Kreg 520 vs 720 pocket hole jigs

If you’re debating between the Kreg 520 and 720 pocket hole jigs, we’re comparing the two here to show you the similarities and differences!

Pocket hole joinery is one of the most accessible ways to do woodworking projects. We usually use this for most of our projects because it makes the the easiest to replicate.

In our opinion, the best pocket hole jigs are from Kreg Tool. We have almost all of their pocket hole jigs and use them interchangeably depending on the project we’re doing.

However, the two most popular and most common jigs are the Kreg 520 and 720 pocket hole jigs.

The Kreg 520 and Kreg 720 both function the same for drilling pocket holes, but how they do it and some of the other differences make them unique.

Let’s compare the two jigs and see if one is better for you than the other.

Comparing Kreg 520 and 720

The Kreg 520 and 720 pocket hole jigs are similar in what they do, but different in their size and how they get the job done. Both jigs are great, but each is better for different things.

Knowing what each jig does can help you decide which one is right for you.

Also, for the purposes of this post, we’ll just be calling them the 520 and 720, but each has a Pro version. The Kreg 520 Pro and Kreg 720 Pro versions just mean that they come with their Docking Station, which is foldable wings that serve as a wider base and small storage boxes for accessories.

The Docking Station does the same thing for each jig, so they aren’t different. However, I always use them on my Kreg 720, but never on my Kreg 520. You’ll see why in the comparisons.

Overview of Kreg 520

The Kreg 520 pocket hole jig is a great joining tool for anyone doing a woodworking project. Its versatility and unique squeeze clamp makes it perfect for on the go work, especially on big pieces of wood.

The Kreg 520 Pro is small and easy to use and has a VersaGrip squeeze clamp system to clamp the jig itself onto your piece of wood, instead of clamping the wood into the jig.

It also has a rotating handle to make it easy to use on vertical or horizontal pieces.

Make sure you read our full review of the Kreg 520 here!

Overview of Kreg 720

The Kreg 720 pocket hole jig is the bigger model jig that includes more features and onboards parts storage for all your pocket hole needs.

Previous Kreg jigs (and the 520) required you to set the thickness of the wood material you’re using on the jig as well as the stop collar on the drill bit. Now, the Kreg 720 uses their Automaxx clamping technology to auto-adjust for whatever thickness material you’re using, eliminating a step for you.

The Automaxx technology is a spring-loaded system that adjusts when it comes into contact with your workpiece, so you don’t have to manually dial.

The Kreg 720 has a solid base and feel and you can clamp big or long pieces of wood into the jig and know they will be completely secure.

Make sure you read our full review of the Kreg 720 here!

Kreg 520 and 720 similarities

The Kreg 520 and 720 are really only similar in the fact that they drill pocket holes. They are both quality products from Kreg that drill great pocket holes.

Each have the same three hole drill guide placement with reinforced steel holes and use the same drill bits, so you can use those interchangeably if needed.

They also both can be used at multiple angles, but really one is better for that than the other.

Kreg 520 and 720 differences

The biggest different between the Kreg 520 and Kreg 720 is the size. The Kreg 520 is more versatile in its ability to be moved around and used in different places, whether it’s your shop or your yard or in the house. While the Kreg 720 can be picked up and mounted onto a piece of wood as well, it’s much bigger and more cumbersome to do that.

The Kreg 720 works better clamped onto your workbench and provides a more solid base for constant and consistent pocket hole drilling. If you need to do a lot of pocket holes in a row, the 720 is much better than squeezing the clamp of the 520 over and over again.

The Kreg 720 also look more like a traditional pocket hole jig than the 520. These both replaced older models, but the 720 has more of the look of a tool you use to drill pocket holes. It also has a port to connect your shop vacuum too so you can directly suck up wood shavings out of your way.

The other big difference is the onboard storage. The Kreg 720 has storage on the back for the drill, driver, and adjuster, keeping everything in one place and easy to access. The 520 doesn’t have anything like this, which makes it less neat.

What’s the best pocket hole jig to buy?

Determining which is the best pocket hole jig to buy really depends on what you need it for.

The Kreg 720 is a better jig for traditional use and works better if you’re drilling a lot of holes in a row.

The Kreg 520 is better if you’re often working outside or on the go or with bigger wood, like long 1 1/2″ boards.

Take into consideration that at the time of writing this, the Kreg 520 retails for $99 ($xxx for the 520 Pro) and the Kreg 720 retails for $129 ($149 for the 720 Pro). This could have an impact on which one you can afford as well.

But if I could only have one, my opinion is that the Kreg 720 is the best pocket hole jig to buy.

Are Kreg jigs worth the money?

We actually have a whole blog post about the topic of if Kreg jigs are worth the money, so I encourage you to read that to get all the information.

However, the overall answer is that yes, I believe Kreg jigs are worth the money. They are a great quality product and really make woodworking a lot easier.

Before you go…

There’s other great Kreg pocket hole systems to consider. Check out these comparisons and reviews!

• Kreg XL vs. Standard vs. Micro jigs compared
• Which is the best Kreg jig for beginners?