Pocket Hole Jig ...HF vs KREG

[Leatherneck]

HF has a pocket hole jig for $56 (w/20% coupon). KREG jig is about 2X the price.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96264

Are the 2 comperable?

Thanks....John

[Al R.]

HF has a pocket hole jig for $56 (w/20% coupon). KREG jig is about 2X the price.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96264

Are the 2 comperable?

Thanks....John

Yes, I have the HF and it is practically the same function. I just added a plywood-base under it in order to make it easy the clamping-anywhere I want to use it.

[Leatherneck]

Thanks Al...face frames are gonna be easier from now on.

[Al R.]

Thanks Al...face frames are gonna be easier from now on.

Enjoy it! Sometimes you can use it on the outside also and cover up the hole with a Pocket Hole Plug from another type of color (wood), and it will give an interesting look to the project.

[Leatherneck]

Interesting contrast!

Enjoy it! Sometimes you can use it on the outside also and cover up the hole with a Pocket Hole Plug from another type of color (wood), and it will give an interesting look to the project.

I can envision a table skirt with this detail.

Thanks again Al!

[LCHIEN]

a cou0ple of years ago some magazine and i forget which, did a comparison of all the alternatives vs. the Kreg. HF did not have one at that time. The conclusion was that the Kreg jigs were all just a bit better and more pleasurable to use - that slight edge that some products have - and in each category from full up jig to the mini jigs, the Kregs were better all around.

I don't think any failed to work, but they liked the Kregs better.

I have a kreg set. Its molded high quality plastic with steel wear sleeves. With the moldings they have some features the others can't, shows some real thinking an engineering on their part. the competitors tend to be machined parts. Individually they probably cost more to machine than the Kreg parts would cost less per unit cast in plastic, but of course Kreg spent a lot for tooling and engineering

[Bill in Buena Park]

John,
Thanks for posting this. I didn't know HF had one, and this could turn out to be one of the HF gems. The adjustable width between the pocket holes looks interesting. I'll have to pick one up, just as soon as this economic crisis lets up.

[Photojosh]

I've got a Kreg R4 which I like plenty. But I might pick one of these up at some point just to have a benchtop model.

[pacwind3]

The only part about the HF unit that I am seeing and not liking is the lack of backing behind the hole. If your drill bit isn't super sharp, you are opening yourself up to tear-out. No biggie if your holes will never be seen though.
I have the k-3 and have no regrets in buying it.

[LinuxRandal]

Does the HF one come with a drill bit? Stop collar? How do you set it up for different thicknesses of wood?

With the K3, the clamp is one the side toward you. (easier to deal with large panels) It has dust collection. It has three holes so spacing is easier (then unscrewing and resetting spacing). It is adjustable for different depths. And now they have a micro size unit that fits into it for smaller thicknesses.

I started out with the pocket model, years ago. My father bought the K2000, and three competitors, including one similar to the HF design. The K3 came out and was a huge improvement, to the point that it is WELL worth the difference to me.

[jziegler]

I'd stay away from the cheap pocket hole jigs. I got a cheap one from Rockler a few years ago (long before HF had one) and the bit snapped after a few holes, and the company never responded to my email about it. The Kreg jigs are easier to use and better designed. This seems to be a case of you get what you pay for. I like saving money and have a number of HF tools, but this is a case where the name brand seems to be worth the extra money.

Jim