Hey, look at this! Tool Tutorial Friday is back! Today I have a great tool for creating strong joints when building with wood and furniture construction. Today I’m going to show you the simple tutorial for How to Use a Kreg Jig. If you don’t have one yet, you need to purchase one ASAP! This little tool is my go to for for building furniture, frames and just about anything that needs a tight joint.
(I’ve included affiliate links in this post for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
I use the K4 Kreg Jig It didn’t take me long to figure out how to use it, but I know it would have been helpful to have a step-by-step tutorial when I was first learning how to use a Kreg Jig. For your convenience, this is a quick tutorial.
I was first introduced to the Kreg Jig by my friends Ana White and Rayan with The Design Confidential. These two DIY ladies opened my eyes to pocket screw joints. Be sure to check out their blogs for more tips from the masters!
The Basics on How To Use a Kreg Jig
First you will need to measure the thickness of your board. The wood I used was 3/4″ thick. It is important to actually measure your stock because what is sold as a 1″ thick board is usually about 3/4″ thick. You should always measure any wood you buy regardless of how it is labeled. The wood may shrink or deviate from the standard size.
Use that measurement to set the depth collar on your Kreg drill bit. The Kreg Jig I have has this handy guide built into the base. Simply set the drill bit into the groove and line up the step (the spot where the drill bit goes from wide to narr0w) with the measurement that corresponds to the thickness of your wood. The depth collar is adjustable with a hex bit.
Next you want to set the jig placement, also based on the thickness of your wood. You’ll notice the numbers on the side of the jig. Loosen the gold thumb screw and raise or lower the hole guide until it corresponds to your wood measurements. Re-tighten the thumb screw.
If you are joining two different thicknesses of wood, use the thinner board to set your measurements. You may want to vary your screw size. Kreg Jig has this handy chart to find the correct screw lengths (the left vertical side in the chart is the thickness of the board receiving the pocket holes. The horizontal top edge is for the thickness of the board that is being screwed into.)
The next thing I do is clamp the jig to my workbench. This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it helps hold things steady.
Set your wood into the jig, line up the end you want to drill holes in at the bottom of the jig. Then press the clamp lever towards the board to clamp it in place. You may need to turn the clamp screw to tighten or loosen it for a secure hold.
Insert the Kreg Jig drill bit into your drill. Start your drill in the forward motion. Drive the bit into the pocket hole guide. Stop at the depth collar on the bit.
For strong joints always use at least two pocket holes. One will only act like a pivot point for the joints to twist and turn.
Remove the drill bit and unclamp the wood.
To complete your joint, clamp the pieces together and drive pocket hole screws into the pocket holes and into the second piece of wood. Choose the screw that is recommended for your material thickness:
1/2″ material = 1″ screws
3/4″ material = 1 ¼” screws
1 1/2″ material = 2 ½” screws
There is a clamp that comes with the K4 Kreg Jig (you can use it to clamp on top and bottom of the joint), but I prefer a larger clamp like this 24″ IRWIN clamp so that the wood doesn’t get marred.
To conceal the pocket holes after your joint is completed, purchase the Kreg plugs. Or you can fill them with Bondo (Yes! Bondo works great as a strong wood putty! Just remember to allow for drying time and sanding when using Bondo.)
And that’s the basics for using a Kreg Jig! You can save some money if you want to purchase the Kreg Jig Jr., but if you plan to do a lot of building, I recommend the Kreg Jig K4 for easier joinery. It has the removable pocket hole guide. The price usually runs just under $100.
Want to learn how to use more tools? Grab a tool and learn now:
Check out these projects using a Kreg Jig:
DIY Open Frame Radiator Screen Cabinet Doors:
Pergola with Trellis Trash Can Screen:
Fireplace Insert Draft Stopper:
Disclosure: I was not paid to endorse Kreg Jig. I purchased the jig with my own money and wrote this tutorial to give my readers the basic tips for using one. As with all tools, be sure to read your owners manual and familiarize yourself with your tools. I am not responsible for any errors or omissions in this tutorial. This post contains affiliate links.
I really want to get one of these!! Looks like a lot of fun!
Is that first photo, setting the depth collar correct or have I been incorrectly setting my “step” and not the tip to the thickness of my board?
Nevermind… It’s me doing it incorrectly! LOL Thank you!
Actually, setting it to the ‘step’ is correct according to the DVD and little book that comes with the Jig. Setting it to the tip will cause the hole to be drilled a bit too shallow. It will work, but not as strong a joint in my experience.
Oh, Kelly, thank you sooo much for correcting me. I read the instructions wrong. Going to change the directions NOW!
No, you were right and I was wrong. Thanks for asking the question. I just updated my post.
Ooh, thanks for the tutorial. I haven’t used the one we got in our Haven swag bags yet, but good to know where to come for a refresher when I’m ready to use it.
Sheila, have you used your jig yet? Get busy girl!
Can I cope the item photo pls
I had to smile when I saw this post. I broke out my Keg Jig today for the first time to build a bed using one of Ana White’s plans. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Hubby bought a Kreg at a DIY show in our area a few years ago, and we use it all the time. It was offered at the Kreg booth as a “special”, so we spent a LOT less than what they sell for now. It’s a really handy tool to have around!
p.s…glad Tutorial Friday is back!!!!
Thank you SO much for your tutorial. I actually just purchased a Kreg Jig and haven’t yet used it. It seemed rather intimidating for a novice woodworker like myself. I had a hard time just figuring out how to assemble the thing… But after reading your instructions I feel a little more confident that I can use it with success. I’m hoping to build some large wooden planters for my first project. I’ll be looking forward to your next tutorial using the Kreg Jig.
OMG Kim… you will love your Kreg… I love mine… you can build anything with it… wait till you use it a couple times… you’ll see furniture items and say.. .”I can build that” go check out http://www.ana-white.com she has tons of plans to build furniture and they all use the Kreg… I made so many things… A table and chairs for my granddaugher.. a bed for her… a play kitchen set… a set of nesting tables for my living room… I love love love it…. I blogged about a few of the things I’ve made so far… My tables are my favorite project so far..
I was literally laying awake in bed last night trying to remember what that was called so that I could look up how to use it and here it is. Thanks!
Another tip – take some white paint and go over all the letters/numbers and wipe off the excess – allow to dry – much easier to read the settings.
Bill, great tip! That’s helpful for sure.
Brittany nice blog! This Kreg system is a must for any DIYer! I use mine from home improvement to fine furniture. I recommend getting the largest kit you can afford. Once you get past the very very small learning curve you will end up getting the extras after you realize how much you can truly build with it. Have fun and create!
Ken
Ken, so true. I’m glad I decided to get the $99 version of the Kreg Jig.
One of the first things I built when I bought my jig was the “Workbench” project. It was an easy build, got me familiar with the tool and the result provided me with a very useful workbench to use on other projects.
Steve, thanks for your comment. I can’t wait to build a potting bench with the Kreg jig next.
Can you drill a hole for a door knob with this jig?
Dana, no, the Kreg jig is more for joinery holes. It drills at an angle.
Hi Brittany…I just got the Kreg M4 and was wondering if you could help me out a little. First off, I’ve never used one, so have lots of questions. I watched the video and it shows putting the spacer bar under the thing that slides up and down. Does this stay there? What is it for and what happens if you don’t put it there? I have written to Kreg, and did look in the FAQ section, but I’m just plain ol confused…..
Debbie.
Debbie, can you point me to the video you are talking about? I’m not sure what the spacer bar is, but maybe if I watch the video I can see what you are talking about.
Oh…sorry about that. Its the video that comes with the M4 Kreg. It shows sliding the blue spacer block into the groves under the piece that you adjust for different sizes of wood. I think it adds an extra 1/4″, but I just don’t know what it all means.
Debbie.
Debora, I watched this Kreg Jig video: http://youtu.be/XrebqzFXSII
I’m not sure if it’s the same one that came with the tool (mine is lost right now in the mess of our garage.) I don’t see a spacer that sit underneath the guide block (I think that’s what you are talking about. But, the three hole guide block slides up and down and you set that (in addition to the collar on the drill bit) to the width of your wood.
It might be helpful for you to just drill some holes in scrap wood to play and see how the jig works before using it on a finished piece.
Thank you for the clip, I hadn’t seen that one. It doesn’t have the spacer block in this video at all. I have tried to contact Kreg, to see what its for, but I just haven’t heard back. I tried to hook up with the Kreg forum, but for some reason, I don’t get the confirmation emails, so working on that as well. Right now its just hurry up and wait until I can chat with someone. It was the weekend, so I am sure mabey today or tomorrow…
I just wanna make something….
thanks for replying so quickly, I sure do appreciate it.
Debbie.
Debbie,
I remember seeing the spacer bar used in a YouTube. It is used when you take the jig out of the stand/clamp and take the jig to a large work piece that wouldn’t fit into it. If I remember, each spacer bar represented a half inch of board thickness and you could order more from Kreg to accomodate thicker boards. It slides onto the bottom of the jig (once you remove it from the stand/clamp) and the additional add-ons interlock. To me, it didn’t seem like something I would end up using, but ya never know.
Thanks bunches. Finally got it all figured out, and have to say I’m not sure I’d use it much either, but as you said…never know. I only have the one, but should probably get 3 more, so it will work with 2x wood. I was making the farm house table and actually needed to add a couple more holes, so used the portable and it worked great.
Hi Brittany,
Still the best Kreg Jig how-to! Can’t believe it’s been more than two years since I pinned this!!
So sad, the link to the Kreg youtube video is now private 🙁 . Is this something you still have access to?
If not, any suggestions on really informative videos? Not a big deal… it’s just there are so many tutorials on youtube that it’s so helpful when one is recommended!
Thanks kindly, Jan
Thank you for this post! I am trying to start some of my own building projects (aka, not requiring the assistance of my hubbie) and this was one of the first things I wanted to learn about. Can’t wait to explore your blog more!
Thanks so much for your description of the Kreg Jig! Great little gizmo.
This is a terrific tutorial. Very clear text with very helpful images. Spot on. Well done. Thanks so much.
I’ve been loving the Kreg system but wondering how to use it. I can’t do any other type of joinery except “toe-nailing” LOL
Thank you for this. BTW which Kreg system (size) would you advise for a novice? I do lots of farm type woodworking, not finish or fine.
Kelly Ann, I have the $99 set and it has been perfect for all my needs. You can get the smaller pocket size, but I think you’d really appreciate the original version and it has the removable section for versatility. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DYFISG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DYFISG&linkCode=as2&tag=prett041-20&linkId=IMQ72KTKFMM2RP2E
I got a bit confused. It seemed to me you were using “width” and “thickness” interchangeably.
Width is the distance from side to side across the grain while thickness is the distance from face to face on a board.
Peace,
j
The wood doesn’t shrink as it dries. a 1″ board is 1″ thick prior to being surface planed so its nice and smooth. Planing it nice and smooth takes off 1/8″ on each side of the board, which makes a 1″ board 3/4″ thick after planing. I
I have a Kreg Jig, I love it, but I cannot, for the life of me, get it to work properly……. every time I’m butting two ends together, the screws always come out the end and the holes are not centred…. It is terribly frustrating and even after watching the DVD 100x I just can’t seem to get it to do what it is supposed to do……. I get to the stage where i just use screws in the butt joint way… boring but it is the only thing that works. so sad 🙁
YOU ARE CORRECT THE DAM KREG JIG IS MADE WITH RETARDS 3/4 PLYWOOD IS NOT GOING TO USE 1 1/4 SCREW NOT EVEN CLOSE 1 1/2 MAKES IT AND THAT SCREW IS MAYBE HALF WAY OF 3/4 PLYWOOD I AM SCREWING TO
how do those plugs fit into the holes?
You tap them in and trim off the excess.
Hi
Great Article. I am looking at starting with a Joinery Jig such as pocket hole. I am looking at buying a K4 or a K5 soon. I am a newbie in woodwork and I am looking for some advice on what else is required to start with pocket holes. Any advice for a good drill (any 18V will do?). What other things will I need to start the right way: clamps, saw? Thank you for any advice.
Yann, I have two drills that I love and use interchangeably. I have a Milwaukee drill and a Rockwell 3Rill.
Hi
Thanks for the great article. I am looking at starting with a Joinery Jig such as pocket hole. I am looking at buying a K4 or a K5 soon. I am a newbie in woodwork and I am looking for some advice on what else is required to start with pocket holes. Any advice for a good drill (any 18V will do?). What other things will I need to start the right way: clamps, saw? Thank you for any advice.
Thanks a bunch, your description of how to use the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig was much better than the users manual that came with the purchase.
Hi! Thanks for this tutorial!! Quick question- do you use the drill bit that the kreg jig included for every pocket hole you make? I’m scared to use it because it seems so much bigger than the screws I will be using.
Yes, you definitely want to use the drill bit that came with the kit. The width accommodates the screw head and the step at the end is necessary for proper depth of the screw.
Hi, do you need special screws for this? I got the K3, made the wholes but having problems using regular screws. Any advice? Thank you so much!
Yes, you need the Kreg pocket hole screws and should use the Kreg square bit with them.
How do you set the washer on the drill bit if I don’t have the factory pattern?
Thanks for showing the irwin clamp to hold boards together! I tried to make a stool and I had my pocket hole screw holes mades, but couldn’t figure out how to put the pieces together! I got the kreg jig r3, wish I had gotten the k4, looks so much easier to get the holes drilled in.
Great basic tutorial! One additional point you might mention is drilling down into the piece half way, and as the drill is still turning, pull your bit up a bit to loosen and remove the loose pieces, then finish the hole. This saves wear and tear on the bit and cleans out the hole for a smoother finish. Love my Kreg jig, don’t know how I worked without it. Keep up the good work
Great tip Wes! This is especially important when drilling into thicker pieces.
I love my Kreg Jig. Worked out how to use it but was unsure how to keep the pieces still to put them together. Glad I see I was on the right track as bought a clamp just like the one you used!! Onwards and upwards now!!!
It is an awesome tool to have!
Thanks for posting this. It Cleared up a couple of things for me.
Thank you so much for sending me this tutorial on, “how to use a kreg jig”. You rock. After reading everything and trying to build something using the kreg jig, I’ll let you know how I did. Thanks again.
I got a kreg jig a few years ago for a very specific project but have found it to be a necessity in my shop since. Great article, I would not want to be kreg-less for any project now!
Honestly, I’m really scared of heavy wood work job & equipment or anything of that sort. it c=scare me a lot. I don’ consider it all, I would rather do the simpler stuffs around, But this tutorial is quite convincing and helpful too. I may have a try at it, who knows, I may get it and realize tha there’s nothing really in it,. Thanks, B
For simple cabinet building which needed tight joints, I always pulled out my hands. But after reading this tutorial I think it may be easy for me to use.
Can you use this to put together mitered corners?
Definitely! I’ve used it on many mitered frames.
Why do you start the instructions by saying,” You will need to measure the WIDTH of the board ” Is it not the thickness of the board you use to set the system up? What dose the WIDTH of the board have to do with it?
Good catch Sam. Editing now.
Thanks for the step by step instruction on the Kreg 4 Master Jig. I have had mine for thee years and have never used it.