Looking for information about the new Kreg Jig 520 Pro? This review will give you everything you need to know about the new feature tool from Kreg Tool.
Here at Charleston Crafted, we strive to make our woodworking projects easy to replicate. We want you to be able to make what we make and not be intimidated.
One of the best ways we can do that is by using quality tools that are user-friendly, and that almost always includes Kreg Tool pocket hole joinery.
Now, we're excited to tell you all about their brand new pocket hole jig, the Kreg 520 Pro.
This Kreg Jig 520 Pro review will tell you all you need to know about their new feature pocket hole joining product and why you should upgrade today.
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 520 Pro
The Kreg 520 is the replacement for the long-time Kreg K4 pocket hole jig. We've always been huge fans of the Kreg K4, but are certainly pleased seeing the upgrades and modifications made in the 520 Pro.
Check out our other reviews on all the Kreg Tool joinery products!
What is the Kreg Jig 520 Pro?
The new Kreg Jig 520 Pro is an essential joining tool for anyone doing a woodworking project. Its versatility and unique squeeze clamp makes it perfect for on the go work.
The Kreg 520 Pro is a unique pocket hole jig that is small and easy to use.
Unlike any of its predecessors, the Kreg 520 Pro uses a VersaGrip squeeze clamp system to clamp the jig itself onto your piece of wood.
It also has a rotating handle to make it easy to use on vertical or horizontal pieces.
We love the convenience of this new Kreg jig because we do a lot of our projects on the go and use lots of sizes of wood. It's great that the 520 Pro just clamps directly onto your piece and you don't have to adjust back and forth.
What do I use the Kreg Jig 520 Pro for?
The Kreg Jig 520 Pro is great for using on all woodworking projects, but can be moved around better than the Kreg Jig 720.
Compared to the Kreg 720 and 720 Pro, which require a solid work surface, the Kreg 520 can be clamped directly onto your wood piece. This makes it great for doing work in the yard or the driveway.
We've liked being able to use the 520 Pro in a variety of places and not having to lift heavy pieces of wood into the jig. We're able to clamp the 520 directly on.
The 520 Pro is similar to the Kreg 320 in that it clamps directly to your wood piece, however the 520 Pro has a built in squeeze clamp.
How do I use the Kreg Jig 520 Pro?
The Kreg Jig 520 Pro is really simple to use. It's small and portable and adjusts quickly.
To use the Kreg 520 Pro, determine the thickness of your wood and then squeeze the two sides of the drill guide to move it to your thickness.
Then, use the thickness gauge with hex wrench to adjust the position of the stop collar on your drill bit to the same thickness.
Once the jig is set up, place it where you need the pocket holes on your workpiece. Then, squeeze the trigger until it is securely in position on your wood.
After drilling your pocket holes, pull back on the release trigger on the 520 Pro and it will quickly unclamp itself.
What are the pros of the Kreg Jig 520 Pro?
The biggest pros of the Kreg Jig 520 Pro are its versatility and quick use.
You can use the 520 Pro anywhere and on any style of wood just by moving it around. It clamps directly to the wood wherever you need it to be.
It's also quick to use because of the squeeze clamp and release. This makes it much easier than adjusting screws to set the thickness of the wood and the drill guide.
What are the cons of the Kreg Jig 520 Pro?
The biggest con of the Kreg Jig 520 isn't even about the tool itself. It's just about the feeling.
The Kreg 520 Pro doesn't have the look and feel of the Kreg pocket hole jigs you're used to seeing. Since the 520 uses a squeeze clamp system to clamp directly onto the wood, compared to placing you wood piece into the jig and clamping in, it is a change from the norm.
This isn't really a bad thing, but it can be a little different to get used to. We've quickly found, though, that the versatility of clamping the 520 Pro directly where you want it makes it much easier to work with larger pieces of wood.
How to I assemble the Kreg Jig 520 Pro?
The Kreg Jig 520 Pro requires no assembly. It comes fully assembled. You might have to slide the drill guide box onto the jig, but that's it.
Where do I buy the Kreg Jig 520 Pro?
The Kreg Jig 520 Pro is available online and in-store at all retailers that currently have Kreg products.
The Kreg Jig 520 Pro will cost $99.99 and replaces the long serving Kreg K4.
Buy your Kreg Jig 520 Pro online at Amazon and KregTool.com, as well as in store and online at Home Depot, Lowe's and others.
Video Demonstration
Be sure to check out my video demonstration discussing and showing how to use the Kreg Jig 520. We hope this Kreg Jig 520 Pro review is helpful!
Project ideas using a pocket hole jig
Wondering what you could make with the Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Jig 520 pro? Here are a TON of pocket hole projects that we have shared.
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!
This coffee table has sleek lines and is quick to assemble using pocket hole joinery!
This two tiered wooden tray is perfect for holiday displays or holding your every day produce!
This chair-shaped plant stand is the perfect welcoming addition to your front porch or patio!
Build custom closet storage space with hanging rods, drawers, and cubbies. Super dreamy!
This outdoor dining table has a patterned slatted top - and a LOT of pocket holes!
This plant stand has 3 shelves for plants and a hanging bar for hanging pots!
This small sectional couch is designed to maximize seating on a small screened porch.
This 4 poster canopy bed is dramatic and grande - and not too difficult to build!
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.
Help your toddler sleep in style in this house style bed. Features shelves for books or toys and a secret hidden storage compartment!
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 potting bench is perfect for garden-lovers and has secret hidden storage under the tabletop for soil or tools!
This front facing bookshelf or magazine rack allows the cover of a book to be seen instead of the spine. Perfect for small kids and toddlers!
Move your plants in, out, and all around with this rolling tiered plant stand.
This planter centerpiece can be filled seasonally and is a great way to add height and interest to your dining table.
How fun is this rainbow shelf?! The colors are great, and the shelves have a slight angle, giving it just a bit of visual interest!
This buffet table is perfect for the wall of a dining room!
This rolling cart can store boards, small wood scraps, and plywood! And it's on wheels for moving around your shop.
Kids will love using this learning tower to reach the kitchen counter! Bonus- it's two kiddos wide!
Add a chic and unique look to even a narrow space with this simple DIY triangular side table.
This dowel rod bookshelf is simple and sleek, perfect for books or toys.
This wooden shoe tower is perfect for organizing a small entryway.
This rolling workbench is the perfect place to use your Kreg jig - after you make it with your KReg jig of course!
This coffee table has beautiful clean lines and is a cinch to build thanks to the Kreg Jig.
This slim desk has a drawer and two shelves, perfect for work from home!
This dining table is light bright and beachy with an interesting angled base. All made with our Kreg Jig, of course!
This shower stool is a super simple build and the perfect place to sit or shave in the shower!
This slim rolling cart fits right in between your washer and dryer!
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!
If you have a scroll saw, consider building this rolling stand for it!
Have a lot of yard tools in your shed or garage? This simple wooden organizer will get the off the floor and organized, easily!
Love being outside? You'll love this simple to build rolling grill cart!
This modern step stool has clean lines. It's perfect for helping kids wash their hands or giving anyone an extra two steps up!
This cheeseboard is perfect for serving snacks at parties - and is easily customizable to fit exactly over your kitchen table or island.
Add drama to your bedroom with these gorgeous bedside tables with a drawer and a simple arched shape.
Our guest room had a very slim space for side tables. These floating arched side tables are the perfect fit and easy to put together!
This art table for kids has a built in spot for a roll of paper and craft supply storage!
Make these simple wooden risers to get your spice drawer organized!
Love playing darts? This wooden cabinet gives a dartboard a more high end look, plus has built in dart storage!
Get in the winter spirit with these DIY wooden snowflakes!
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.
Have kids? They'll love this DIY balance beam!
Gotta put your feet up? This ottoman is the perfect place!
This baby crib was inspired by a Pottery Barn version that sells for $1,000! Make it for $250!
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!
This vanity is removable and slides in to sit around an existing pedestal sink. It has pull out steps for a toddler or anyone who needs a boost!
This wooden shelf adds a massive amount of storage to any playroom or kid's play space.
Check out this fun tutorial for how to build a DIY whimsical tree shaped bookshelf using a Kreg Jig to connect the branches.
This shelf is perfect for getting cans of paint and stain organized and up off the garage floor.
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Hey there, I'm Sean, the woodworking enthusiast and builder behind CharlestonCrafted.com! Since 2012, I've been sharing the magic of turning raw materials into beautiful creations. I love teaching others the art and satisfaction of woodworking and DIY. I try to inspire fellow crafters to make something extraordinary out of nothing at all.
