October 4, 2023
Pocket hole joinery is a beneficial assemblage technique. While it’s been around for decades, there is one thing that changed the game in the early 1990s: pocket hole jigs.
We have innovator Craig Sommerfield to thank. Since being patented in 1991, the Kreg pocket hole jig has increased in commercial popularity. It’s one of the most accessible tools in the market today!
Manufacturers have done different jig models to date, fitting various kinds of woodworkers. If you’re a more casual worker into DIY projects, there are basic jigs out there for you. Professional woodworkers who prefer larger jigs for their benches and workshops have their own collection to pick from, too.
You might find yourself fitting into those two categories of woodworkers. Or maybe, you’re somewhere in between. To find out which pocket hole jig is the best fit, read our article below!
Although there are many pocket jigs to choose from, only a handful of manufacturers, including pocket hole jig inventor Kreg, produce them.
Top Popular Types and Models of Kreg’s Pocket Hole Jigs
You may notice that this list only covers Kreg pocket hole jigs. While it’s true pocket hole jigs are more accessible today, some limited manufacturers produce them. Kreg continues to be the leader!
We take you through a complete tour of pocket hole jigs, according to your experience level.
Last update on 2024-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For Complete Beginners
How do you know if you’re a pocket hole joinery beginner? Well, it goes without saying. You’ve done little to no woodworking projects, and pocket hole jigs are something entirely new for you.
Feel like you’re a fit? Dive into our list below for the best pocket jigs for you!
1) Kreg R3
One thing that will stand out first with this pocket hole jig is its price. It’s affordable for a pocket hole jig! While the only experience can tell if its quality measures up to the price, its features are beginner-friendly without compromising functionality.
The Kreg R3 kit includes:
- Positioning sliders with added depth settings
- Molded depth-collar gauge
- Dual wood-chip holes
- Drill bit guides
The Kreg R3 accommodates standard clamps and measures various depths. But one feature stands out from all the rest: its durability.
It’s one of those subtle things you only notice after some time with the product. But the body of the jig is glass-enforced and made of nylon. Meanwhile, the drill bit guides are made of hardened steel.
It’s not just durability these features promise, but a successful workpiece. You get a much cleaner product with minimal tear-out! It’s also portable, so you can bring it around anywhere in your home.
There are more features than we expect, so it’s a great training ground for beginners. DIY projects are best for this pocket hole jig.
2) Pocket-Hole Jig 310
The Pocket-Hole Jig 310 is another budget and beginner-friendly pocket hole jig you can try! With one purchase of the Pocket-Hole Jig 310, you get:
- Drill guides
- Thickness gauge and stop
- Drill bits
- Stop collar
- One square-drive bit
- Anti-slip base
Woodworking will never be as easy! The thickness gauge and stop are compatible with most projects’ standard thickness: 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inch thick wood. Set-up is much simpler, and the anti-slip base makes sure you don’t have to use complicated clamps to keep your project stable.
Best of all, buying the Pocket-Hole Jig 310 means you get a lifetime drill-guide warranty.
The Pocket-Hole Jig 310 is best for standard and DIY projects using plywood. Use it for home repairs, too!
3) Pocket-Hole Jig 320
If you want a comprehensive kit to lead you into the world of pocket hole joinery, the 320 is your best bet. It’s a great addition to any toolbox! You get:
- Drill guides
- Removable spacers
- Removable thickness stops at 1/2″, 3/4″, 1 1/2″
- Drill and drive bits
- Clamp adapter
- 40 sample screws
- Carrying case
- Lifetime drill guide warranty
- Anti-slip base
This portable jig kit creates all kinds of pocket holes for any design you want. If you notice, it basically combines everything you want from our first two recommendations, with extra features sprinkled on top.
With this pocket hole jig kit, you don’t have to worry about losing any accessories with the compact carrying case! Bring this kit around anywhere, and you’ll be guaranteed success.
If you’re moving about from workshops to homes and you want an all-inclusive kit, this is the purchase for you. You won’t miss out on any tool or feature.
For Intermediate Woodworkers
Have you experimented enough with pocket holes? It’s time to upgrade your woodworking experience and invest in the following tools:
1) Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 520PRO
Need something more intuitive? It’s time to consider the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 520PRO. It has a rotating handle you can use to adjust your pocket holes for all orientations. You can make sure each spot is perfect with the drill guide and adjustable stop.
Aside from these features, you also get:
- An anti-slip base for secure drilling
- Drill chip ejection port
- Durable steel guides
- Drill and driver bit
- Face clamp
- One hundred (100) Kreg screws
- Downloadable project plan
We love the last two features. If you need to practice and see how you can use the 520PRO effectively, they’re ready for use!
If you need something you can work with at any place and time, the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig is a great pick. All struggles with large boards and quality drilling are gone out the window! Versatile, easy to use, and durable, this jig will last you for a long time – and for many projects, too.
2) Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig System
The Kreg Jig K4 is the best system to start advancing your pocket hole joinery skills. If you’re a beginner who’s looking to learn with intermediate tools, the Kreg Jig K4 allows that, too!
Purchasing the Kreg Jig K4 gives you:
- A 3-hole drill-guide
- Drill guide spacings at 9/16″, 7/8″, 17/16″
- Clamping recess
- Drill bit
- Square driver
- Starter screw set
- Plug set
The 3-hole drill guide spaces out pocket holes for you. Once you start working with the clamp, bit, and screws, you’ll notice the clean results! It makes everything quick and convenient.
Avid DIY project woodworkers or those who love to repair things around the home will love this system. It’s simply designed with powerful features to bring out the best in your projects!
For Professional Woodworkers
Have you got years of experience with pocket-hole jigs under your belt? It’s time to invest in the expert pocket hole jig that fits your needs. Choose from our top picks below!
1) Pocket-Hole Jig 720 PRO
You don’t need to buy a full suite of tools when you have the Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO. As an expert worker, you crave the quickest, most efficient way to drill holes in your projects. Thankfully, the Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO gives you adequate support and storage to build smarter!
Waste no time with the 720PRO’s one-motion clamping. Set the thickness (from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″) and clamp automatically. You know you’ll have your pieces secure – it won’t slip with the Gripmaxx™ feature.
Even large projects won’t budge with stow-away support wings. They transform the entire kit into a portable workstation! Plus, there are more features included, like:
- Dust collection attachment to keep your space clean
- Steel reinforced spines and drill guides
- Thickness gauge
- Drill bits
- On-board tool storage
- 160 Kreg screws
A lifetime warranty keeps everything safe. Start building with the included project plan, too!
The Pocket Hole Jig 720PRO fits workers who travel with their workpieces best. If you need something durable and versatile for the ride, then this is the pocket hole jig kit for you!
What’s the Difference Between the Pocket-Hole Jig 720 and the Pocket Hole Jig 720PRO?
If you’re familiar with Kreg tools, you’ll know that Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO has a predecessor: the Pocket-Hole Jig 720. It may be tempting to get the 720PRO, or maybe you’re confused about which one to get.
There are only a few key differences. The 720 has everything the 720PRO has, but the latter has two advantages. It has a clamp and docking station for better security and more workspace!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate worker, or expert, there’s a tool out there for you. We’ve made your search process easier! We’ve filtered out the best of the best and found the top picks you can consider.
So, what are your choices? Do you have upcoming projects? We can’t wait to hear from you! Tell us everything in the comments.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.