How to Use Pocket Screws for Wood Joinery

This article will expose you to a relatively new innovation for joining wood pieces together. These pocket screw joints are one of the strongest joints obtainable. At the same time this is one of the easiest and least expensive joints to produce.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jig kit
• Drill that will accept a 3/8" dia. bit.
• Safety glasses

1. 
    
   Click to enlarge - Pocket screw.

   The screws used in pocket joinery are special. Generally they have a square drive, are button head and have a self drilling screw point.

2. 
    
   Click to enlarge - Drill bit, shank and screw.

   This picture shows the drill bit, the shank with the square drive on the end and the screw that is a square head button head screw. This drill drills the pocket. The shank mounted in the drill drives the screw into the pocket and into the adjoining piece.

3. 
    
   Click to enlarge - Shows jig being used

   Clamp the jig up even with the end of the piece you want to put the pocket in. Using the jig, drill the hole until the drill bit is up against the stop collar. This puts a pocket hole in the piece at an angle as can be seen in the next step.

4. 
    
   Click to enlarge - Screw in the pocket.

   Here a screw has been put into the pocket to show how it will stick through when the piece is attached to the next member of the joint.

5. 
    
   Click to enlarge - Finished joint

   This picture is the completed joint. The screw has been driven through the pocket and into the adjoining piece.
   
   Now isn't that slick!!!

Tips & Warnings

• Good sources for this tool and screws are http://www.mcfeelys.com/fasteners
• http://www.rockler.com/search_results.cfm?filter=square+drive+screws&gclid=CIOyjtWWyJcCFRsRagodvhAFSw
• Lowe's and Home Depot have this jig set.
• These jigs can be pretty elaborate and price can get up to several hundred dollars. This particular jig is in the 20 dollar range. Very affordable for the great job it does.
• Put your safety glasses on.