I used to think pocket hole jigs were just for quick fixes, not real joinery.

For years, I only used my Kreg jig for shop cabinets and face frames, thinking it was a bit of a cheat. Then I built a whole set of built-in bookshelves for a client in Springfield and saw how strong and clean the hidden joints were, especially with glue. What's the most complex piece you've made where pocket holes were the main joinery method?

3 comments

3 Comments

lunah862mo ago

Wait, you built built-ins for a client with pocket holes as the main joinery? That's wild (and brave, honestly). I always figured the weight of all those books would need something like dados or at least proper mortise and tenon. Did you use extra reinforcement or just a ton of screws and glue? My mind is kind of blown that it held up.

felixa181mo ago

Totally get where Kevin's coming from. Glue is the real hero in those joints. Built a massive media console for my place using basically the same method, just a grid of pocket holes and a good wood glue. That thing is a tank, holds a crazy heavy old tube TV and all my gear. The shear strength on those screws when they're set in glue is no joke. People see the pocket holes and think it's a shortcut, but the physics actually work out if you plan it right.

kevin_adams2mo ago

Honestly the real trick is the glue. A pocket hole with glue makes a joint stronger than the wood itself, it's basically a mechanical lock. I built a whole king size bed frame that way, no racking at all after five years. People get hung up on traditional methods but if you do the math on glue surface and screw shear strength, it's overbuilt.