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?

2 comments

2 Comments

lunah8615d 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.

kevin_adams15d 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.