One of our very favorite tools to use is a Kreg Jig. A Kreg Jig is a pocket hole jig that makes it super simple to join two pieces of wood together. Using a Kreg Jig in addition to your drill to join wood makes your projects instantly more professional and it’s very easy to use.
Which Kreg Jig do I need?
There are several Kreg Jig systems that have different pros and cons depending on what you’re doing. It’s good to have a handle with all of them, but most importantly to pick one and be comfortable with it.
Comparing Kreg Jigs:
- Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System– wood clamps into the system and has the ability to do many holes quickly.
- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320– very versatile system that clamps on to pieces of wood, can be expanded, and dials in thicknesses with ease.
- Kreg Jig R3 Pocket Hole System– clamps on to pieces of wood, great for working with long boards.
We’re only including three systems here, because these are really the main ones for a novice woodworker. The K4 is the best system regularly, as it allows for easily setting marks for the wood you’re working with.
It’s versatile for multiple holes as well. The 320 and R3 have to be clamped on and unclamped on each board you’re trying to do, adding a little annoyance and less precision.
However, it is better for trying to work with long boards that you can’t easily stand up in a K4.
The 320 is also the newest series and adds unique measuring elements and ease of use for new woodworkers and virtually takes the place of the R3.
Each system will come complete with a special Kreg drill bit and square driver bit. You’ll also need the appropriate screw for the thickness of your wood.
Some of the jigs come with clamps, and some you will need to clamp on yourself.
All of these Kreg Jigs make pocket holes and will help you make beautiful furniture!
How to use a Kreg Jig
Steps to use a Kreg Jig:
Steps for how to use a Kreg Jig vary slightly depending on which system you are using, but the overall idea is the same.
- Set the drill guide to the thickness of your wood material
- Set the collar of the drill bit to the thickness of your wood material
- Clamp your wood into the system and drill your necessary pocket holes
- Use the appropriate length Kreg screw and the Kreg specific square head driver bit in your drill to attach your pieces
How to Set Up a Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320
The Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 has a special thickness gauge that makes it very easy to set up correctly.
Find the thickness with the gauge and then adjust the jig with the gray tab.
How to Drill Pocket Holes with a Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
- Clamp your jig to the material
- Add the Kreg drill bit to your drill
- Drill into the holes in your jig and into your material
- Unclamp the jig and blow off any excess sawdust
Which thread pattern of pocket hole screws do I need?
Fine-thread pocket screws were made to work with hardwoods like oak, maple, and poplar.
Coarse-thread pocket screws were made to work with softwoods like pine, plywood, and MDF.
How to Drive Pocket Screws
Driving pocket screws is the process of attaching 2 boards using pocket holes!
- Clamp your two boards together. Be sure they are flush in all directions.
- Place the screw in the pocket hole and screw. You want it to feel snug but not overly tight!
- Repeat until you have screwed in each pocket hole.
Other helpful Kreg tools:
They have lots of other tools and accessories other than the jigs on their website, but the products we use most often include:
- Mobile Project Center– this collapsible work table is perfect for so many types of projects. It folds flat and expands to work with all sorts of projects, giving you a mobile work station wherever you need it.
- Right angle clamp– this clamp is super handy for joining your wood together and ensuring your angles are squared up.
- Multi Mark– this is a super handy tool to make small measurements, draw exact markings, draw angles and make sure things are level.
- Kreg Screws – you will use a lot of pocket hole screws once you get into using your Kreg pocket-hole Jig! They have a square drive that fits the Kreg bit.
Kreg Jig Projects
We have done so many simple and fun projects with our Kreg products. You can read this post to see tons of Kreg Projects, or just click their photo below!
Click here to see my Pinterest board full of Kreg Jig project ideas!
Kreg Jig Projects
A Kreg Jig can be used to create the joinery in a ton of different projects. The sky is really the limit - but here are some of our favorites!
We're showing you how to build a platform bed for only $50 in materials. If you've ever wanted to switch to a platform bed and ditch the box spring and huge headboard/foot board, this is what you need. You can build this platform bed in just a day. Please note, these instructions are for a double/full size bed. If you want to build a platform bed for a twin, queen or king mattress, you can use the same instructions, but you'll need to scale them appropriately.
This angled leg bench works for a dining table or in an entryway. It can work with any style of home from modern to farmhouse!
This coffee table has beautiful clean lines and is a cinch to build thanks to the Kreg Jig.
This dining table is light bright and beachy with an interesting angled base. All made with our Kreg Jig, of course!
This nightstand is the perfect bedside table - and it has a drawer for hidden storage! Scared to build a drawer? Don't be with our easy hack!
Love being outside? You'll love this simple to build rolling grill cart!
This cheeseboard is perfect for serving snacks at parties - and is easily customizable to fit exactly over your kitchen table or island.
need a place to set your drink? This over the arm cupholder is a super quick and super useful build.
Merry Christmas! It's easy to hang stockings with care thanks to this wooden stocking holder.
Baby on the way? Flex your woodworking skills with this DIY modern wooden baby crib.
Love plants? You'll love how easy it is to build this wooden plant stand. The house shape gives it some whimsy, too!
This wooden stool is a really easy build, and perfect for a vanity or to rest your feet on.
This entryway closet system was a major upgrade from the single wire shelf here before it - and it was all assembled using our Kreg Jig!
This watch stand is super easy to build and is perfect for keeping accessories organized.
Gotta put your feet up? This ottoman is the perfect place!
Bathing babies can be a pain in the back! This DIY wooden tub bench helps with that.
Turn any dresser into a changing table with this easy topper.
This modern, slim lined desk was super simple to assemble thanks to the Kreg Jig.
We use this rolling under bed storage for wrapping paper all year round.
A DIY mid century modern side table will add a beautiful aesthetic to your room and provide great functionality.
This DIY coastal console table is perfect for any bedroom, entryway or even behind a couch. Sturdy construction holds up well to heavy items like luggage, but also has an airy open feel when there's nothing on it. Customizable for color and height and the perfect project for you.
Make a safe space for your baby or toddler with this DIY baby playpen. Using sturdy construction, you'll create a customizable playpen to fit your needs. This playpen can be created bigger or can add two more sides if you aren't connecting it to a wall.
These shelf brackets are very sturdy and a great option if you want DIY brackets! We used 3 to hold up 1 10 foot shelf
This wooden Christmas tree stand is perfect for your holiday porch or to display collectables.
Give your Christmas tree a little height with this DIY wooden box stand.
Want to create a wooden tabletop from a variety of boards? Here is an easy way to use a Kreg Jig to make a a tabletop!
Have a toddler? They will love this climbing arch - that can be flipped to double as a rocker! The whole thing is strong thanks to Kreg pocket holes and wood glue.
This storage bench has a built in planter and trellis, for a perfect multipurpose outdoor furniture piece.
Need to store and display some small plants? This is a great scrap wood project that is perfect for any tabletop or even a windowsill!
This kid's workbench is a huge hit for toddlers and kiddos who love to bang toys! The cabinet underneath is our son's favorite part!
Interested in the Kreg Jig? Click here to read our full Kreg Jig review and to see all of our Kreg Jig projects.
New to the Kreg Jig? Here is a step by step guide on how to use a Kreg Jig!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale. We genuinely love our Kreg Jig and all of their products! Thanks for your support!
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