Which Kreg Pocket Hole Jig to Buy

Home DIY building projects are not only fulfilling and fun, but can also save a lot of money.

If you’ve ever attempted one of these projects, whether it was large or small scale, you’ve likely found yourself frustrated by the vast array of finicky tools required to make something worthwhile.

Clamps and angle measuring tools needed when joining pieces of wood can make for a time consuming and maddening experience, not to mention the cost of all the individual tools themselves!

Kreg Pocket Hole Jigs make it easy to simplify and streamline your workflow and eliminate the need for constant clamping and tedious measuring. These jigs come in a variety of sizes and have many different functions, so keep reading to find out which one suits your needs.

Kreg Jig Mini

The Kreg Jig Mini is a bargain at just $15. Its simple, compact design allows it to be used for the widest variety of wood sizes.

In fact, there is no limit on what material thickness or width positioning, simply place and go!

It does need to be clamped in place in order to ensure accurate positioning and prevent it from sliding while in use, but this can be easily accomplished by the clamps available on Kreg’s website or any strong clamp you might already own.

Its glass-reinforced nylon body is ultra-strong, and the hardened-steel drill guide will help you fully seat wood plugs and comes with a lifetime warranty.

It also features a convenient woodchip relief hole, so you won’t have to keep interrupting your drilling to remove pesky wood shavings.

Kreg Jig R3

Described as a “pocket hole powerhouse”, the Kreg Jig R3 will cost you around $30.

Unlike the Kreg Jig Mini, it does limit the thickness of materials that you can work with to between ½” to 1 ½” and allows you to adjust in 1/8” increments. It has a handy ratcheting position slider with 9 depth settings, perfect for making multiple, precise pocket holes.

Like the Kreg Jig Mini, it also has woodchip relief holes as well as hardened steel drill bit guides that include a lifetime warranty.

Unlike the Kreg Mini, it features two drill guide holes. It also comes with a tough carrying case and can easily fit any Kreg Face Clamp or regular C-clamps.

Kreg Jig K4

For a slightly more advanced option, check out the Kreg Jig K4. At $100, it will set you back significantly more than the previous options, but also comes with many more features.

Its L-shape completely eliminates the need for external clamping, and it is described as “perfect for DIY-ers or anyone new to Kreg joinery”.

It can be used with materials ranging from ½” to 1 ½” and has a removable drill guide for either benchtop or portable use.

Like the other models, its convenient woodchip relief holes mean you can keep drilling without clogging your guide.

Kreg Jig K5

A step up from the K4, the Kreg Jig K5 comes in at around $130. The priciest option we’ll be discussing today, I believe it is well worth your money.

Its front-mounted handle makes it easy to secure your materials, and the ratcheting clamp mechanism allows for easy adjustments without the need for extra tools. This unit also comes with very handy storage wings that allow you to carry extra bits or other accessories easily.

Unlike the previous models, the K5 attaches to any standard vacuum hose and uses a swiveling dust collection system.

This means that not only is your drill guide not going to keep clogging during use, you won’t have a pile of wood shavings to clean up after you’re done!

I would highly recommend this model for the medium-to-high volume woodworker, as its convenience and ease of use make it a much better option and certainly worth the higher price tag.

Kreg Jig HD

If you’re working with larger lumber applications, you need the Kreg Jig HD. At $70, it creates joints 50% stronger than standard Kreg joints.

It is ideal for large outdoor projects such as framing and deck building and can be used with materials 1 ½” and thicker. It can also be used with the Kreg Jig® K5, K4, and K3, so it makes a great addition to your collection and allows much greater flexibility in your at-home projects.

Its stop block makes it easy to repeatedly register onto your wood piece, and the Kreg Face Clamp locks securely into the unit as well. This unit isn’t the greatest for DIYers who mainly work with smaller cuts of wood.

Kreg Brand: Consider Your Project

Whichever option you decide to purchase, know that the Kreg brand comes highly recommended. For a quick-glance chart to help you narrow down your choices by specific project type and number of pocket holes required, check out their website for more information.