Kreg K3 master pocket screw jig

[thestinker]

I saw a posting about this earlier and was wondering if you need to yse their screws or will any wood screw of apropriate length work. I have never used one of these but it looks like a nifty way of securing joints.

RS

[DonHo]

You don't have to use Kreg brand screws but you will need to use screws made for pocket holes. I have only used the Kreg pockethole screws but I think you can get them from McFeely's and a few other online sources.

DonHo

[DaveW]

What's the difference between a "normal" screw and a pocket-hole screw?

[LarryG]

quote:Originally posted by DaveW

What's the difference between a "normal" screw and a pocket-hole screw?

Pocket hole screws have a straight (non-tapered) shaft and a washer head so they won't accidentally drive too deep.

http://www.kregtool.com/products/ka/...?PRODUCT_ID=69

[Tamarack]

Pocket hole screws should also be "self-tapping".

Paul in Idaho

[Knottscott]

The official pocket screws are nice, but tend to a be a bit expensive. I've used other panhead screws with good results. I've also had some success with regular deck screws, but won't go as far as to recommend them. [:I]

[thestinker]

I had seen pocket holes done on tv, but not very often. However, this jig makes them look very easy and strait foward way of fastening all kinds of joints. How do ya'll feel about them as opposed to say biscut joints or dowel reinforced joints. I understand about the holes in the back. On something loke a cabinet door that was goiing to be painted, the hole could be filled, sanded and painted over with no one the wiser when the door was opened. I am curious because I will be undertaking a wall of cabinets with wood framed glass doors when we remodel our house later this year. Since they will be painted white I am considering the cabinets and possibly the door frames made from MDF since they will be painted white. Other than glue and brads I don't have a way to fasten all the door frames togather and this looked pretty good to me. But, would biscuts or dowels be better?? What would ya'll do?? Also, I seem to strugle with the miters shifting arund while I am putting them togather. How do ya'll deal with this?

[drumpriest]

A different tool for different uses. I use pocket screws for making face frames, mostly, but I've also used them for attaching face frames to carcasses. I also use biscuits for this. (mostly both)

a pocket hole joint is strong, so are biscuits. I use biscuits for alignment and strength when the joint has to show, and pocket screws for when it really doesn't ever get seen. For panel doors, I have a panel door set of router bits, and use them.

On my desk (currently almost finished project), I've used pocket screws, biscuits, loose mortise and tenon, dados, rabbets, and figure 8 fasteners. All for different reasons.

[Rob R]

Keith, if you can get a dowel in your project and a dovetail on teh drawer, you'd almost have a full set!

[jhart]

Mainly have used the pocket hole jig for face frames. Quick, easy, strong joint. much simpler than biscuits and you don't have to use clamps.
P.S., back to the original question, so far, I have only used the Kreg screws, and they are fairly expensive. but they do a nice job. Rockler carries them.

[onedash]

Tom Silva busted out a dowell joiner??? Instead of a blade for bisuits two drill bits came out. Everything else looked identical. That would get me to try dowells.
For a TV stand im making out of MDF I used some pocket hole screws to make the sides( pretty much stiles and rails but all butt joints with pocket hole screws). The only problems is the mdf has a tendancy to start splitting when you screw into the sides. I used the coarse thread scews and maybe the fine threads would be better??? Not sure. But I used biscuits for the tops and bottom. It seems they would better be able to hold up to latteral forces since they are much wider than a screws. Biscuit pointing up and dropped the top onto them. Same for the bottom.

[onedash]

one saved round. I seen you can get a tapered pocket hole bit so you can use regular screws I guess. Never tried it.

[thestinker]

I just finished a cradel for my girl out of mdf, so I know what you are talking about as far as spliting goes. That kind of makes me want to use biscuts istead. Since I hav neither a pocket hole jig or a plate joiner....looks like I will be getting some new <s>toys</s>...I mean tools. But, if someone has a better idea for making glass doors with dmf frames....let me know.

[L. D. Jeffries]

I've used pocket-hole joinery on quite a few projects and it really is a wonder. They do make or rather sell pocket-hole plugs that are dowels (in various species) with a slant cut end to fill in the drilled space with hardly any voids for places where the join will show. Two types of screws are available, course thread and fine thread..depends on what kind of wood is used, soft or hard. Also bevel head screw are available from Kreg; so I would guess with some care you could use regular screws, like dry wall etc. I usually buy my pocket-hole screws from Rockler or someone simular.

[leehljp]

Like Dustmight, I use decking and even drywall screws with excellent results. I use the clutch on the drill driver for the proper setting - to keep it from driving all the way through. It takes "touch" or "feel" to get it right and is not something a person just goes out and does.