Everything You Need to Know about Pocket Holes

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When I thought about creating built-in cabinets I knew that I would need to use pocket holes to achieve that seamless professional look!

Materials:

Tools:

Step 1: What is a Pocket Hole?

I’m answering all the FAQ’s and giving a detailed tutorial on how to create the perfect pocket hole. A pocket hole is a way to join two pieces of wood with a hidden screw in a “pocket”. It allows you to screw through a hole into the side of a board, so that the screw is hidden on the inside, almost like a pocket.

Step 2: Enter Kreg Jig

In order to create the perfect pocket hole, you’re going to want to have a version of a pocket hole tool. Kreg makes several variations and models at different price points. I’ve detailed my three favorite options below, the more expensive options are easier and more efficient to use.

The Kreg R3 is the base model, and is great for starting out. It has measurements marked, and you set it based on the depth of your board then clamp it on and screw the pocket hole!

I highly recommend my favorite, the Kreg 720! It adjusts for the depth of the wood automatically, is overall the easiest to use, and is a good price point for what you get. You simply place the board in the Jig, clamp down, and drill the pocket hole!

The Kreg Foreman is a beast for making pocket holes, it has a built in drill so literally just clamp your board on the press, pull the lever handle down and your pocket hole is drilled. I would recommend this if you are taking on a larger project with lots of pocket holes.

Creating the pocket hole is actually so easy! Follow the instructions for whichever Kreg Jig you have, and place the pocket holes along the edge of the board where you want to attach the sides, top, or bottom.

Step 3: Assembling

Once you have the pocket holes drilled, you want to assemble what you are making. I’m making a cabinet base, so I drilled all the pocket holes on the back board and will drill into the two sides and base board.

I’m using wood glue and pocket screws for this step. I will us a face frame and right angle clamp to hold everything in place while I screw it together after applying the wood glue.

Another example of a perfect use for pocket holes is the face frame for my cabinets.
I cut my pieces to size and drilled pocket holes into the top and bottom boards. I used my face frame clamp and my right angle clamp to hold it in place while I drilled the frame together.

It really is that simple! I used pocket holes on my mobile workbenches and AJ’s rainbow arch table and chair set!

If you have any questions, leave them below! & follow along as I finish my office project!

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A post shared by Amanda Vernaci | Come Stay Awhile (@comestayawhile)

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