8 Best Pocket Hole Jigs – Reviews and Buying Guide

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 08, 2023
HouseAndBeyond is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Whether you are a professional woodworker or carpenter, or you just enjoy tinkering in your workshop at home, odds are you’re always looking for a way to get a bit better or make your work with wood easier. To that end, you certainly need the best pocket hole jig you can find to attach two pieces of wood together without considerable effort. A high-quality jig will make it a snap to connect wood pieces and help you hide the screws for a professional-looking finished product.

But how do you make sure that you’re getting the best jig for your needs? Your first step is to keep reading! This article will let you know about top 8 jigs we could find. We analyzed their main features, the accessories that are included, the materials the jigs are made of, whether the drilling angle can be adjusted, and the size of the material that can be used with the jig. We covered those details by examining specifications and manuals and reading hundreds of customer reviews.

The table below will give you a quick rundown of the best jigs on the market today. After that, you’ll find more detailed reviews of each item with their main features, pros and cons listed, and the buying guide that will tell you everything you need to know to find the perfect jig for your needs.

Quick Summary

  • "By far the best jig on our list, with unbeaten adjustability to material thickness and drilling angles and positions, a dust spout connector and T-Track slot to capture loose debris."
  • "Can be bench-mounted or portable, as it features toggle and face clamps; offers lots of pocket hole size choices and includes all necessary accesoirs"
  • Best Storage Capacity: Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
    "Features large support wings for holding larger pieces, that also serve as accessory storage; can be used for bench top or portable drilling"
  • Best for Larger Materials: Kreg Tool Company KJHD Jig HD
    "Designed for use with larger materials and creating joints 50% stronger than usual Kregg joints; can be connected to various Kreg benchtop accessories or used portably"
  • "A great pick for newbies at an affordable price; easy to set up and use; you can take it with you as you do occasional repairs at home"
  • Best Durability: HOWOD Pocket Hole Jig Kit
    "Good for largest pieces of wood and thicker materials; all-metal construction; high-quality kit includes titanium plated stepped drill bits and an additional slider holder."
  • Best Complete Kit: WORKPRO Pocket Hole Jig Kit
    "Good for thinner wood; features different guide holes for different size materials; comes with several accessories."
  • Best Basic Pocket Hole Jig: KingBaas Pocket Hole Jig Kit
    "Features straightforward design and comes with basic accessories necessary to get the job done; designed for desktop or portable installation."

Top 8 Pocket Hole Jigs Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6994 people in the past 30 days
10
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
10
Features
  • Advanced hole precision
  • Features an easy drill depth knob to let quickly adjust to the thickness of the wood
  • Includes a hex key, stop collar, set of screws, establishing bars, drill bit to help set the right depth
  • A well-balanced aluminum frame
  • Dust spout connector & T-track slot

The Massca Pro M2 is an aluminum pocket hole jig system. The model has a well-balanced frame and hardened steel grill guides for reliable support in your workshop or on a worksite. The metal build ensures a heavy-duty, tough product that is designed to feel sleek, yet last a lifetime.

This is the latest Massca Pro model and it now features stabilizing bars and blocks for easier working with long boards and to create quick, exact cuts. There is also advanced hole precision to create perfect pocket holes, accurately pre drill pilot holes and repair wood joints.

The kit features an easy drill depth knob, so you can quickly adjust to the thickness of your wood to avoid splits, splinters or other damage.

The Pro M2 also features a dust spout connector and T-Track slot to capture loose debris, sawdust and particles to reduce allergens in the air and encourage dust free drilling.

The kit also includes extra carpentry accessories including a stop collar, hex key, drill bit and a set of screws, so you can quickly get started on your woodworking projects.

    What do we love it for?
  • Great kit of additional carpentry accessories so you can start your projects immediately.
  • The frame is well balanced for reliable support
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The clamp can leave marks on softer woods
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7621 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
Features
  • Removable drill guide for benchtop and portable use
  • Toggle clamp on benchtop base and face clamp for portable base
  • Three 3/8″ diameter pocket holes
  • 1/8″ incremental settings for use with materials from 1/2″ to 1-1/2″ thick
  • 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/8″, 1-1/2″ screw centering ability
  • 9/16″, 7/8″, 1-7/16″ drill guide spacings
  • Wood-chip relief holes
  • Body material: glass-filled nylon
  • Hardened-steel drill guides feature a lifetime warranty

If you are looking for the very best pocket hole jig that money can buy, then you might want to take a look at this one. It can be used as either a bench mounted system or on the job site, which will give you the flexibility you need to get an accurate pocket hole drilled wherever you might be working.

The provided drill bit will come with depth control, making it quick and easy to set your hole depth. There are also tons of different spacing options to choose from, which will allow you to operate with a variety of material sizes, as long as they don’t go over 1-1/2” in thickness.

    What stands out?
  • Attached clamp for quick setup
  • Can be bench-mounted or portable
  • Lots of pocket hole size choices
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Can only be used on materials that are 1/2” to 1-1/2” thick
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7183 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
3
Best Storage Capacity

Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig

Features
  • Removable drill guide for benchtop and portable use
  • Toggle clamp on benchtop base and face clamp for portable base
  • Large support wings to hold a workpiece steady with a storage capacity
  • Three 3/8″ diameter pocket holes
  • Use with materials from 1/2″ to 1-1/2″ thick
  • 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 11/8″, 11/4″, 13/8″, 11/2″ screw centering ability
  • 9/16″, 7/8″, 17/16″ drill guide spacings
  • Wood-chip relief holes
  • Body material: glass-filled nylon
  • Lifetime drill guide warranty

This system is very similar to the first jig on this list. It can be used as both a tabletop and portable jig, which gives you the freedom to work at home, or on the go. It also has lots of different spacing holes that will allow you to put your screws exactly where you need them to be, as long as the material you are drilling is relatively thin.

Another great feature of this jig is its oversized support wings. These wings provide a nice stable base for portable drilling and will help to support the material that you are drilling, which will give you a much for the accurate hole. They can also be opened and shut to hold different accessories and tools.

    What do we love it for?
  • Can be used for bench top or portable drilling
  • Attached clamp
  • Large support base for larger pieces that also serve as accessory storage
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Can only be used on materials that are 1/2” to 1-1/2” thick
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5869 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
4
Best for Larger Materials

Kreg Tool Company KJHD Jig HD

Features
  • Heavy-duty jig for large outdoors projects
  • 50% stronger than standard Kreg Joints
  • Use with materials from 11/2″ thick and thicker
  • Two 1/2″ diameter HD pocket holes
  • Utilizes #14 heavy-duty, hardened-steel screws
  • 17/16″ drill guide spacing
  • Works as a portable stand-alone jig or can be connected directly to K3, K4, K4MS, or K5 Kreg Jig benchtop base for upright drilling
  • Body material: glass-filled nylon
  • Lifetime drill guide warranty

The one problem with a lot of different pocket hole jigs on the market today is that they are only designed to be used with smaller size materials. These work really well for smaller projects, like frames or chairs, but not so much for tables, benches, or decks. That is where this jig comes in.

It is designed to be used with much larger materials. As such, its guide holes are much larger and can accommodate a larger drill bit. This will allow you to create extra strong joints for your larger size projects with ease. It can be used as is, though you would need to utilize a clamp of your own, or it can be hooked onto different Kreg systems for benchtop drilling.

    What are its best features?
  • Large pocket hole guides for larger materials
  • Can be connected to various Kreg benchtop accessories or used portably
    What could be improved?
  • Only good for large materials
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6332 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Used with materials from 1/2″ to 11/2″ thick in 1/8″ increments
  • Two 3/8″ diameter standard Kreg pocket holes
  • 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 11/8″, 11/4″, 13/8″, 11/2″ screw centering ability
  • 7/8″ drill guide spacing
  • Body material: glass-filled nylon
  • Includes Kreg Jig R3, clamp pad adapter, stepped drill bit, 6″ driver bit, depth collar, Allen wrench, starter Kreg Screw set, pocket-hole plug set, and owner’s manual, all inside of a durable, compact carrying case
  • Lifetime drill guide warranty

If you are just getting into the world of woodworking, and have been hearing from everyone that you should be using pocket holes, but aren’t sold on the idea, then this is a good system to check out. It is both high-quality and budget-friendly, making it the ideal starter for a beginner.

This system can be used with a variety of wood widths and will allow you to set the depth and location of your holes easily. It is, as you would expect with a budget-friendly option, a bit light on accessories. If you do choose to go with this system, just make sure that you have a good clamp on your own, since it does not come with one.

    What makes it special?
  • Can be used with a wide variety of material sizes
  • Lots of drill size options
    What cons did we find?
  • Does not come with any clamp
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9155 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
6
Best Durability

HOWOD Pocket Hole Jig Kit

Features
  • Made of high-quality all-metal for durability
  • The slider supports measurement in both inches and metric
  • Perfect for novices, hobbyists, and pros alike
  • Comes with 2 high-quality 3/8” titanium-plated stepped drill bits, an additional slider holder, 2 screwdrivers, pocket screws and pocket-hole plug set, stop collar
  • You can use hardwood, softwood, and sheet (MDF) materials to quickly construct any project

The HOWOD Pocket Hole Jig Kit is an ideal solution for accurate, quick and reliable joining of all types of wood. The product has a quick and easy set up that is perfect for hobbyists, professionals or even novices. This makes this a great product to improve your woodworking projects.

This pocket hole jig is made from high quality all metal to offer excellent durability. It is far stronger than the glass filled nylon counterparts. The drill sleeves are hardened to provide consistent, accurate pockets, making this a solid performer for woodworking tasks.

You can adjust the slider height fast to suit the thickness of the board you’re working with. The slider support offers measurements in both inches and metric, so you can use which one you feel most comfortable with. There is no complicated math required to use this jig. You can drill perfect pocket holes every time, whether you’re working with softwood, hardwood or MDF materials.

The kit includes a high-quality pocket hole jig, two titanium plated stepped drill bits, an additional slider holder, two screwdrivers, pocket hole plug set, pocket screws and stop collar. The product is also supported with professional after sales customer service, so you can contact the team if you have any questions or queries.

    What stands out?
  • High quality kit includes titanium plated stepped drill bits and an additional slider holder
  • All metal construction for durability and strength
  • Quick and easy set up even for novices
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • There are some tolerance issues
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4490 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
7
Best Complete Kit

WORKPRO Pocket Hole Jig Kit

Features
  • Nine thick depth settings
  • Comes with a clamping magnet
  • Hardened steel bushings for incredibly accurate pocket holes
  • Includes adjustable pocket hole jig, 3/8 in. step drill bit, 3/8 in. steel stop collar, hex wrench, 6 in. square drive bit, 20-3/8 in. wood plugs, 120 coarse square screws
  • Wide application

The WorkPro pocket hole jig is a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. This is a complete kit that includes a variety of accessories, multiple setting options, built in measurement scales to create a well rounded product that is convenient to use for a range of projects.

Beginners are sure to appreciate the easy set up and well thought out design. However, experienced users will also appreciate the functionality of the entire kit.

You can use both C and F clamps with the kit and the double chop hole makes it easier to get rid of any accumulated sawdust. This jig has nine thick depth settings and the built in board thicknesses eliminate the need to manually measure. You can position the sliders to select from the different settings in both metric and inch measurements.

The kit includes a durable carry case to keep everything organized, the adjustable pocket hole jig itself, step drill bit, steel stop collar, square drive bit, hex wrench, wood plugs, and coarse square screws. This makes this kit ideal for DIY home projects or for professionals.

    What stands out?
  • The multiple different settings that eliminate the need to measure
  • It is a complete kit with many accessories
  • The very easy set up that will suit even novices
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • There are reports of broken drill bits
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4428 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.5
8
Best Basic Pocket Hole Jig

KingBaas Pocket Hole Jig Kit

Features
  • Made of solid aluminum
  • Designed for portable or desktop installation
  • Simple and easy to use
  • 15° drill angle, 2-way tilt, to ensure accurate screw connection, and then embed the screw to prevent the screw from hiding
  • Includes a pocket hole jig with clamp, step drill bit, screwdriver, steel stop collar, square drive bit, drive pipe, hex wrench, 6 in square drive bit, 20 coarse square drive screws, 20 fine square drive screws

The Kingbaas pocket hole jig is made of high-quality solid aluminum that will not crack or rust. It can be used to easily drill oblique holes for the perfect joint. You can also use this jig to create flush or angle shape pocket hole connectors to connect guide rails or legs and build cabinets.

This is a heavy duty, yet compact jig that can be held in one hand. So, it is designed for desktop or portable installation, making it ideal for DIY household projects or for professional craftsmen working on the go.

The jig is easy and simple to use to create precise holes or repair wood joints. The two-way tilt, 15-degree drill angle ensures accurate screw connections, allowing you to hide screws or fasteners easily. The drill bit adapter can be replaced according to the wood type, angle and position, while the sharp drills provide excellent performance for efficient, smooth work without any burrs.

This is a complete, basic kit which includes the pocket hole jig with a clamp, screwdriver, step drill bit, steel stop collar, square drive bit, hex wrench, coarse square drive screws, and fine square drive screws.

    What stands out?
  • A complete, basic kit with all you need to get started and replaceable components
  • Pocket size kit that is ideal for portable projects
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • There are some accuracy issues

Things to Consider

When it comes to buying a pocket hole jig, there are several features you need to consider. We found out which are the most important, relying on buyers’ reviews and product specifications.

Why use pocket holes in the first place

Whether you are a beginning woodworker or a master craftsman, one of the most important hallmarks of good work is to make sure that you hide your joints. This is true whether you use dowels, dovetails, or screws.

A pocket hole allows you to create an exceptionally strong joint without having to compromise the beauty of your project. Since it allows you to join the different pieces together with screws, you know that it will stand the test of time and not fall apart. However, it also allows you to do this while keeping them hidden from view, making sure that your work is good looking as well as tough.

How a pocket hole jig works

Before pocket hole jigs were introduced, carpenters still made pocket holes. This was exceedingly difficult, however, since they had to rig up some sort of system that held both pieces of wood in place and drill a relatively straight hole to keep the final product looking good.

A pocket hole jig solves this problem by helping to hold the materials being drilled in perfect position. Modern-day jigs also have guide holes for you to drill right through so that you get a perfectly straight drill hole every single time, which allows you to quickly and easily assemble your project with professional-looking results.

The benefits of using a pocket hole jig

pocket-hole-jig-main_2_1

If you have ever tried to do things the old-fashioned way and make pocket holes without a jig, you will be amazed at how beneficial it is to have the best pocket hole jig at your disposal. By using one, you will open yourself up to tons of benefits, such as:

  • Flexibility – By using a jig, you will provide yourself the flexibility to create pocket holes anywhere on your project by simply sliding the device into place.
  • Strong Joint – Whether you are a professional or a weekend warrior, the name of the game is making something that will last a good long time. With a pocket hole jig, you can rest assured that you will be able to create ridiculously strong and good looking joints quickly and easily.
  • Easy to Use – The best pocket hole jig, like any other woodworking jig, is a tool that is designed to make your life and your work a lot easier. As such, they are designed to be simple and straightforward to use, even if you are just at the beginner level. If you take the time and learn how to use one, you will get great-looking results that would have been completely out of your reach on your own.

Important features you need to consider before buying

Unfortunately, not all pocket hole jigs are created equal. Some come loaded with more features or can be utilized with more materials than some others, so you need to be aware of a couple of important features so that you can make sure that you get the best pocket hole jig for your needs.

Intended use

This is where the rubber hits the road so to speak. When you are shopping for this kind of a jig, you need to be honest with yourself about what you intend to utilize it for. If you are only going to be using it every once in a while, for instance, you don’t really need to get the most expensive option. But either way, you need to make sure that the jig is made of durable materials and will last longer.

Something else to keep in mind here is the types of materials, and their thicknesses, that you intend to be working with. It won’t do you very much good if the jig you select cannot expand wide enough to fit on your thickness of choice.

Drills included

pocket-hole-jig-drills

While you might be able to use some of your old drill bits with a pocket hole jig, you might find that they are not quite long enough. That is why you should always try to find a kit that provides the bits for you.

These bits are usually much longer than a regular set of drill bits would be, simply because they are designed to both go through the jig’s guide holes and the wood to your desired depth. While they are not essential, they are definitely a big help.

Accessories needed

Most of the jigs available today will come with all of the necessary clamps, bits, screws, and wrenches necessary to make sure that you have the easiest time using the device as possible. However, that doesn’t mean all of them do.

Make sure you pay particular attention to the directions for any jig system, as they will clue you into all of the different accessories that you need, and whether the kit provides them for you or whether you need to get them separately.

Adjustability

Most pocket holes jigs are set right out of the box to give you a drilling angle of about 18 degrees. This angle should work just fine for most of your projects, but it might not work for all of them. This is why it’s a good idea to find a jig that allows you to adjust the angle of your drilling to whatever your project calls for.

By being able to adjust the angle that you are drilling into the wood, you will better be able to create unique works that are still quite strong. The last thing that you want is to be stuck in the middle of a project just because your jig won’t allow you to get the drill angle that you need to make it the way you desire.

Speed

The entire purpose of finding the best pocket hole jig, or using any jig for that matter, is to make your work as precise as possible every time and to increase the speed with which you can complete your projects.

The less complicated the jig system is, the better as far as speed is concerned. If you get mired down with an overly complex system, it will give you the precision that you require, but won’t allow you to complete your work quickly.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Now you know everything that you need to know to find the best pocket hole jig for your needs! Hopefully, this article has been a big help in your search. Best of luck, and have a great day!

10
Total Score
Massca Pro M2 Aluminum Pocket Hole Jig System - Editor’s Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *