Skip to Content

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 520 Pro review

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.

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 520 Pro - Charleston Crafted

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 Pocket Hole Jig 520 Pro is part of the new line of Kreg Tool products aimed at making woodworking easier for both professionals and DIYers.

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.

Kreg 520 Pro box

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.

Overview of Kreg 520 Pro

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.

Rotating handle of Kreg Jig 520 Pro

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.

Drilling with Kreg Jig 520 Pro

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.

Kreg Jig 520 Pro on plywood

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.

Kreg 520 Pro 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.

Adjustable tabs of Kreg 520 Pro

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.

Kreg Jig 520 used upside down

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.

Drilling pocket holes with Kreg Jig 520 Pro

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.

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 520 pro

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!

Kreg 520 youtube thumbnail

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!

Looking for something?

We’ve been doing this since 2012 so we have a LOT of blog posts!
Search stuff like: Ceiling Projects | DIY Plant Stands | Thrift Flips

Charleston Crafted logo banner