How a Kreg Jig Works

Over the years of sharing my build projects I have had people ask what is a Kreg Jig and how does it work. So I am going to hopefully answer those questions for you.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience, click here to read my full disclosure policy. 

WHAT IS A KREG JIG?

A Kreg Jig is a tool that is used to join wood together. It’s incredibly fast, strong, and simple. It creates a pocket in a piece of wood where a screw is placed to attach another board (join boards together). This type of joining is perfect for many projects. Here is a list of examples plus some that we have done:

• Build cabinets (on my list for this year)
• Picture frame
• Closet system
• Gate
• TV stand
• Desks
• Dressers
• Shelves
• Tables
• Planter box
• REALLY any wood project

If you plan on building the wood this tool will only help you easily join boards together and give you a professional finish.

TYPES OF KREG JIGS

Before I show you how the jig works I wanted to share the different types.

• Kreg Jig MINI – for small projects (projects with 1-10 pockets) and for repairs.
• Kreg Jig R3 – for small projects (projects with 10-25 pockets) and for repairs.
• Kreg Jig K4 – for small to large projects (projects with 25-50 pockets), easy adjust for wood thickness, and for repairs.
• Kreg Jig K5 – for small to large projects (projects with 25-50 pockets), easy adjust for wood thickness, built in clamp, supports large pieces, and for repairs.

We currently have the MINI and the K5. We used the mini for years but it was a slower option. With the K5, we quickly create pockets (joints) in wood in no time.

HOW A KREG JIG WORKS

To show you how easy it is to use the Kreg Jig K5, I have created a video on the process.

The Kreg Jig has a special drill bit that is designed to drill a pocket hole. The bit has a pilot tip that creates a guide for the screw you use.

To drill a pocket, simply place the wood on the Kreg Jig (adjust the depth on the drill bit and wood size first), clamp the wood in place, and drill a hole! It’s that easy.

Next clamp the pieces of wood together (this way things don’t move) and add your screw to the pocket.

And that’s it!!

Having a Kreg Jig has opened up so much more possibilities for woodworking plus it is so easy! I hope this will help answer the questions what is a Kreg Jig and how does it work?

Do you happen to have any more questions about a Kreg Jig?