What is a Kreg jig?
Kreg jigs are especially handy tools to use when you need to join two pieces of wood together. A Kreg jig creates something called a pocket hole, which guides your screw from one piece of wood into the other at an angle, creating a stronger joint with a cleaner look.
These tools might look intimidating, but they're actually surprisingly simple to use once you see how they work—which is exactly what we're going to show you in this post!
Step 1: Measure board
First, measure the thickness of the board into which you'll be drilling the pocket holes. (Note: You need to measure the side of the wood the screw will be coming out of.)
Step 2: Adjust drill bit
Next, you'll need to adjust the length of your drill bit to match the measurement you got from the thickness of the wood. Use the measurement tool in the Kreg jig box to adjust the setting on your drill bit. (This is the little circle collar you'll be adjusting).
Step 3: Set length
Set the length of where you want the pocket hole to be in the piece of wood. Again, the length should match the measurement you got from your board. These parts you're adjusting extend from the actual Kreg jig.
Step 4: Clamp Kreg jig in place
Line up the Kreg jig with the tabs at the end of the gray arms pulled against the end of the wood. Center the Kreg jig on the wood. For a two-by-four there's room for both pilot holes; for a two-by-two, center just one hole on the wood. Use the clamp to hold the Kreg jig in place.
Step 5: Pre-drill
Now that you have the Kreg jig set in place, it's time to drill. Drill until the collar that you adjusted in step two touches the pilot holes.
Step 6: Attach wood piece
Next, attach your piece of wood using the pocket hole you've created. You'll need a driver bit at least 6" long, as you'll be drilling more depth.
Step 7: Plug hole
Once you've connected the two pieces, you can now use a rubber mallet and a wood plug to hide the hole—a little sanding and staining, and voila! It's like the hole was never there!
