Weโve written and reviewed pocket hole joinery tools like the Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole Systemย and projects several times in the past. Weย consider ourselvesย fans of the technique, but weย likeย anything that will get us in the workshop or allow us to get the job done on site. Of course, Pros and Cons followย each type of wood joint. There existsย no shortage of opinions. Often those opinions depend onย skill level, available tools, and aesthetic finish. Here are some considerations from the Pros about when to use pocket hole joinery.
Stuck on Glue
Mortise and tenon, dovetail, and biscuit joints require glue-ups. This isnโt so with pocket hole joints, as the fastener acts as an internal clamp that obviates the glue-up. Glue might strengthen the pocket hole joint, but itโs not necessary. This makes pocket holes a faster joint than others. Itโs great for quick jobs, such as the 5 minute pocket hole shelf we recently completed. It also means that a piece can easily disassemble for transport whereas a glue-up is forever. However, there is another consideration we discuss below.
Do You Even Work Out?
There is much discussion among carpenters about the strength of pocket hole joints and whether it compares to the time-tested strength of other joints. Pocket holes appear occasionally onย face frames, but some doubt they can hold the weight of more burdensome jobs. Although the pocket hole joint may need to hit the gym comparatively, the argument goes that rarely does only one joint shoulder the entire load. The weight is distributed among the several joints of a project and therefore the joint doesnโt have to be as strong or stronger than other joints, it just needs to be strong enough.
When to Use Pocket Hole Joinery Continued
In addition to the strength, some joints do better when visible. Many mortise and tenon and dovetail joints seem likeย works of art. You likelyย want themย conspicuous on the work piece. Biscuit joints are hidden. Pocket holes can be hidden on some projects but, if they are in sight, they are not part of the aesthetic. You can buy pocket hole plugs that will do a pretty good job of hiding the work. Keep in mind that edge-joined stock, beveled corners, and curves will show the holes whereas a table or bench will hide them.
Pocket hole joinery is pretty simple compared to other joints. You need something like a Porter-Cable PC560 pocket hole jig and a cordless drill. We actually used anย 18V impact driverโjust be sure not to overdrive the fastener.
When you use a joint like this, be sure to consider how the wood and finish will react to shrinking and swelling. Pocket holes can show more gaps than other types of joints in dry conditions. For this reason, you may still consider gluing joints to seal them and prevent seasonal movement.
We hope youโve enjoyed this guide on when to use pocket hole joinery. If youโre a Pro and you have carpentry or other joinery tips, add themย in the comments below. Remember, you can alwaysย contact us with your own Pro tips.
