How to Build a Bookcase With Pocket Hole Screws
When building bookshelves for your home, one method of joinery you may want to use is pocket hole screws. Pocket hole screws are a way of making a secure butt joint, while hiding the screw holes. This is particularly useful when adding shelves into a built-in bookshelf. Instead of drilling through your vertical support, leaving a hole you'll have to fill, use a pocket screw through the bottom surface of the shelf. While you may find other brands, Kreg kits are the standard in pocket screw jigs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Kreg screw jig kit
- Drill
- Wood
- Clamps
- Tape measure
- Masking tape
- Scrap 3/4-inch wood
- Wood glue
- Level
- Pan-head wood screws
Instructions
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Drilling the Pocket Screw Holes
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1
Clamp the wood for your shelf into the pocket screw jig, or the jig to your shelf, depending on the kit you purchased. Position it toward the front of your shelf.
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2
Using the included two-step drill bit, drill into your shelf in both holes on the pocket hole jig. Move the jig toward the back of your shelf and repeat.
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3
Flip the board over and repeat on the other side. You should now have eight oval-shaped holes in the bottom of your shelf.
Installing the Shelf
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4
Measure and mark where you want your shelf to go.
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5
Tape above and below where your shelf will go. This will protect it from clamps and glue.
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6
Clamp a 3/4-inch scrap of wood on both vertical supports, under where the shelf will sit. This will hold your shelf in place while you screw it in.
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7
Glue both edges of your shelf and rest them on the 3/4-inch temporary supports. Use a long clamp to squeeze the vertical supports together and hold your shelf in place while you screw it in.
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8
Check to make sure the shelf is level and adjust if necessary.
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9
Screw the shelf in place with the pan-head wood screws.
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10
Wipe up any glue that squeezed out, and remove the tape as soon as possible to prevent leaving adhesive on your wood.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear proper eye and hearing protection when using power tools like drills.
