What is a Pocket Hole Jig?

A pocket hole jig is a device designed to drive a cavity called pocket hole into a work piece at an angle to serve as an aperture for a screw to sit in. Pocket hole joinery enables two pieces of wood to be coupled together strongly and permanently. The pocket hole jig guides the drill bit into the wood at a specific angle such that it produces a precise hole to house the screw head. The jig has a moulded frame made of high quality plastic that enables it withstand clamps without cracking. The jig’s guide hole has hardened steel inserted to prevent the bit from damaging the jig while drilling.

Structure of the pocket hole jig

A standard pocket hole jig consists of the jig and a clamp integrated with it to hold the work piece in place. Pocket hole jigs usually have two or three guide holes that make it easy to drill multiple holes quickly. Smaller and more affordable single-hole jigs are also on sale in the market. The portable pocket jigs come with carrying cases, but as they are not sold with benches like the bigger ones, they usually need a separate clamp. If you are a beginner who drills pocket holes occasionally, you may find the single hole jig more suitable. Professionals who drill holes frequently will find the multi-hole jigs are preferable.

Guide holes and depth stop

Pocket hole jigs have up to three guide holes which pilot the drill bit while it creates the holes. The guide hole works with the drill bit and they have steel liners which have the capacity to withstand the rotating blade of a drill bit without cracking. They are also equipped with a ring-shaped piece of hardened steel called depth stop. A set screw on the side of the depth stop enables the user to tighten it in place on the drill bit using a hex wrench. The depth stop controls the drilling depth by stopping the drill bit when it comes into contact with the jig.

Role of the clamp

A clamp prevents the jig from shifting while the user is drilling holes. The user is required to tighten the clamp by screwing the clamp tighter. Some jigs come with toggle clamps which allow the user to lock the jig onto the work piece quickly by pulling a lever. Larger pocket jig systems have toggle clamps integrated into the jig, but smaller ones still require the user to attach the clamp to the jig and the work piece separately.

Final thoughts

Pocket hole jigs are inexpensive and easier to use than the more advanced methods of joining wood. The smaller jigs come with carrying cases which makes it easy to transport them to various locations in a tool bag. The carrying case also makes it possible to keep the jig, the drill and the drivers together in one place. The larger systems come with an integrated clamp, and they also enable users create up to three holes at a time. Their bulky size makes them less easy to transport than the smaller jigs.