Tried a new jig for pocket holes and nearly ruined a whole kitchen project

I was building cabinets for a friend's kitchen remodel last month and decided to switch up my pocket hole jig. I got one of those newer clamp-on styles with the self-centering bit, thought it would save me time. Man, did it backfire. The thing slipped on three separate joints when I was drilling, and I ended up with holes that were way off center. Had to scrap two door panels and start over, cost me about $60 in materials and a whole Saturday. I learned that my old-school metal jig with the screw-down clamps is just more reliable for heavy stuff like this. Anyone else tried switching jigs and instantly regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

johnson.jason15d ago

Used to think those new jigs were the way to go but my cheap old kreg jig has never done me wrong like that. This is making me want to stick with what works instead of chasing the fancy stuff.

lane.eric15d ago

Thats the thing about pocket hole jigs, nobody talks about how much the type of drill you use matters with the clamp-on ones. I bet the issue was that your drill had too much torque or you were running it full speed on the clutch setting. Those self-centering bits need a slower, steady pull or the whole assembly twists off the workpiece. I have the same clamp-on style and only use it with my lighter 12v drill set on low speed. Keep your impact driver away from it. The old school jigs work because they dont care what drill you throw at them.