes. If it's around $40, then I'll pick one up.



Where are they at in Lowes? I've asked about Kreg pocket hole jigs and they look at me like I'm an idiot. The few times I have asked both Lowes don't have a clue and neither do the multitude of Lowes people that I have asked. I've walked the aisles and have not seen them, and if they are in the tool section, what are they close to? I thought maybe it would be in the lumber section somewhere also but to no avail.

The $100 one might include a clamp and an assortment of screws and some other stuff. The R3 comes with a few screws and doesn't include a clamp.

I don't know what it is with Lowes but, at least locally, they're either jerks or clueless. I had to find it myself. It was buried in the tools section, nowhere near drills or bits.

If it isn't worth the hassle, you can get one on ebay with free shipping. Search for kreg r3 and sort by price + shipping lowest first.

 

[Doug19]

MAybe I was looking at something different on the Kreg site that I was on. What I seen the Kreg was right at $100. It might take me a while to drill a hundred dollars worth of holes. If it's around $40, then I'll pick one up.



Where are they at in Lowes? I've asked about Kreg pocket hole jigs and they look at me like I'm an idiot. The few times I have asked both Lowes don't have a clue and neither do the multitude of Lowes people that I have asked. I've walked the aisles and have not seen them, and if they are in the tool section, what are they close to? I thought maybe it would be in the lumber section somewhere also but to no avail.

I bought my Kreg at Lowes. It was in the tool section, but it was hidden pretty good. I asked an employee if they had any pocket jig tools and he showed me exactly what I was looking for. If I remember right they were by the table saws and drill presses on a shelf very close to the ground. But my lowes seems to have a lot bigger tool section and is organized differently than most over Lowes that I have been to.

Even better go on their website and see if they have it in stock and buy it online with instore pickup. When you get there they will have it ready for you.

 

[Jeepguy]

the Depot, and lowes have the cheaper $40 Kreg kit, i have the big full blown kit and i love it! its really easy to use, pretty much dumby proof.

 

[rickd.]

I got my kreg tool for my b-day and I use it all the time. This week I have built 6 piece computer room set for a friend. It's a good thing it's tough, I think I dropped it on the concrete floor a dozen times or more. It stays together and works great. Probably nothing wrong with the cheaper ones, depends on how often you plan on using it, but they probably all work good.



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[-B-]

I have the two hole Kreg and like it a lot I may even make some cabinets with it . The tool is well worth the money as it is going to last decades unlike the cheapies.

 

[Honda 1]

It's great that this topic came up. I have been looking at the GT version of this jig at HD. It was priced at about $29.00, and included some screws with the kit.
While at Sears, I happened to see their version on a tool cart along with a load of other tools. That model was about $39.00 and didn't include any screws.
Based on the info provided by GJ members, I'll head over to Lowes and check out their jig.
Thanks for the guidance!