POCKET SCREWS
You can get a basic pocket hole kit for about $30. You’ll need a supply of different lengths of special selfdrilling washer-head screws (coarse threads for softwoods, fine threads for hardwoods).
You likely already have a drill/ driver, which is the only necessary tool. That’s a big plus—it saves you money as well as space in your shop. Once you’ve become a convert, you can pick up more clamps, accessories and jigs to really step up your production. The only downside to pocket screws is that without special clamps, they don’t automatically align parts during assembly.
PROS
Fast No large clamps required Benchtop or portable
CONS
Visible holes Parts alignment not automatic
1. DRILL THE HOLES
Clamp your workpiece in the jig and drill the steeply angled holes. This unusual jig has two pairs of holes: one pair for thinner stock and one pair for thicker. It costs about $65 at harborfreight.com. The included drill bit bores a flat-bottom hole with a short pilot hole at the center to guide the screw into the adjoining part. A stop collar regulates the hole depth.
2. DRIVE THE SCREWS
Apply glue, clamp the parts into alignment and drive the screws. Some pocket hole jigs are portable; you can clamp them onto a workpiece that’s too large to put on your workbench.