I built two identical face frames, one with pocket screws and one with dowels. The dowel joint is just stronger.

Everyone says pocket screws are the fast, strong way to go for face frames. I used to think that too. Last month I had to build a big built-in for a client in Greenville. I made a test frame with my Kreg jig and another with a simple doweling jig. After letting both sit for a week, I tried to rack them by hand. The pocket screw frame had visible flex and a tiny bit of separation at one joint. The dowel frame was solid as a rock, no movement at all. The glue surface area on the dowels is way bigger, and the joint doesn't rely on just a screw biting into end grain. It takes a few more minutes to set up, but for something that gets daily use, it's worth it. Has anyone else done a real side by side test like this and seen the same thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_piper10d ago

Ever think pocket screws were the best? I used to, but my own test showed the dowel joint was way more solid. The extra glue area makes a real difference for strength.

patricia_schmidt1410d ago

Your test missed the clamping pressure, that's key.

williams.kim10d ago

Wait, you think clamping pressure changes the whole result? That's wild. I just cranked my bar clamps down until the glue squeezed out. Are you saying I needed some special measured force? Honestly, if a joint needs that much fuss, maybe it's not as good as we thought.