Which pocket-hole jig

[472scout]

I'm going to pull the trigger on a jig kit so need advice on which one to buy. Best bang for the buck.

I've been looking at the Kreg K4MS ($139) and Kreg k4 ($99), but I'm open to any model or other brand. The first project will be plywood cabinets for the garage.

 

[Lawson4450]

I have this kit K4MS it works great I just built kitchen cabinets with them also check out ana-white.com lots of free plans that use pocket holes.

 

[uncletater]

I have the one that is on top. To be honest I have only ever used the parts that are in picture 2. I would say buy the one on the bottom and spend the savings on an extra drill bit and screws. The drill bits dont seem to stay sharp very long.

 

[472scout]

Another option I just found the K4MS kit with the SK03 675 piece screw kit on Ebay for $145. The screw kit is $25 on Amazon.

 

[csp]

I must be the cheapskate in the room. I used the R3 jig for my cabinets and it didn't seem bad at all. All told it was used for 300+ holes.

That screw kit might be worth it if you're using the jig for different types of wood, requiring different screws. It's not much good if you get screws you'll never use.

 

[turbowoodworker]

You will find that the vise grippy device with the flat jaws really helpskeep the face frames flat. You might not use it much for the cabinet carcass though. Search "McFeeley's" for a huge selection of screws that will expand your uses of the jig.

 

[StevePgh]

I also have a Kreg K4MS. I think it is well built, even though it is mostly plastic, it is a high quality and durable plastic, with metal inserts in all the right places.

Last time at Harbor Freight, I noticed they sold a pocket hole jig for $70 regular price with 100 screws. The HF is aluminum. The reviews are pretty spot on with my observations - "[the] Kreg has all kinds of built-in guides and measure marks right on their jig, so you can adjust the jig and drill stop collar. This jig doesn't." I don't buy the advantage of having aluminum. I'd not consider the HF version, and for what you get that one is way overpriced.

I like the McFeeley site also, here is a direct link to their pocket screws.

 

[elguappo]

I also have the basic R3 jig, use it with a $5 HF clamping plier just like the Kreg unit.

I like the basic unit because its easier to drill pocket holes in-situation.
One of the best bday presents I have ever received.

 

[Stuey]

+1 for the R3.

 

[rharman]

I have the older Kreg, aluminum. It's a very good product.

Go for the big Kreg. As I recall, it has a supplied adapter for doing 1/2" stock. The vacuum attachment is something I wish I had too.

 

[bdkruger1]

R3 here also. Love it !!

 

[472scout]

You will find that the vise grippy device with the flat jaws really helpskeep the face frames flat. You might not use it much for the cabinet carcass though. Search "McFeeley's" for a huge selection of screws that will expand your uses of the jig.

Thanks for the tip.

I also have a Kreg K4MS. I think it is well built, even though it is mostly plastic, it is a high quality and durable plastic, with metal inserts in all the right places.

Last time at Harbor Freight, I noticed they sold a pocket hole jig for $70 regular price with 100 screws. The HF is aluminum. The reviews are pretty spot on with my observations - "[the] Kreg has all kinds of built-in guides and measure marks right on their jig, so you can adjust the jig and drill stop collar. This jig doesn't." I don't buy the advantage of having aluminum. I'd not consider the HF version, and for what you get that one is way overpriced.

I like the McFeeley site also, here is a direct link to their pocket screws.

Good to know. No way I'll buy a horrible freight rip off when Kreg is made in the USA for a very reasonable price.

From the Kreg website.

. Is the Kreg Jig® made in the USA?
A. Yes. Kreg Tool Company is located in the small town of Huxley, Iowa, U.S.A., in the same building where it was started by Craig Sommerfeld around 20 years ago. Although a select few components are sourced overseas to help maintain competitive pricing for our customers, the vast majority of parts are made right here in America, and every single Kreg Jig® is assembled and packaged in the Huxley, Iowa plant.

I have the older Kreg, aluminum. It's a very good product.

Go for the big Kreg. As I recall, it has a supplied adapter for doing 1/2" stock.

It looks like all the models are good for .5 to 1.5" material according to the literature.

I also have the basic R3 jig, use it with a $5 HF clamping plier just like the Kreg unit.

I like the basic unit because its easier to drill pocket holes in-situation.
One of the best bday presents I have ever received.

I didn't know what you meant by in-situation until I watched their little video and noticed that the R3 can be screwed to the stock instead of clamped. Nice feature.

+1 for the R3.

R3 here also. Love it !!

I wasn't even considering the R3 because I've found that econmony kits usually leave a lot to be desired, but damn people really love the R3 on Amazon. May have to reconsider.

 

[472scout]

That screw kit might be worth it if you're using the jig for different types of wood, requiring different screws. It's not much good if you get screws you'll never use.

Yeah I wouldn't pay $25 for it, but for $6 extra it seems like a good deal. Plus the case to store the pocket screws would be handy.

Do anything with that 3/8" plate yet.

 

[Honda 1]

I also use the R-3 jig. It works fine and costs about a third of the price. Lowe's carries both units at good prices. Check it out!

 

[mbatarga]

My local Home Depot has the step drill bit and some assorted screws on clearance right now. The other day I picked up two extra bits and 4 boxes of 100qty screws (<$2 each)

 

[kb2tha]

You've already found the best.

 

[Jeff]

I've had the Kreg for 3 years now. I started with the basic K4 kit, then added items when I could find them on clearance online. I've since added the micro insert for 1/2" stock and some corner clamps.

My first project was an oak dining room table.

I recently made these little tables for the back porch using recycled 2x4's and mosaic tile.

This is my shop sink. I made the frame with the Kreg and attached the mica top to the frame with pocket holes.

 

[csp]

Do anything with that 3/8" plate yet.

I saw your login and location and have been wondering if you were who I suspected. Now I know! Not too many Scouts with Caddy 472s in the area that I know of.

Yeah, I made a welding table with it and have put it to use a few times now.

 

[472scout]

Jeff, cool projects. Thanks for sharing.

CSP, yep small world.

 

[ToolUsingAnimal]

I've got a Kreg K4 kit, but I wish I had the vacuum attachment and clamp. I use it for just about everything now. Pocket holes and glue make a joint that really holds up. My first big project is this bookcase, which I'll probably get around to staining this weekend. Ignore the uneven top, it isn't attached yet,

Jeff, that's a beautiful table

 

[elguappo]

As an example of in-situation, I have a semi built in dvd cabinet that I mounted to the wall.
I did this by clamping the R3 to the bottom of the shelf, in line with a stud, drilled my pocket hole, then sunk a screw directly into the stud.
Invisible and super strong.

 

[aka Larry]

You guys did it to me again! I read stuff here and spend money on tools that I didn't know I needed.

I was in the process last week of building a cabinet for my new shop when I came across this thread. I planned on having doors, but was unsure I was actually going to build them. After reading this I bought the $40 Krieg kit from Lowes, some 1x2 Birch stock and went to town. I built the frames for all four doors in just under an hour and they turned out fantastic! I was amazed that the jig worked EXACTLY as advertised. Very few things seem to do that these days. I'd recommend buying this thing 100%.

 

[SRX]

I have the MS version from Lowes. I attached it to a piece of melamine, which adds more clamping surface to my knock down table. I've used it on alot of cabinet doors from Ikea that I cut down the lengths on.

 

[JASTECH]

Jeff, nice setup with shop sink too. I was going to buy the Kreg system but all the made in China stuff & plastic soured my thirst. Now I am looking for a nice metal system, found it then smart phone had another Microsoft fart so it's all gone now.

Porter-Cable 560 QUIKJIG Pocket-Hole Joinery System?

 

[a.k.sperry]

Jeff, nice setup with shop sink too. I was going to buy the Kreg system but all the made in China stuff & plastic soured my thirst. Now I am looking for a nice metal system, found it then smart phone had another Microsoft fart so it's all gone now.

Porter-Cable 560 QUIKJIG Pocket-Hole Joinery System?

Last I knew, Kreg was made in Iowa.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[crewchief888]

I must be the cheapskate in the room. I used the R3 jig for my cabinets and it didn't seem bad at all. All told it was used for 300+ holes.

nope you're not the only cheapskate

that what i have too. it has been fine for every hole i needed it for.

 

[someone else]

I must be the cheapskate in the room. I used the R3 jig for my cabinets and it didn't seem bad at all. All told it was used for 300+ holes.

That screw kit might be worth it if you're using the jig for different types of wood, requiring different screws. It's not much good if you get screws you'll never use.

Exactly what I do. My initial thought was "go big or go home" but I honestly didn't know how much I'd use it, so I went cheap. Glad I did. With the small one, very easy to move around and position for all sorts of situations.

 

[Honda 1]

Another vote for the R-3 jig!

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've got the R3 as well and I love it. The bigger jigs actually seemed less useful to me unless you make a lot of cabinets for a living.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I've been considering a Kreg jig for some time. This thread has been most helpful

 

[rrich1]

I have the k4 and love it. if I were to get a new one it would be the k5. the updated features are nice. the added built in support for the pieces as well as having the tension handle in front and not having to reach around the piece would be very nice. look into the porter cable system as well. I believe theirs doesn't need any adjustments like the kreg system does. I believe it is automatic.

 

[gungatim]

I'm cheap, so the kreg was always way too much money for something so simple.

I bought this one about 20 yrs. ago, think I paid $10 for it. I generally just use one of them (they slide off the pin) with a clamp. have probably done 1000 holes with it.

one recommendation is to buy a drill with replaceable tip. the one piece drills always snap the tip off.

I picked up a bit that is carbide for the hole, and has a set screw to replace the smaller tip with a regular drill when you snap it. after breaking several of the step drills, I went with the replaceable style and now just put in any old 1/8" drill when I need to. money well spent.