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    Home » Repurposed Items » How to Use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System

    How to Use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System

    Published by Gail | Published July 14, 2016 | Updated January 7, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Did you know you can use your Kreg Jig for making repairs on furniture as well as building new furniture projects? I'll show you how! #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #repairs #kregjig #diy via @repurposedlife

    It’s Power Tool Challenge day! Today I'm going to talk about how to use a Kreg Jig.

    Each month some of us bloggers get together and share projects with you to help encourage you to use power tools to do projects of your own. We understand what it is to be intimidated by power tools. At one time we all were newbies at this, but we kept on at it, and got better with each project we successfully completed.

    Are all projects perfect? NO, they are not. Are all projects easy? NO, they are not. The goal is to keep trying and learn from our own mistakes.

    Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite tools. After I got my first Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System I found a new fondness for building “the box”. If you think about it, most projects build from scratch—begin with a four sided box. Using Kreg Jigs and their pocket hole screws will change the way you build.

    I know a lot of people buy them, and put them away and never use them because they are intimidated by this simple tool. It’s not difficult to use, but it can be challenging to use it RIGHT!

    I would say that I use one of my THREE Kreg Jigs on 99% of all of my projects. It’s not just for building—it also makes repairing furniture easy.

    Easy Cabinet Door Coat Rack Shelf

    kreg jig tipsOn these easy cabinet door shelves, using a Kreg Jig is the perfect solution for a great joint. Many times I have to concentrate really hard to make sure I get the hole drilled in the right place. Once while making this type of project, I mistakenly drilled the hole into the shelf instead of the cabinet door. When using this connection for a shelf board, I know that it is going to be very sturdy especially if I use my favorite Gorilla Wood Glue.

    If you want to start easy, this would be a great “beginner Kreg Jig project” for you.

    DIY Indoor or Outdoor Coffee Table

    By using Kreg Jig pocket holes on this indoor/outdoor coffee table, there are no visible screws or nails of any kind. It’s really one of my favorite projects lately. Mostly because it didn’t cost me any money—I used scrap wood leftover from my diy picket fence.

    You can see here that I don’t really mark exactly where the hole needs to go, I just quickly draw a line so I know on which side of the board to drill the pocket holes.

    YES! there are lots of pocket holes, but they are not seen while the coffee table is in use. You can see that I buy my screws by a box of 1000 at a time—that’s how many screws I use.

    Not bad for FREE, eh?

    As I said above, many projects begin with a box. I like to make window cabinets—large ones, small ones, wall cabinets and even floor cabinets.

     Tall Window Box

    attaching-shelves-cupboard

    Starting from the top to the bottom, pocket hole screws are the meat of this tall window project.

    • sides secured to the top
    • all shelves secured to the sides
    • bottom shelf secured to front facing
    • front facing is completely built using Kreg Jig pocket holes and screws.

    The only thing that doesn’t have pocket holes in this build is the window! It’s a moving part.

    How to Use a Kreg Jigkreg-jig-jr

    For a long, long time, I only used my Kreg Jig Jr, now called the Kreg R3, I secured it with my Irwin quick clamp. It’s very handy, portable and is rather inexpensive at about $40.

    Using a Kreg Jig K4

    kreg jigThen I finally decided to invest in the Kreg Jig K4 pocket hole system. Sometimes if I don’t have many boards to do, I don’t even clamp the Kreg Jig to my work surface. Even so, the K4 really is a lot faster if you have many holes to drill.

    A Mini Kreg Jig Kit repairs furniture

    I used the Mini Kreg Jig Kit to repair this old rocking chair IN PLACE. Then I clamped the jig in the corner, drilled the hole and secured with screws without disturbing the existing joint.

    reinforce-front-legs-kreg-jigI also used it on this toy box made from a crib to reinforce the front legs.

     Kreg Micro Drill Systemkreg jig micro jig

    I think I told you above that I have THREE Kreg Jigs, I think I actually have four when I include this Micro Drill System. It’s that black insert that you see in the K4. The guide (and bit) drill smaller holes which come in handy for some smaller projects.

    I used it to make easy rustic frame 3 ways. The joints were small boards and I needed smaller pocket holes as well as smaller pocket hole screws.

    how to use your kreg jig pocket hole jigs k4 k3 and more MyRepurposedLife.com

    I truly hope I haven’t intimidated you with all these projects. I think every DIY woodworker should have at least 1 or 2 Kreg jigs in the tool cabinet.

    Do you have one still in the box? If so, I challenge you to get it out very soon and build a simple project, or at least put together a box of some sort.

    If you need more inspiration or ideas, check out the full library of my Kreg Jig Projects.

    I’m here if you ever have any questions about using this fabulous tool, just shoot me an email or leave a comment on this post.

    Now, are you ready to check out these great projects from my friends?

    Power Tool Challenge Team Favorite Projects

    Family Sign by My Love To Create

    Adirondack FireBowl Table by Interior Frugalista

    Headboard Bench by Domestically Speaking

    DIY Wall Sign by Designs By Studio C

    Easy Bird Feeder by Virginia Sweet Pea

    Headboard Bench by Designed Decor

    DIY Small Pet Bed by H2OBungalow

    How To Use A Kreg Jig by My Repurposed Life

    I hope you pick up some power tools today and do some DIY!

    gail

    disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. Although I have received a few Kreg products at blog conferences and such, I have bought way more than they have given me.

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    1. Karen Mikijanis

      October 21, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      Hi Gail, It's so nice to hear about another woman that loves the Kreg Jig, I just purchased my first one, the R3 and I just love it, now it's my favorite tool!!! I just finished a farmhouse table with turned legs, and it's ready for staining. The jig made the project so much easier. I ordered 2 sets of the legs, so now I'm going to make an end table. My plan is to get the R4 and a right hand clamp. But, that's down the road. Happy creating!!!
      Karen in Kansas

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 21, 2018 at 9:51 pm

        I'm so happy you love the Kreg jig Karen. It does make projects so easy. I use it on all of my builds.

        Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it.

        Happy building! Don't be a stranger.

        gail

    2. Diane Scharin

      September 05, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      I don't see actual instructions on how to use it. Just a few pictures. Can you do a video?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        September 05, 2016 at 9:12 pm

        Diane,

        I've done videos before. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5xjiQ0rfa8
        I hope it helps.

        gail

    3. Denise Barkel

      July 21, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      This post you did on How to use a Kreg Jig was a blessing when I first read it. The reason is I finally have purchases Kreg kit, I have read over & over again about using this to join wood together. So I followed yours blog post like the Bible, have to admit I love it so far. Thanks again for sharing this information with all of us.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 21, 2016 at 6:50 pm

        Denise,

        Oh, how happy I am to hear this. So many people have bought them and left them in the box. They are just different, not difficult. If you look at the underneath side of your furniture, you will probably see pocket holes!

        enjoy the new empowerment! (is that a word?) hahaha

        gail

      • Denise Barkel

        July 21, 2016 at 6:55 pm

        For the longest time I have seen these holes but never know what they were but now I know thanks to you!

        Denise

    4. Cher @ Designs by Studio C

      July 15, 2016 at 11:35 am

      Great tutorial, Gail! Fabulous information to those new to the jig! I'm a huge fan of Gorilla wood glue, as well, and always use it with my pocket hole joints!

      Reply
    5. DeDe Designed Decor

      July 14, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      This has to be one of the best tools ever! You have made some pretty amazing projects using this little handy tool! Thanks Gail!

      Reply
    6. Anne

      July 14, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      Thanks Gail!! You're the best!

      Reply
    7. Marie, The Interior Frugalista

      July 14, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Gail, I couldn't agree more that this little tool is a MUST have for DIYers. Love mine and have the K4 on my Wish List. Pinning to share in my Building Tips board.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 14, 2016 at 12:46 pm

        Thanks for pinning Marie! I love my k4 !! I didn't think I needed it, but It's my go-to jig now.

        gail

    8. Paula

      July 14, 2016 at 9:52 am

      You've made so many great projects with your Kreg Jig. As I read your post, I kept thinking to myself, "I want to make that." We only have one size Kreg and now I think we need more!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 14, 2016 at 12:47 pm

        The smaller jigs are handy to have for portability and ease. But the k4 is my favorite.

        thanks so much Paula!
        gail

    9. Mindi

      July 14, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Gail this is a fabulous post! I am with you 100% on your love for this tool!! Pinned!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 14, 2016 at 12:48 pm

        I saw your pin Mindi! Thanks so much for sharing this post. Where would we be without our Kreg Jigs? 🙂

        gail

    10. Wendi @ H2OBungalow

      July 14, 2016 at 8:34 am

      ...ya know, every time I read one of your posts, I think to myself, yeah..that's awesome, yup, I need to do that project and wow! I love this! I just did it again as I read through this mornings PTC post. Plus, what an awesome topic to share with our readers! You rock my friend:) Pinning & sharing!

      Reply
    11. John Thomas

      July 14, 2016 at 7:46 am

      Kreg pocket hole system - One of the world's greatest inventions. I am using one now to build a sewing room and all its side projects. I used to be a partner in an outdoor furniture company that used a more industrial version to SECURELY assemble the joints in our furniture pieces. Love it!

      John Thomas in NC

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 14, 2016 at 9:08 am

        Yep! totally agree.

        thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated John!

        gail

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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