How To Use A Kreg Jig: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use a Kreg Jig PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Sam Hubbard

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Adjusting the Kreg Jig for Your Project
    • |
  • Drilling the Pocket Holes
    • |
  • Fastening the Joint
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Sam Hubbard. Sam Hubbard is a Professional Carpenter and the Owner of Highlands Remodeling. He has over 19 years of experience in the carpentry industry. Sam specializes in both home remodels and custom woodworking projects. Highlands Remodel has been recognized for their kitchen remodels, home woodworking projects, cabinetry, closet installations, and handyman services. Highlands Remodeling serves communities throughout both North and South Carolina, and holds an official certification from the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP). Sam and his company take pride in their ability to transform their client’s existing spaces into something truly remarkable. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 114,317 times.

A Kreg Jig is a type of tool used to join wood. Kreg Jigs can help you drill what are known as pocket holes, which allow screws to be inserted at an angle. Because the screws run along the grain of the wood rather than through it, the joint will be much stronger and more secure. Though they may look complicated to first time crafters, using a Kreg Jig is surprisingly simple. All you need to do is measure your wood, set the Kreg Jig to the corresponding width and use the guided slots to drill perfect pocket holes.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Adjusting the Kreg Jig for Your Project

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  1. Step 1 Measure the wood you’re using. 1 Measure the wood you’re using. Before you begin drilling, it’s important to measure the width of the boards you’ll be working with. The thickness is what you’re looking to gauge here. Knowing the exact thickness of the board will enable you to drill the pocket holes at just the right angle.[1]
    • Always measure your wood, regardless of the specifications given on the label. It’s possible for wood to shrink or for a board’s width to be based on averages rather than precise measurements.
    • The difference of a fraction of an inch could potentially throw off your whole project.
  2. Step 2 Set your drill bit collar to the correct depth. 2 Set your drill bit collar to the correct depth. Line the pocket hole drill bit up with the specifications indicated on the base of the jig. The step (the place on the bit where it narrows to a point) should be even with the notch that corresponds to the thickness of your board. Slide the depth collar to the appropriate height and tighten it using an Allen wrench.[2]
    • The depth collar is slightly wider than the guide holes of the jig, and will keep you from drilling too far into the wood.
    • A special pocket hole drill bit should be included with your new Kreg Jig.
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  3. Step 3 Change the placement of the jig. 3 Change the placement of the jig. Using the same measurements, adjust the height of the jig to the appropriate position. To do this, loosen the thumbscrew on the back so that you can raise or lower guide hole piece freely. Once the jig is where you want it, tighten the thumbscrew to secure it.[3]
    • Raising and lowering the jig will change the angle of the guide holes slightly to make them suitable for boards of varying widths.
    • Remember to reset the guide hole piece every time you drill a board of a different size.
  4. Step 4 Secure the jig to the workbench. 4 Secure the jig to the workbench. Clamp the jig down so that it will remain firmly in place. This will prevent the wood from coming loose while you’re drilling. Make sure the guide holes of the jig are facing toward you on the workbench.[4]
    • You’ll be drilling into the back side of the board, which won’t be visible once the piece is completed.[5]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Drilling the Pocket Holes

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  1. Step 1 Clamp the wood into the jig. 1 Clamp the wood into the jig. Place one end of the wooden board vertically against the clamp backing on the opposite side of the jig, then pull the lever to press the clamp tight against it. Test the board to make sure that it doesn’t slide around.[6]
    • The clamp lever should lock into position once the clamp is fully extended.
  2. Step 2 Fit the drill bit into the guide holes in the jig. 2 Fit the drill bit into the guide holes in the jig. The guide holes should be just large enough to comfortably accommodate the drill bit. Most standard Kreg Jig models will have at least three guide holes so that you can drill as many holes as needed to support the joint.[7]
    • For greater precision and security, keep your pocket holes spaced at even distances.
    • Should you need more pocket holes than your jig allows, you can make room for more by shifting the wood down in the clamp after drilling your first set.
  3. Step 3 Drill the desired number of pocket holes. 3 Drill the desired number of pocket holes. Begin drilling into the guide holes using steady pressure until you’re stopped by the depth collar. Pull back on the drill as you work to free the guide holes of loose wood chips. Drill as many holes as you need to create a strong joint that will suit the purposes of your project, then turn the board around and repeat the process on the other end.[8]
    • Try drilling on a scrap piece of wood first to confirm that the settings on the jig are correct.
    • You’ll need to drill at least two pocket holes—otherwise, the boards will pivot around the single screw.[9]
    • The jig will allow you to drill at a shallow angle into the wood, which results in a more structurally sound joint than if you were to drill straight through.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Fastening the Joint

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  1. Step 1 Press the pieces of wood together to form a joint. 1 Press the pieces of wood together to form a joint. Now that you’ve drilled the boards, arrange them the way they’ll go in the finished project. Make sure the edges are evenly aligned. If you prefer, you can clamp the boards in place to make them easier to manage.[10]
    • Line up the boards carefully to avoid making a costly mistake.
    • If you’re using a smaller clamp, clamp both pieces of wood to the table at the seam.[11]
  2. Step 2 Glue the edges of the joint together for added security. 2 Glue the edges of the joint together for added security. Spread a thin layer of wood glue onto the edges of the boards where they connect. This will reinforce the joint even further and prevent the boards from coming apart as you fasten them.[12]
    • Give the glue a few minutes to set up to make the joint more sturdy while drilling.
    • If you're using wood glue in addition to a conventional clamp, apply the glue before you align the edges of the boards.
  3. Step 3 Drill the screws into place. 3 Drill the screws into place. Fit the screws into the pocket holes so that they’re aimed at the body of the adjoining board. Drive the screws deep until they disappear inside the pocket hole. The pocket hole bit conveniently bores its own thread as it drills, so you should have no problem getting the screws to hold.[13]
    • For softer woods, use screws with a coarse thread. Finer threads should be reserved for hard, dense varieties of wood like maple and oak.
    • Select the right type of screw for the exact specifications and type of wood you’re using.[14]
  4. Step 4 Conceal the pocket holes with wood plugs or adhesive. 4 Conceal the pocket holes with wood plugs or adhesive. Once you’re done, you may notice shallow depressions left behind at the openings of the pocket holes. These can easily be filled with a glob of putty or wood glue. You could also invest in a set of Kreg wood plugs, which are specially tapered to slide right in for a smooth, seamless finish.[15]
    • Plugging the pocket holes is merely a cosmetic choice, and won’t affect the strength of the joint in any way.
    • Since you’ll be drilling into the back or underside of the boards, the pocket holes on the finished piece shouldn’t be visible even if you haven’t taken steps to conceal them.[16]
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question The screw will not seat, so the head shows. I've tried to drill deeper and make sure the sawdust is out of the hole, but it doesn't work. I will try it again on a spare piece of wood. Guitarteacher91 Guitarteacher91 Community Answer Drill a pilot hole. Then drill a countersink hole. The screw head will go flush with the wood or even below it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question Even using kreg screws designed for hardwood, my one-inch cherry is cracking when I put the screw in. I don't have a drill bit long enough to do a pilot hole through the 'pocket'. What should I do? Cthomas7216 Cthomas7216 Community Answer The only real option is obtaining the correct drill bit. If you have a radial drill press or one with an accurate tilting table, that could also be an option. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Video

Tips

  • Use pocket holes to reinforce the joints in your favorite antique furniture pieces and increase their lifespan. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
  • Take proper safety precautions by wearing eye protection while drilling. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Kreg Jigs are useful for mounting shelves, putting together wooden crates, making your own tables and cabinets or dozens of other woodworking projects. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you don’t clear the wood chips out the pocket holes while you’re drilling, the drill bit will meet with extra resistance and quickly become overheated, which can cause it to wear out faster over time. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • Exercise caution when working with electric drills and other power tools. Carelessness can lead to accidents or injuries. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need

  • Kreg Jig
  • Electric drill
  • Wood screws
  • Table clamp
  • Wood glue
  • Tape measure
  • Wood plugs or bonding adhesive (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/how-to-use-a-kreg-jig/
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaSZKOl3jsQ
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjEKCQqbabQ
  4. ↑ http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/how-to-use-a-kreg-jig/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaSZKOl3jsQ
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jd9Ip16iik
  7. ↑ http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/how-to-use-a-kreg-jig/
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jd9Ip16iik
  9. ↑ http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/how-to-use-a-kreg-jig/
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/pocket-hole-joinery
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaSZKOl3jsQ
  3. ↑ https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/joinery/pocket-hole
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaSZKOl3jsQ
  5. ↑ https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/joinery/pocket-hole
  6. ↑ http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/how-to-use-a-kreg-jig/
  7. ↑ http://www.myrepurposedlife.com/how-to-use-a-kreg-jig/

About This Article

Sam Hubbard Co-authored by: Sam Hubbard Professional Carpenter This article was co-authored by Sam Hubbard. Sam Hubbard is a Professional Carpenter and the Owner of Highlands Remodeling. He has over 19 years of experience in the carpentry industry. Sam specializes in both home remodels and custom woodworking projects. Highlands Remodel has been recognized for their kitchen remodels, home woodworking projects, cabinetry, closet installations, and handyman services. Highlands Remodeling serves communities throughout both North and South Carolina, and holds an official certification from the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP). Sam and his company take pride in their ability to transform their client’s existing spaces into something truly remarkable. This article has been viewed 114,317 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 6 Updated: May 27, 2025 Views: 114,317 Categories: Woodworking Tools Article SummaryX

To use a Kreg jig, start by measuring the thickness of the board you’re using and selecting the drill bit that corresponds to that depth. Then, adjust the height of the jig to fit the board’s thickness and tighten the thumbscrew on the back to secure it. Next, clamp the jig to your workbench and place the board into the jig. Once it’s in place, pull the lever to press the clamp against the board so it doesn’t slide around. Finally, insert the drill bit into the guide holes and drill into the wood using steady pressure until you’re stopped by the collar on the jig. For tips on how to use a Kreg jig to create a strong joint for your project, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Sam Hubbard Co-authored by: Sam Hubbard Professional Carpenter Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6 Updated: May 27, 2025 Views: 114,317 Will Vrba

Will Vrba

Aug 25, 2020

"I wish all DIY pages were as informative and easy to follow as this one. It really helped me to explain to my 9..." more Doug Allam

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"I learned how this system works, planning to purchase one now." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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Tag » How To Use Kreg Pocket Hole Jig