Easier Pocket-Hole Joinery

As a professional cabinetry and furniture maker, I have used the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig extensively. Kreg’s latest jig, the K5, is a big improvement over the original.

First, instead of a toggle clamp to secure parts for drilling, the K5 has a ratcheting clamp that can be adjusted without tools to accommodate different stock thicknesses (the toggle clamp on the original Kreg Jig requires a wrench). Adjusting the height of the drill guide is fast and easy, too, thanks to a spring-loaded locking pin. That’s a good thing, because the height must be adjusted to suit the thickness of the part being drilled. The clamp handle also is larger than the handle on the original Kreg Jig and fits nicely in the palm of your hand.

More from FineWoodworking.com: Video: Pocket-Hole Basics Read a review of Kreg’s earlier R3 Jig Review: Kreg Pocket-Hole Machine Cutting Pocket-Holes on a Router Table How to Hide Pocket Holes

The K5 includes two base extensions that double as small tool trays to hold accessories, and the base is 1-1⁄2 in. tall, which means you can easily extend the base farther with 2x lumber to support longer stock.

My only complaint is that the jig body no longer has a builtin means for setting the drill bit’s stop. Instead, the K5 comes with a small stepped block, which I’m sure I would occasionally forget to take with me to the job site, or simply lose altogether.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Blackwing Pencils

If you've listened to Shop Talk Live, you've heard them talk more about these pencils than you could possibly imagine.

Buy at Amazon

Compass

An essential tool for drawing circles and curves accurately. Also good for layout.

Buy at Amazon

3M Blue Tape

One of the most versatile accessories to have in the shop: from layout to seaming veneer. It has enough stretch to pull joints together.

Buy at Amazon