The Best Pocket-Hole Jigs for Woodworking

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Whether for use by a novice or a pro, these top-rated pocket-hole jigs can save time and struggle.

More than just challenging, wood joinery requires a degree of expertise that practically rises to the level of art form. Besides precision and patience, most types of joinery call for expensive tools. There is an exception, however: pocket-hole jigs.

These handy tools make joinery easy and affordable. Even a newbie DIY woodworker can create professional-looking joints without investing hundreds of dollars in tools. Ranging from basic jigs for casual DIYers to large bench-mounted jigs for experienced woodworkers, the following picks rank as some of the top pocket-hole jigs available. We should know—we spent a full day testing them. Find out more about the criteria we used to select this lineup, how we put these tools through their paces, and how each of our picks performed in testing.

1. BEST OVERALL: Kreg KPHJ320 Pocket-Hole Jig 320
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Massca Twin Pocket-Hole Jig Set
3. UPGRADE PICK: Kreg KPHJ920 Pocket-Hole Jig XL
4. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: General Tools 850 E-Z Pro Deluxe Pocket-Hole Jig Kit
5. BEST BUNDLE: Massca M2 Pro Aluminum Pocket-Hole Jig System Bundle
6. BEST FOR PICTURE FRAMES: MulWark MLK-53775 Premium Pocket-Hole Jig System Kit
7. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Kreg R3 Pocket-Hole Jig System
8. ALSO CONSIDER: WorkPro W124696A Pocket-Hole Jig Kit

How We Tested the Best Pocket-Hole Jigs

We spent a full day in the workshop testing these pocket-hole jigs in various applications with different kinds of lumber and tracked the results on a scoring rubric. First, we noted the physical measurements of the jigs and the contents of every kit. Then we spent 30 minutes making 20 pocket holes with each jig. Our pocket-hole joinery tests included:

• Miter joint, end-to-end at a 90-degree angle, as in a picture frame corner
• Butt joint, end-to-edge at a 90-degree angle, as in a cabinet face frame
• Box joint, end-to-face at a 90-degree angle, as in the corner of a drawer or wooden box
• Edge joint, edge-to-edge parallel boards, as in a tabletop
• Offset edge joint, edge-to-face at a 90-degree angle, used for structural support

After testing, we recorded our observations in categories like “ease of use,” “perceived quality,” and “value for the price” and scored the tools on a scale of 1 to 4. We used this subjective scorecard and the kit’s facts and features to generate the award titles for this guide.

Our Top Picks

Although there are many types of pocket jigs to choose from, only a handful of manufacturers produce them, including pocket-hole jig inventor Kreg. When we tested the jigs below, each one scored positive marks for ease of use, durability, and functionality. Read on to learn more about them and why we count them among the best pocket-hole jigs around.

Best Overall

Kreg KPHJ320 Pocket-Hole Jig 320

Product Specs 

• Guide holes: 2
• Material:Plastic polymer and hardened steel
• Clamp: Not included

Pros

• Can be reconfigured for 2 wide or 2 narrow-spaced holes, or 1 single-pocket hole
• Durable construction of plastic polymer and hardened steel components
• Includes material thickness stops with locking positive-stop positions
• Drill bit features an engraved depth gauge on the shaft and a see-through depth stop collar

Cons

• Only 3 positive-stop material thicknesses to choose from: ½ inch, ¾ inch, and 1½ inches

The Kreg KPHJ320 is one of the best multipurpose pocket-hole jigs for DIY wood projects. It features two drill guides, a removable spacer, and adjustable stops for ½-, ¾-, and 1½-inch-thick material. The kit comes equipped with a combination hex key/material thickness gauge tool, a stepped drill bit with adjustable depth stop and a stop collar, a clamp adapter pad, and a square drive screwdriver bit. The jig assembly, peripheral tools, and 40 sample pocket-hole screws are well organized in a heavy-duty plastic carry case.

This jig is solidly made with a plastic polymer and hardened steel housing, a nonskid base, and hardened steel drill guide sleeves. The adjustable design makes it an easy choice for most woodworking projects. Slide-and-twist locking tabs on the drill guides and spacer allow the user to reconfigure the assembly for single-hole, narrow double-hole, or spaced double-hole applications. With the addition of more spacers or drill guides (sold separately) the possibilities are endless.

In our tests, the Kreg 320 jig stood out from the pack in terms of versatility, quality, and overall value. The material quality felt strong, and the jig easily gripped the work surface for quick and secure assembly.

In the base configuration, with two drill guides and spacer in place, the jig was conveniently sized for installing pocket holes in the end of 1×4 lumber. We liked this configuration for most of the tests because it allowed us to leave the locking C-clamp attached to the clamp pad for faster repositioning. Then we could drill either one or two holes as needed. For narrow spaces, removing the spacer and attaching the guides to each other made the jig rightsized for end holes in 1×2 lumber.

The slide-lock thickness stops worked extremely well. They were easy to use, clicked securely into place, and accommodated the three most common board thicknesses. To simulate repairs on an existing inside corner, we removed the thickness stops. In that scenario, we visually approximated the required space from the front of the drill guide to the end of the board, using the separated thickness stops for reference.

We also noted that both the nonskid rubber base and the rubber plug by which the clamp pad attaches to the drill guide assembly seem to decrease the amount of clamp pressure required. This makes the whole product easier to work with, and it likely will lead to a longer operational life with less wear and tear. This tool could be a great choice for a wide range of projects, but those who use it for an extended period may wish they could drill downward more easily, rather than sideways.

Read our full review: Kreg KPHJ320 Pocket-Hole Jig 320Get the Kreg KPHJ320 pocket-hole jig at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Massca Twin Pocket-Hole Jig Set

Product Specs 

• Guide holes: 2
• Material: Metal and plastic
• Clamp: Not included

Pros

• Compact size and durable, lightweight construction make this a portable choice
• Magnet system fastens to steel clamp pads for easy placement
• Material thickness and depth setting gauges aid in quick setup

Cons

• This jig does not include a carry case, clamp, or starter screws

Often, users may buy a tool only to complete a specific project. Massca’s inexpensive pocket-hole jig set makes an attractive option for the occasional DIYer who only uses a pocket jig set for a few projects a year. This budget-friendly set features two guide holes and includes a drill bit, hex key, and stop collar—pretty much all the necessary pieces to join wood with pocket holes.

Simple to use, this set works with any lumber between ½ inch and 1½ inches thick. It includes a built-in material thickness stop and drill-depth-setting gauge. A built-in magnet secures the quick-change thickness stop plate and makes working with steel clamps fast and easy.

We liked the simplicity of the Massca Twin jig’s one-piece design. The drill guide holes are spaced 1½ inches on center, which proved to be perfect for drilling double-pocket holes in the end of 1×2 lumber. The compact tool was conveniently sized for smaller projects like joining picture frame corners.

Whenever wider spacing was needed, we drilled a single hole per location and repositioned as needed. The embedded magnet worked well with plain steel clamps, at least to avoid dropping the jig on the floor, but some manual repositioning was usually required to set up at the next position.

This was an easy option for on-the-go use. It didn’t take up much room in the tool box and fit comfortably in a tool apron or pocket. However, users will also need to keep track of the drill bit, hex key, and a clamp, since the kit did not include a carry case.

Get the Massca twin pocket-hole jig at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Upgrade Pick

Kreg KPHJ920 Pocket-Hole Jig XL

Product Specs 

• Guide holes: 2
• Material:Polymer and hardened steel
• Clamp: Not included

Pros

• Larger size for creating stronger pocket-hole joints in 2×4 or 4×4 lumber
• Adjustable drill guides for single-hole, narrow double-hole, or wider spacing
• Made with an easy-set depth stop collar and a non-slip adjustable clamp pad
• Durable construction of polymer and steel for long-term reliability

Cons

• Only 2 positions to choose from on the material thickness stops
• Kit does not come with a carry case to keep all of the parts organized

Most pocket-hole jigs are built for small- and medium-size projects using ½-inch to 1½-inch-thick lumber, like framing artwork or building cabinetry. For heavy-duty projects, the Kreg XL jig accommodates posts and timbers from 1½ inches up to 3½ inches thick. This is the right choice when working with 2×4 and 4×4 boards. The kit includes two XL drill guides, a ½-inch diameter XL stepped drill bit with an easy-set depth stop collar, a hex key, a non-slip adjustable clamp pad, and a #3 XL square driver bit.

Like the other Kreg jigs we tested, this model is made of heavy-duty polymer with hardened steel guide sleeves and a nonskid rubber base. The drill guides have removable material thickness gauges and are connected by twist-and-slide locking tabs, allowing the user to reconfigure them for different applications. It’s also important to note the ½-inch drill bit bores the required girth to install Kreg’s #14 2 ½-inch XL pocket-hole screws without splitting the wood. Other pocket-hole jigs work with ⅜-inch drill bits that are matched to smaller screw sizes.

This Kreg jig would make a great tool addition for big jobs. In our tests, it worked as well as the smaller Kreg 320, with just as much versatility, but on a larger scale. Just bear in mind that larger clamps will be required for the thicker boards involved. We used a bar clamp with great success. During testing, we found it easy to achieve incredibly strong joints. While this jig could be a big help for renovations and home upgrades, users should be sure to follow local building requirements for projects like decks and stairs. The simple joint configurations we built while testing this jig may not be appropriate for some structural applications.

While we liked pretty much everything about this tool for big jobs, we noted that it is cumbersome and less useful for smaller woodworking projects. It does not come in its own carry case, so users will want to keep all of the parts and accessories together when not in use.

Get the Kreg XL pocket-hole jig at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Rockler. 

Best Heavy-Duty

General Tools 850 E-Z Pro Deluxe Pocket-Hole Jig Kit

Product Specs 

• Guide holes: 2
• Material: Cast aluminum and steel
• Clamp: Integrated

Pros

• Durable and uncomplicated all-metal aluminum and steel construction
• Integrated clamping system reduces the number of required tools
• Comes with a starter set of compatible screws and pocket-hole plugs
• Easily mounts to a tool bench by means of 2 screw holes

Cons

• Fixed clamp depth is not truly compatible with materials thicker than ¾ inch
• Thumb-screw-operated vice clamp is not as convenient as a toggle clamp

Metal trumps plastic when it comes to durability, which makes this pocket jig from General Tools such an attractive option. Machined from a solid piece of cast aluminum, this affordably priced heavy-duty pocket jig will hold up through many pocket drilling projects.

General Tools equips the 850 with an easy-to-use built-in clamping system, which helps speed up projects, and steel drill guide sleeves for added durability. In addition to the jig, this kit includes a drill bit, stop collar, and hex wrench along with a starter set of 50 coarse or fine square screws, 25 wooden picket hole plugs, and a hard plastic carrying case. This pocket-hole jig kit functions as a portable jig or as a bench-mounted tool.

We deem this an excellent choice for anyone in search of a durable pocket-hole jig for use with wood ½ inch to ¾ inch thick. Although the manufacturer states that the General Tools 850 is suitable for wood up to 1½ inches thick, the jig has no adjustment feature that would allow the deeper drilling required for thicker wood. Still, we found it to be very effective and sturdy with thinner boards.

The integrated thumb-screw C-clamp system was easy to align on the ends and edges of boards. Because of the small diameter of the clamp’s pressure plate, we used a 1-inch-square scrap of ¼-inch plywood between the clamp and the work piece to protect the wood surface from indentations.

We also tested this jig in a bench-mounted configuration by driving two screws through the mounting holes. It held firmly and allowed for comfortable vertical drilling. Our overall opinion was that this tool offers an affordable solution for many different pocket-hole projects, but it requires occasional work-arounds to improve accuracy or user comfort.

Get the General Tools pocket-hole jig at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bundle

Massca M2 Pro Aluminum Pocket-Hole Jig System Bundle

Product Specs 

• Guide holes: 2
• Material: Cast aluminum and steel
• Clamp: Integrated

Pros

• Heavy-duty cast-aluminum construction with steel material support system
• Conveniently designed for vertical drilling in a benchtop work setting
• Integrated dust port and face clamp for faster work and faster cleanup
• Sliding material thickness settings with thumbscrews for quick adjustment and precise drilling

Cons

• Significantly more expensive than other pocket-hole jigs
• More cumbersome and less convenient for off-site work outside the shop

The Massca M2 pocket-hole jig system is a great choice for bench-mounted operation, especially for assemblies that call for lots of pocket holes. In its base configuration, the integrated clamp holds workpieces upright for comfortable vertical drilling. When a compact jig is required for projects outside the workshop, the drill guide can be removed from the bench and a portable base installed. This professional-grade system includes all the necessary components to get started:

• cast-aluminum dual drill guide with built-in dust chute
• bench base with integrated toggle clamp
• stabilizer bars
• stop blocks
• turret drill depth gauge
• portable base
• 10-inch face clamp
• ⅜-inch stepped drill bit with stop collar
• square drive screwdriver bit
• 200 assorted starter pocket-hole screws

The Massca M2 costs more than double the second-highest-priced pocket-hole jig in our lineup, and our tests showed why the added cost may be worth it. While the material quality was immediately apparent in the cast-aluminum construction, the smooth operation of the adjustable steel drill guide, and the heavy-duty face clamp, the thoughtful performance and convenience details continued to emerge as we used the tool.

To mount the jig on a benchtop, we drove four screws through the mounting holes in the base plate. (Users also have the option of mounting to a T-track system.) The face clamp simply moved forward and back to hold and release a workpiece, which made the process of positioning workpieces very fast. Adjusting the clamp to the thickness of the wood took a few seconds, but it wasn’t difficult. Once set, it didn’t budge, and releasing it took almost no effort.

When a workpiece was clamped in place, a material thickness gauge printed on the base plate showed how to adjust the drill guide. Brass thumbscrews fixed the adjustable drill guide at the precise location for the thickness of the workpiece, with help from a gauge on the face of the unit. Both gauges were labeled in fractional inches and millimeters. While drilling, the built-in dust port directed drill dust away from the workpiece, and when attached to a vacuum, it eliminated most of the cleanup.

We especially liked the stabilizer bars and depth stop blocks. Set screws inside the base plate held the steel bars in place, and the L-shaped blocks could be used in either of two positions. With the lower limb of the L parallel to the bar, a thumbscrew could tighten the block at any distance from the drill guides for precise repeatable hole placement. Configured with the L perpendicular to the bar, the block assisted in stabilizing long boards for edge drilling.

Get the Massca M2 Pro pocket-hole jig at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best for Picture Frames

MulWark MLK-53775 Premium Pocket-Hole Jig System Kit

• Guide holes: 2
• Material: Plastic, re-sulphurized hardened steel, and metal
• Clamp: Not included

Pros

• Embedded magnet makes it easy to set the jig with a steel clamp
• Compact size makes this tool a good fit for working in tight spaces
• Comes with a carrying case that holds bits, jig, screws, and other tools and accessories

Cons

• Depth stops are not prelabeled on the drill bit
• The 2-inch-long square screwdriver bit may be too short for some projects

MulWark’s simple yet effective pocket-hole jig makes a great option for those DIYers looking for an everyday pocket-hole solution for small- to medium-size wood joining projects ranging from picture frames to furniture. This pocket-hole jig kit includes a two-hole jig, a 6-inch and 3-inch sq