An important part of most building projects is joining two pieces of wood together. Our favorite way to do that is by using pocket holes! Today I am going to show you how to use a Kreg Jig pocket hole jig.

A Kreg jig is probably the most basic joinery system and is extremely user friendly. If you learn how to use a Kreg jig, you’ll be able to build things ranging from a cup holder to a platform bed.

The basics on how to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Jig

Materials needed:

• Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System
  • Kreg Jig 750 Pro– best for working with smaller pieces of wood and drilling repetitive holes. Also the most sturdy stand-alone system.
  • Kreg Jig 520 Pro– best for on the go pocket holes or drilling on large pieces of plywood.
  • Kreg Jig 320 – best for clamping to long pieces of wood
• Right Angle Clamps
• Drill
• Kreg screws

How to use a Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes

The steps for drilling pocket holes vary slightly between each Kreg system, but the basics remain the same regardless of which tool you are using.

1. Measure the thickness of your wood

The first step is to measure the thickness of your wood. Use the true thickness, not the “common” thickness. For example, a 1″x4″ board at the store is actually only 3/4″ thick. This makes a huge difference in drilling pocket holes.

2. Set the thickness on your Kreg system

Once you have the thickness of your material, set that thickness on your Kreg system. On the Kreg 720, you don’t have to adjust because of their AutoMaxx clamping system.

On the Kreg 520 and Kreg 320, slide the tabs to fill in the appropriate thickness measurement.

3. Set the thickness on your drill bit

Next, set the same thickness on the collar of your Kreg drill bit. Kreg uses a specialized drill bit that drills a unique hole that works with their screws. The stop collar stops the drill bit where it needs to finish to drill the perfect hole.

To set the collar, use the hex key that comes with your system to loosen the collar, slide it to the appropriate thickness, and tighten with the key.

4. Drill your holes

Once the system and drill bit are both set to the appropriate wood thickness, it’s time to drill holes. Determine exactly where your holes need to go and clamp the wood and system together.

Drill your pocket holes using short, repetitive motions through the metal guides in the Kreg system. It’s important to plunge the drill in and out multiple times to clear out wood shavings as you’re drilling.

How to use a Kreg jig to connect boards

Once you have drilled your pocket holes using your Kreg system as described above, you need to connect your boards together for your project.

5. Clamp your material

To connect boards using a Kreg jig, align your boards at a right angle. Use right angle clamps to keep your boards together exactly where they need to attach.

6. Drive your screws

Choose the correct length Kreg screw for the thickness of the material you’re using (see below for screw sizes). Drive the screw into the pocket hole using the provided square driver bit that came with your Kreg system. Drill slowly until the boards are firmly pulled together and the screw won’t go any further. Repeat for all holes in your project.

Don’t over-rotate your screw once it has reached the max depth in your pocket hole. This can cause the area to become overworked and could lessen the integrity of your joint.

Remove the drill and your wood should be joined and ready to move on to the next step in your build.

Looking for project inspiration? Be sure to check out all of our Kreg Jig Projects!

What size screws do I need?

The size Kreg screw that you need is based on the thickness of your wood. Measure how think your wood is and purchase the right size screw accordingly:

• 1/2″ material = 1″ Kreg screws
• 3/4″ material = 1 ¼” Kreg screws
• 1 1/2″ material = 2 ½” Kreg screws

Also, make sure you purchase the correct screw for soft/plywood or hardwood, depending on what you’re building with.

In general, if you plan to do a good amount of building, it is a good idea to stock up on a variety of Kreg screws! There is nothing worse than being a screw or two short of completing a project and having to go to the store.

Can you use regular screws with Kreg jig?

You can’t use regular screws with a Kreg jig. The Kreg screws are specially designed with threads on part of the screw, smooth on part of the screw, and a flat-bottomed head to pull the pieces together.

Kreg screws also require a square driver bit. Kreg screws are designed for Kreg pocket holes and you should only use those.

You will need to use the Kreg square drill bit along with the Kreg square screws in order to use a Kreg Jig to join material together using pocket holes!

How can I conceal the pocket holes after assembling my DIY project?

If you want to fill your Kreg holes, you have a few options:

• Purchase Kreg plugs – they come in a variety of wood species. Glue them into the hole, let dry, then use a flush cut saw to remove excess.
• Fill with wood filler
• Create your own custom wood filler by mixing wood glue and saw dust
• Position the joint when assembled so that the pocket holes are not visible

Be sure to hop over and check out all of our Tool Reviews!

Basic woodworking information for every project

• How to buy wood for DIY woodworking projects
• Common vs Actual wood dimensions
• The best wood fillers for your project
• The ultimate wood stain guide
• How to get the best plywood for your money
• How to use a Kreg jig
• See all our printable PDF woodworking plans!
• See all our favorite tool reviews
• 100+ of the best woodworking project ideas!
• How to get cheap and free lumber for woodworking projects
• Woodworking project ideas to make and sell
• Where can I buy wood for woodworking projects?
• Will Home Depot cut wood for you?
• Will Lowe’s cut wood for you?
• 62 easy beginning woodworking projects

Remember to also always use safety equipment while woodworking and using tools. Make sure you have proper eye protection, ear protection and a good mask to keep yourself safe.