Ever since Craig Sommerfield brought the first practical pocket hole drilling jig to market back in 1990, woodworkers have been turning to these fast and convenient joints for projects. And, if you listen to the marketing folks at Kreg Tools and other jig manufacturers, it would appear that you could build an entire set of kitchen cabinets in mere hours.
While the joints are easy to make and quick to assemble, many woodworkers question just how effective they truly are. This week, what do you think about pocket screw joints?
As a noob woodworker I find that a lot of people suggest that pocket screws are in some way cheating a bit as opposed to more conventional methods. Is that the general consensus in the woodworking community?
Brian – there’s nothing wrong with pocket screws… you just have to be judicious in their use. For instance, they kick butt when building cabinets and face frames, but I wouldn’t use them to assemble a rocking chair.
Just understand what they do well and where they may be outclassed. Other than that… go forth and BUILD! 🙂
As a matter of fact, I’m helping my son-in-law build a loft bed/play house for my grand daughter this weekend. This is the most I’ve used my pocket hole jig since I’ve had it. It does make for nice tight joints and is far faster than other methods of joinery for this project.
Rog
Thanks, Tom! I am considering using them for the frame-up for a large changing table and am glad to hear that more experienced woodworkers find them as useful as I do. Love the blog and keep up the great work!
They are great for certain applications. I would never use them in a face frame for a custom kitchen. However, in a price pointed built in maybe. I primarily use them for exterior casings on houses and have occasionally used them on custom closets. In short, are they an inferior joint, yes. Do they have a place in woodworking, yes/limited. I have also use them in some case work where they are totally unseen or felt from the inside as almost a clamping fixture with some type of joinery and glue. If you get a little more versed in joinery and what types to use in what situations, you will find conventional joinery not only much stronger, but not that much harder/slower to make. I will continue to use pocket screws for exterior casings primarily.