How to Make Pocket Holes WITHOUT a Kreg Jig

A Kreg Jig is a helpful tool to have around the house. But if you're like me and don't want to spend $100 on a piece of plastic with holes, try this method. Yes, you can make pocket holes without a Kreg Jig. All you need is a drill.
Make Pocket Holes WITHOUT a Kreg Jig
I used a 1/4 in. drill bit. You can buy a drill bit set with 10 pieces for around $5 at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Start by marking off where you want the pocket holes to go.
Drill two pilot holes holding the drill straight. This is an important step. The pilot holes will keep your drill bit from breaking off.
Now you’re ready to make pocket holes.
Go back to your pilot hole and as you drill start moving the drill downward. The drill will lay low and almost touch the wood.
You have just created two pocket holes. You can make them as deep and long as you need them.
Take a screw and secure the wood to the other piece.
And there you have it – two pocket holes. It’s pretty easy, don’t you think?
I built a kitchen island using this method.
Sabine Schmidt
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Joanna Sorensen Joanna Sorensen on Nov 06, 2015
    How deep did you make your pilot holes and how did you make sure you didn't drill deeper than that depth?
  • Linda Richards Linda Richards on Jan 10, 2017
    how far back from the end of the board do you make your mark? or do you make it as long as the srew?
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