How to Work With Woodworking Kreg Jigs
A Kreg Jig is the brand name of a popular woodworking jig used for making pocket joints. A pocket joint is most commonly used in joining wood stock butted together (on the flat) for making face frames, such as on the front of a cabinet. The pocket joint connects the two boards with one or more screws, inserted at an angle through pre-drilled holes. The Kreg Jig helps align a drill bit for making the pre-drilled holes, known as pockets.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Kreg Jig with the accompanying step drill bit and Kreg Clamp
- Additional woodworking clamps
- Power drill
- Screwdriver or long screw bit
- Pocket screws
- Safety glasses
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1
Align the two boards to be joined using the pocket joints. Hold them in place using clamps.
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2
Clamp the Kreg Jig onto the boards using the special clamp that accompanies the jig. Typically, if the pocket joint is for two boards with grain perpendicular to one another, the pockets would be cut on the board with (or parallel to) the grain, allowing the screws to be driven into the second board against the grain, making a much stronger joint.
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3
Using the Kreg Jig's depth gauge, set the stop collar on the drill bit at the appropriate depth for the thickness of wood being drilled. Secure the drill bit into the power drill's chuck.
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4
Insert the drill bit into the appropriate hole in the Kreg Jig, and depress the drill trigger. Push the drill bit into the Kreg Jig hole all the way to the stop before removing the bit.
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5
Remove the Kreg Jig and change out the drill bit for the screw bit in the drill's chuck. Insert a pocket screw into each pocket, securing the two boards together. Be sure not to over-tighten the screws.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Depending on the width of the wood, you may choose to drill pockets for one, two or three screws. Most Kreg Jigs are designed with three holes, one for single pocket joints, and two other holes for double pocket joints. When more than two are needed, simply re-position the jig after drilling the first two pockets.
When using a Kreg Jig, always slip the drill bit partly into the Kreg Jig's guide sleeve (but do not engage the wood) before starting the drill motor. This will allow the bit to be guided into the wood without inadvertently grabbing and possibly tearing the wood.
When using any power tools, always wear safety glasses.
