10 Pocket Hole Tips And Tricks

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

▼EXPAND FOR MORE INFO!▼ ★Links to Kreg tools you may see in my shop (If you use one of these affiliate links we may receive a small commission that helps to support the channel) Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720 PRO, Blue amzn.to/3trFHkt Kreg pocket hole jig 320 with hand clamp amzn.to/3wnkaJO Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 520PRO amzn.to/3A0DOMK Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System amzn.to/3XS5NsV Kreg driver bit amzn.to/3mB98Mp Kreg Tool Concealed Hinge Jig , Blue amzn.to/3GBLzLG Kreg Automaxx Right Angle Clamp amzn.to/3Iezs7T Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Project Table Kit amzn.to/3Xs7U6F KREG Plunge Saw amzn.to/33hDbmi Kreg Adaptive Cutting System 62" Guide Track amzn.to/3A0ETnM Kreg SK03 Pocket-Hole Screw Kit in 5 Sizes amzn.to/3ntSKy9 Kreg SK03B Blue Kote Pocket Hole Screw Outdoor Project Kit amzn.to/3WwhpRb KREG Shelf Pin Drilling Jig 8 in. amzn.to/3nt0LTG Kreg Foreman amzn.to/3Xs2gSk

[@harrisonmassa7303]

As a 20 year old who just started buying tools and doing basic wood working I’m very grateful you are starting this series. I’ve been learning pretty much everything I know so far from your channel and other KZbinrs but from what I’ve seen there are not enough people going over the basics. Thank you for your amazing content much appreciated.

[@johnnyelectric4844]

i have used a jig saw a skill saw and a orbital sander for years making thousands of dollars look into mill scraps called slab wood its next to free

[@harrisonmassa7303]

@@johnnyelectric4844 will do thanks

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Great to hear! Keep up the good work and hopefully I can get some more basic instructional videos out.

[@conflictfree88]

If you haven't yet, you should check out Steve Ramsey - Woodworking For Mere Mortals. He has a great intro series

[@harrisonmassa7303]

@@MatthewPeechWoodworking thanks man!

[@fireman56669]

I learned a mistake I was making with pocket holes just by watching this. I think the back to the basics series would be awesome for those of us that are still new to woodworking and also be a refresher for those that have done it a while. Keep up the good work!!! #KentuckyStrong

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Glad it helped. Thanks for the support.

[@Oxfordbakehouse]

I agree! I have never made pocket hole before, back to the basics would help me too!

[@austinollinger82]

I agree!

[@dlb19595]

I am just starting out in woodworking and would love a back to the basics video on pocket holes would really help me.

[@krynmesler8499]

I have never used Pocket holes. The basics would be awesome

[@smokingfacepeltoutdoors6636]

As a guy who is just getting into woodworking, I love the idea of the “back to the basics” series. Any instruction in tools and techniques is helpful when you have never used them before.

[@hollygaming2020]

As someone just getting into this hobby, we greatly appreciate these beginner videos. Please make more!

[@johncamp7679]

The basics are so important, no matter how long you’ve been doing something.

[@CelticLaserCrafts]

So true, if you cant get the basics right, then nothing is going to work out the way you expect it too

[@PrimateProductions]

​@@CelticLaserCraftsyes exactly this. And too often for those that are fairly new to woodworking others just assume they are familiar with "the basics" and will skip right over them when explaining something.

[@JenniePerkins-p7s]

Thank you from an old grannie that is trying to make her own Kitchen cabinets ( but everything is in Chinese) not understanding how to properly use a “Jig” and especially the nail size you have given me so much information that is so useful and saving me plywood material, thank you once again and Please do continue to have more videos for dummies like me

[@adelemartinez8235]

You got this, ma! I believe in you!

[@Jimc4007]

I'm finding this video 3 years after it was posted and it's still relevant! What a Peech of a deal😊!

[@zachmcwilliams8412]

Awesome video. I have to admit guilt with the impact driver and I don’t know why I haven’t thought of the common sense behind it. Great videos man, you’re the one that sparked my interest in woodworking and it’s helped tremendously with a lot of mental health related issues from the military. Keep up the good work!!

[@theearthauger]

God bless you and Thank You for your service. I come from a military family 🇺🇸

[@ladybuilder]

Thats awesome ! Glad to hear it.

[@theearthauger]

My Dad was a Command Sargent Major in the United States Army. He was in WW two, Korean and two tours in Vietnam. Love you Dad and I thank him for teaching me how to use tool's. I miss him . He sure would have loved All of the new tools we have now. 🇺🇸

[@zachmcwilliams8412]

@@theearthauger thank you, and to yours as well!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Hey Zach! Thanks and I too have to admit that I typically use an impact... but I started with a drill and set the torque. After a while, you can "hear" the stopping point with an impact... I guess I've memorized the number of torque clicks lol. And your story is one of the reasons I do what I do... I have always used woodworking as my own place to focus all of my thoughts on what I'm working on... and then the feeling of accomplishment when you take "nothing" and make "something". I'm a huge supporter of mental health support as well as the military. If you know of any veterans woodworking groups send them my way. Thank you for your comment and a huge thank you for your service!

[@timmccarthy3500]

i'm self taught and go on intuition and trial and error and would really appreciate back to the basics channel. thanks for the inspiration

[@lilliangravel803]

Absolutely loved this. Everything explained so clearly. Finally found something on how to do the T joint using two different sizes of material. Thank you so much.

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Yup... I was completely flying blind with pocket holes. Didn't have any idea what I was doing... lol! This helps immensely... and being a new woodworker I think a series of 'back to basics' is just perfect. Because I need to learn the basics! Thanks Matt - it is why I support your channel! 🤠

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Whats up Cowboy_Steve! I just noticed who that message was from. Glad and helped and make sure to check out the full video... I go into even more detail. Thanks so much for supporting the channel! I'm thinking about doing some live streams on Patreon so people can ask questions as I go over a tool.

[@cfoskeeter]

In reference to your box joint at the 7:21 mark, Kreg recommends that the pocket screws go in from the outside for a stronger joint. That way the screws are not going toward the edge of the wood where there is a possibility of them splitting out.

[@haunthunterify]

I am glad that someone mentioned it. As soon as I saw the weak joint he made by doing it that way, I close the video. This is basic knowledge and he is teaching it wrong. Hopefully he would see your comment and explain.

[@navret1707]

Back to basics is always a good idea. Even if “you know everything about . . . “ you probably could pick up something useful. Excellent idea.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Very true! Thank you.

[@robbiesmith1732]

just started woodworking as a 42yo woman with a husband who is even more clueless than me. So thank you for the back to basics video! I just discovered you a few days ago, and I love your videos! Have you made a table saw or miter saw back to basics video yet? That series would make a great playlist, so that they are easy to find.

[@TheWendyJohnson]

Yay for my sister woodworkers!! :-)

[@andreamara8542]

I am 67 and finally learning basic wood work. My son gave me a Kreg tool but I didn’t know what to do with it except put it away. This is a good video.

[@guybowers9094]

You are the man when it comes to teaching the rest of us ways to make money woodworking, and I think a series on the basics is a great idea as well

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@danamcarthur7477]

Thank you! My husband passed and I have all his tools. I’m learning, slowly, how to do house repairs, etc. and I am clueless! There is no place to learn these things for someone who already has a career and no time to get a technical woodworking degree where this would be taught.

[@eddievangilder8081]

“Kreg didn’t put those holes there...Peech put them there!” LOL I love how you referred to yourself in the third person. Love your videos. Thank you for explaining the proper usage of the pocket-hole jig.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

😁 thank you!

[@Linda211]

I love all of your videos, Matthew, but this one answered so many questions I had regarding pocket holes! Thanks for all the inspiration you bring to this channel!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@mikeschmidt4800]

I love these types of videos where they start off with the reason you clicked and then, Hello everyone here is my life story before I deliver the simple information you came for.

[@melissabreedlove8211]

Yes please!!! And honestly I’ve been struggle with a cross cut sled… so maybe a video on that!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Can do! cross cut sleds are so easy to make and most channels put wayyyy too many unneeded things on them.

[@melissabreedlove8211]

@@MatthewPeechWoodworking … yes and seems ti make it way more complicated than need be… thank you!

[@rs2343-o4e]

Matt, I think that a back to basics series would be great especially if you include tips and tricks like running a countersink backwards to stop tear out in the begging and sliding your speed square up to the pencil to get a more accurate line.

[@CH-sx9je]

Back to the Basics is a great idea. A video on Router Basics would be appreciated.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Great suggestion! Thank you.

[@markg3305]

Well I've been pocketholing for about a year now "yes very much still a rookie" but out of all the pocket hole videos this is the one that finally made it all click 🤣 thank you!

[@herfstmys4125]

I'm not an experienced woodworker at all, but I'm pretty sure I spotted a 'mistake' at around @4:15. The direction of the screw should always point to the length of the material you're drilling into, not the shortest side. So in this case you would put the pocket holes on the other side of the material (and then fill them in with a dowel for aesthetics).

[@scottblinn842]

I literally bought the 720 yesterday and was looking for a good basics video. Great information and easily digestible. Thanks brother! Love this channel!!!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Perfect timing! Thanks for watching.

[@Oxfordbakehouse]

Thank you for doing a series on the basics. I had no idea how to use a pocket hole jig. Now i feel i can make more of your ideas, I have purchased plans that say to make pocket holes, but I didn't know how. Thank you so much! Love Your Videos!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Glad to help! Thanks for the support.

[@SethWilcock]

I think a back to basics Playlist would be very helpful. I'm in 👋

[@dakaotic1450]

Back to the basics is classic and very important even as little reminders ..

[@ExpMgmt]

Just getting into woodworking and I had never heard of pocket holes let alone how to do them. Your back to basic series is perfect for me. I plan to watch them all so Thank you Peech

[@aytviewer2421]

Oh this was an awesome type of video. Hands on and TONS of examples demonstrating your topics with follow-up explanations. Add this type of series to your arsenal. Very effective!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@themightyselrahc]

A back to basics series is a great idea. But honestly, I'll watch any videos you post, I learn something new every time.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@karibeauchamp4358]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I've been putting off using my pocket hole joinery for lack of understanding. THANK YOU!!!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Of course!

[@donnalambe6453]

Wow thank you. I’ve searched for ages to find basic instruction in pocket holes, thank you 😊

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

You’re welcome 😊

[@randyhay6721]

You are the man. I have been messing up pocketholes for years

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Hope these instructions can help!

[@werewolf-a-go-go]

I love how you went over the screws in depth and which size to use for which size wood. Would love a video on the Kreg 320 which is the most affordable option out there!

[@climid]

As a beginner, I'm very interested in this back to the basics series!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thanks!

[@curtisaitken7027]

Finally pulled the trigger and bought a 520. Had to rewatch this video a few times (again). Thanks Peech.

[@rcger]

Matthew, thank you SO much for showing the holes in your jig. I thought I was the only one who had ever done that.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Lol it seems several of us have!

[@paulrooster2108]

@@MatthewPeechWoodworking , Hey that ain't no mistake, it's a dang relief hole for shavings 🤔🤣

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for this. I do not use pocket holes often. General knowledge always helps.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

You bet!

[@donking7121]

Thant you for making this video. A friend bought me that big Kreg gig as a retirement gift. I’ve tried to read and reread the instructions but I am a visual learner so this video has been great. Thank you!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christys.5024]

I swear you answer every question I have

[@herschelgross5187]

It's always good to go back to the basics no matter how long you've done something to achieve anything brush up on something close to what you do on a daily basis to keep your skills sharp

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Yes!

[@angelbear_og]

As someone new to woodworking, and totally digging your current vids, that new series would be AWESOME!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jont5320]

Love that Banksy in the background!

[@johncoliflower]

Yes please continue with back to the basics. I’m a GREEN beginner, so this series will be very helpful for me!!

[@robertwhite5804]

Hey Mr. Peech, I bought my fire kerg jig 30+ years ago and I’ve done my fair share of mistakes. But you showed me a few new ways to drill pocket holes.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Great!

[@TheDavemarz]

I don't care what you are doing or how long you have been doing it. It is always helpful to go back and review the basics. You could go around your shop grab a different tool each week, just keep keep cranking them out and I would watch all of them. Thank you.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@gladyssanchez5928]

First time using pocket holes and you made it so easy to understand. Thank you so much ❤

[@robertadamo3455]

Great video clear and concise. Filled in some areas not covered by other videos on this topic . Thank you

[@brianmiller5074]

Love your teaching style. You should start a woodworking class. I have been tyring to understand the different screw and appreciated the link you provided, but your taching was even better. Thanks you sir,. Love the shop and the awesome projects in the background. Awesome.

[@liddyliddylab]

the screw length is based on the thickness of the material you’re screwing into… wow lol. thank you SO MUCH, man.

[@Siouxperman]

Kreg has stepped up their game!! Makes pocket holes easy

[@MKimble515]

Thank you Matthew! Very informative video. Keep doing these. I think a lot of creators start off remembering what it's like to be new and then forget as they get more and more income. Most people searching KZbin woodworking are needing knowledge. The pros are not your core audience. Thank you for recognizing this!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thanks! Will do!

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

Thanks Matthew. This was very informative and interesting. It's nice to discover that you've given your pocket hole jigs some extra clearancing.😎

[@grumpyjay37]

New to the channel yours is one of the most helpful useful channels. There is out there it was a no brainer to subscribe. You definitely got me thinking. Been in the garage making stuff.😂👍😉

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thanks and welcome!

[@hwym59]

Love this basic instruction video. Please make more like one on using dowel pins

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@chrisharriman5245]

That is a wonderful idea. Everyone needs a refresher course.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Extra info is always a good thing right?

[@youraverageruss]

I ran out and got the Harbor freight tool. I see why the blue tools are more expensive. Thank you for the demo.

[@roxannehoben6221]

Matt, you have got to be the coolest teacher person ever. Imma girl see..and I just want to get my fingers on some wood and make tons of stuff. You make it seem so simple. Thanks for the info videos. I am learning so much.

[@seanpaula8924]

Never used one. Seen them around for years on tv shows. Thanks ✌️

[@tomforeman1123]

Well made Matthew. I learned a lot about pocket hole joinery, a subject I thought I already knew a lot about! Please keep making these back to the basics videos.

[@robertmiles388]

Matt, that’s a very helpful video cause of screwed up a bunch of wood but not no one a lot of the things you covered. Thank you very much much

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Of course!

[@brianknowles7130]

I tend to like almost anything you do, so happy to watch & learn. thks from UK

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@warrensmith2902]

My favorites are the K-3 & the K-5. Been using them for almost 20 years now. Most of my shop boxes were put together with pocket holes. I've put together and fixed a ton of drawers with my small screw drilling guide as well. The drill bits are so cheap, that it's worth buying and presetting the depths on different bits. Every time I start up a run for drilling holes, I check to make sure I have the right bit by setting the guides depth, and then dropping in the bit I'm going to use to make sure It sits correctly. I als cut a small length of hose off to slip over the dust hood so I can connect my vacuum to it. It's all mounted to a piece of plywood that I clamp down to my MFT/3 work bench. Great system if you don't over tighten the and strip the screw holes (spinners). There's a fix for that. Drill a through hole and drive a 3/8" dowel through it and make it a feature.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

Back to basics is a great idea.And pocket holes is a great starter

[@jerrytalley802]

Excellent ideas on basics. I never learned how to properly use my jig, so thanks

[@luiscuevas422]

Your detail is always perfect...I appreciate you sir. Keep up the phenomenal tutorials!, thank you.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thanks, will do!

[@doncrist2012]

Not there yet but am exploring the possibility of getting one. Getting ready to start selling the 40 plus planters of many different shapes and sizes thanks to you and other you tubers.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Best of luck! You’ve got this!

[@suedodd639]

Matthew I’ve just found your tutorials, this one has been very informative. Here in the UK, the Kregg Jig is not popular, it’s not sold in DIY stores so Amazon is the place to purchase. The difficulty with Amazon is there’s no information so tutorials like this are invaluable to help decide on the final model. As a woman I feel intimidated asking for assistance in stores especially lumber yards where most purchases are made by experienced (mostly male) professionals. I do have many of the basic tools so look forward to seeing more of your basic tutorials - the Miter Saw is one I particularly look forward to. Oh by the way, another challenge …… what about us left handed folks? Some things need to be set up differently for lefties and no one ever discusses that! Keep teaching, I love your tutorials!

[@willieb918]

You have become one of my go-to woodworking guys. I love what you do so anything you want to do is fine by me.

[@richardpelland661]

I just bought a Kreg 520 and after watching this I think I'll finally make it be more than a cool paperweight! Great video as usual and thanks for the tips and tricks.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Of course!

[@pbnjshop]

My son has taken an interest in woodworking recently. I've done a little, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable about it -- I'd love to learn more along with him. I love your channel and the way you teach, so I'm really excited about a 'back to basics' series. I hope there's enough interest to make it worth your while!

[@Billy_Bull_Sheeter]

As the inventer of this machine, i give my blessing and thumbs up to this video .

[@debbiegibson3872]

Appreciated the details with the pocket screw tool. It’s been a great tool for some of my projects, but I’ve questioned the screw size after drilling. I enjoy following you.

[@draadhaai]

I learned SO much from this video alone. From the types of screws to the way to use the pocket hole tool to begin with. Awesome Matt! Thanks for making these.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching.

[@serenityhillhomestead5392]

Thanks for the great tips. I’m getting ready to start a project that will use a lot of pocket holes.

[@corvus00]

Hi, Peech! I feel much better knowing that you drilled a hole through your 520 on the first use because I did the exact same thing my first time! I felt so stupid at the time.

[@joemissanelli3395]

Thanks Matt! Answered a lot of my questions regarding pocket holes…..

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Great to hear!

[@glenndavis6120]

I appreciate you making these back to the basic videos. I haven't done woodworking in 15 years. Now I have time I am starting to get back into it and of course still have to purchase tools too. Thanks again.

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

Great video Matt! I would love to see a series on "Back to the Basics". Looking forward to the next one.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Noted! Thank you.

[@sparklekpadeh3382]

I'd love to see a back to the basics channel. That way little kids and I can feel comfortable with using tools. I only got 1 year of shop class before my school cut it, but I knew if I'd had even another year of it, I'd have gotten into the trades once I turned 18 and I'd have been making a heck of alot more money than I am now.

[@charlescook4248]

You make it all so simple. Sometimes I just want to say “of course! Why didn’t I think of that!” Practical and clear advice.

[@CelticLaserCrafts]

Such a wonderful video... Im still learning screw sizes etc... but so far, I live my Kregg Pocket hole jig

[@cheryltaylor107]

I would love for you to continue making videos like this, thank you!

[@peterlepine]

A most excellent video. I was trying to drill a 2X4 piece of wood into a 3/4 inch plywood. Learned that I need to set my pocket hole jig to the 3/4 inch setting. BTW, I also put a small hole through my jig just before watching your video. Dang! Thanks again.

[@royevans7793]

One reason I haven't gotten into pocket hole joinery is that I don't know anything about it. This has helped a lot. Now just to figure out which one I want to get, and how much money to spend!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Nice!

[@JohnSmith-pp8rf]

You're a good man Matthew Peech. I love your videos.

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

As I just mentioned on the Kreg page, this is one of the best pokcet hole explanation video I have seen. Great work Matthew! New sub!

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@kenerickson4923]

Thanks for the screw length discussion for thickness of what you screw into. Kreg didn't explain that in old jig instructions.

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Very useful! Not only on how to use but also which jig will best fit my needs... thanks Peach ! Love your videos 👍

[@sqlsmarty4325]

Very cool! Great content, I use the Kreg often, but it’s still good to see someone with more knowledge show some tips. Thanks! 😎👍

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Of course!

[@kennethrutledge9222]

Hey Man !! Ain’t seen ya in a while Peech !! Glad you’re back !! Ya know I’ve been retired since 17, so about 6 years and I was doin a lot of wood workin projects but got bored and got into blade smithing!! Well now I’m bored with that so I decided to make some tool storage boxes , really rollaway tool boxes and I’ve been watchin the pocket hole joinery stuff that’s out there but your clip as always is the most explanatory and easiest to understand!! Thanks again for that !! I really already had a fixture for that but got schooled on the correct type of screws to use , thanks again!! Ok man I’m out , again glad to see you’re back !! Git it on !!!

[@tommanseau6277]

Armor Tool makes their Auto-jig pocket hole system. I traded my Kreg in when I saw that it automatically sets the pocket hole entrance height, thickness, the stop collar setting, and even has a handy chart for screw size and type which is color coded for the length of screw. It is by far the easiest pocket hole jig I've personally used. Armor designed out a lot of the issues I had with the Kreg.

[@stevehendrickson8009]

Since covid my plan has to finally use some of the tools I have acquired over the years...my 'retirement dream'.. I think your idea of another series would be very helpful.

[@buggyridge]

Next to Norm and Tommy, I think I've learned more from Matthew lately than anyone else especially on pocket hole joinery. Thanks Matthew!! Much appreciated.

[@PAWPAWMAKES]

I am loving the idea of back to the basics.

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thanks.

[@GUIDE_Nico]

I don't know if I learn anything new but, you're a handsome man and you make great videos. I made a bunch of square plant pots last month. Thanks for the tips from them.

[@deedaw9246]

I like this idea because I've never done actual wood working, and I always have to ask my boyfriend for help, but he doesn't always do things the way I would like it done. This gives me a reference library to go to. I hope you put it in a playlist so it will always be easy to find the series. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@haroldgriggs9614]

Very nice job in explaining how valuable the versatility of the jig👍

[@MatthewPeechWoodworking]

Thank you!