When to NOT use pocket screws... and when you SHOULD! | Evening Woodworker

[@EveningWoodworker]

Check out more of my favorite woodworking tips & tricks: kzbin.info/aero/PLV-F3MjIQnNSGeaOHEjQeFnUVlVj77_Au

[@MrPollywalnuts]

Hello new sub here...Checked with Amazon on the Pocket Hole Jig and they are currently sold out but i did order one on Walmarts web site. Thanks for your videos.

[@KamKing19]

I like dowel rods and pocket hole joinery.

[@joevaldivia6733]

Very good information 👍

[@lasaterjames366]

I’m 66 years old hobby woodworker and that is the best explanation of wood movement and pocket hole attachments I have ever heard. Young man you just blessed and old man!!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Great! I'm glad we can learn stuff from each other. I'm sure you have lots of wisdom in areas I'm lacking.

[@ARichli]

I had to check that the player was on normal speed because you managed to say everything worth saying in less than 10 minutes, 1% of the time I've spent watching other videos on the subject. Excellent!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I try to make my videos efficient, helpful, and not boring!

[@youcantouchgrasstoo]

Ya, thanks for not saying "I'll get to that in a minute" thumbs 👍

[@MrSongwriter2]

@@EveningWoodworker brilliant, most American videos I have to watch at 1.25- 1.5 x because of the slow speaking. Short and succinct is best. Even Paul Sellers who’s a fantastic Brit super craftsman (hand tools) I think oh my god 1h30 minutes to make a plane handle….. yes it’s a master class scenario but even so ….

[@nunyabidness3075]

Oh yeah. Under the old algorithm, this could have been several videos. I’m waiting for a competitor to force youtube to back away from their incentives to always make longer and longer videos. In the meantime, I’ll watch this guy who packs the max into ten minutes.

[@andrewlamb4602]

Perfect speed - a lot of info delivered in a short time

[@guynorkal8194]

You've given the clearest description of wood expansion I've seen. Well done, sir. What I've done to eliminate the problem of splitting on the cross grain is to drill an oversize hole for the pocket screw. This allows the left to right expansion while the head firmly holds the pieces together. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Yes, that's a good quick solution if you want to use pocket screws across the grain. Glad you liked the video!

[@tumblindown5509]

🤢🤮 a.d.d. got me confused af

[@jcaseymiller]

I couldn't agree more completely.

[@TingTingalingy]

@@tumblindown5509 a d.d is a poor excuse for not learning self control

[@tumblindown5509]

@@TingTingalingy what is that!?! Selph can't roll?

[@alisinwanderland]

This was super helpful for a complete pocket hole novice! I see so many people just throw pocket holes in things, that I had no idea there were even rules around when it should be used and how.

[@williamsmith9026]

Rules. Who knew?🤷‍♂️ 🤣

[@KentuckyGinger]

What a great explanation of how pocket holes and wood work together. I'm getting ready to build cabinets and you have probably saved me some headaches. Thanks so much!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AbortedEvolution]

Wow dude. I've been working with wood for 30 years and nobody has ever explained this to me. A lot of my botched builds make sense now. Glad I caught this before starting my cabinets for my camper conversion. Gonna be extreme temp and humidity changes in there.

[@sierraecho884]

I am surprised you have not learned that. That´s usually what you learn in the beginning. I am sorry you missed out for so long. Just remember wood can only work if get´s the moisture, you can prevent this by applying paint for instance or depending on your living conditions maybe the moisture in the air does not change too much and thus you don´t really need it, or your piece of furniture is small and thus the small movement does not matter much.

[@architennis]

As someone about to use pocket holes for the first time, and on an expensive piece I'm making, this is gold! Thank you. I especially liked the view of the screw in the exposed/cut open slot so I could see where the pilot hole was located.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Great! I'm glad it helped

[@rebeccamcghee7299]

That soap trick at 0:28 was the coolest thing I've seen in a while. Thanks for the education!

[@eddietucker3334]

Having built a number of outdoor pieces using pocket holes, I appreciate the information presented here and now realize why one particular chair's joins were failing after some time. Thanks!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it helped! Outdoor furniture will get expansion and contraction most severely.

[@davidmcgrath6507]

That’s because pocket holes make for terrible joinery

[@eddietucker3334]

@@davidmcgrath6507 Not in my experience.

[@MarkK01]

@@davidmcgrath6507 Pocket holes are good when used wisely. A lot of people just don't know when and when not to use them.

[@flashwashington2735]

@@MarkK01 Pocket holes are bad in your pockets. Stuff falls out all the time.

[@jenniferstinert5498]

Really like the bubble example to explain wood fibres. My daughter is taking a high school construction class. She is working on her 2nd project, which is a wooden step stool. The instructions state to use pocket holes in the side rails to attach the top. The rails have a horizontal grain. I took industrial arts in school, so I knew that this was a disaster waiting to happen. I needed to explain to her why you can’t do this. Kids never want to believe their parents, especially “Moms”, because we don’t know anything about wood 😉 This video was perfect, and now she actually understands why this is wrong. When she hands her project in to be graded, she will have to explain why she altered it. I told her to include this video link in her explanation. The school has an English instructor teaching the construction class, which is probably why the instructions are incorrect. Hopefully the teacher will learn something as well and be able to change the way he teaches or at least this project. Thank you so much!

[@EveningWoodworker]

That's an awesome story! I love that she was able to learn from it and hopefully educate some adults too. I hope her project went well!

[@stephen1137]

Aside: I happen to think that sending one's children out of the home to be educated to be unnatural. One of the metamessages of this is the parents implicitly admit that they don't know enough and the "teachers" do. In truth, no one can educate your child better than you. Alas. In some homes this disastrous effect is unknown. In most homes, however...

[@jenniferstinert5498]

@@EveningWoodworker Her project turned out well. There are no worries that the legs will ever fall off. Her final grade was an “A”.

[@davidwbuckley]

⁠what if you’re more ignorant than the teachers? There are a lot of ignorant teachers but there even more dumb parents.

[@CrossCountryBR]

Excellent explanation! I had to go back a few times and rewatch specific parts of the video, because there’s so much information that is hard to grasp at once. No need to say how passionate you are about this subject.

[@teched9956]

This has to be one of the best presentations on using pocket screws. Much appreciated.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks I'm glad you liked it!

[@rctayas]

I’m a total beginner and this video was very helpful…thank you 👍🏼

[@Peggapoo]

I have some drawers I want to make for my kitchen and this information is very helpful. I live in Texas and it is very humid here. I could have wasted a lot of money and time had I not seen your video. Thank you for posting this.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Randomstuff77654]

As a beginner woodworker I would have completely missed this. Thank you for the advice!!

[@chiropractorsarnia]

I aso feel that you have given the clearest description of wood movement & use of pocket holes that I've ever come across. Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time!!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@swirlyimp]

This was SO exceptionally helpful! We're weekend warriors, with just enough knowledge to occasionally cause some major mess-ups. LOL! This helped explain our mistakes and prevent more in the future. Thank you!

[@EveningWoodworker]

I'm glad it helped! Good luck on your projects!

[@dancorwin9232]

Just another commenter adding that as a total pocket hole newbie, THANK YOU! this makes so much sense and also explains a lot of my confusion around pieces expanding and contracting

[@damienmackeigan8800]

This was great. I'm completely new to using pocket screws and loved them for the project I worked on. Now I know not to just use them anywhere thanks to your clear explanations.

[@paulgrabowski]

Amazing video! Best 10 minutes spent on KZbin. Problem is, there is so much good info here, I keep watching it over and over. lol

[@EveningWoodworker]

I'm glad you like it! Feel free to watch it over and over again!

[@RolyRhodes]

Ok, video number two watched... I think I'll just get rid of some "other" woodworking subscriptions... Now that's a compliment..! Between your engineering knowledge, excellent video presentation and sharing it all... well, let's just say thank you from this "You Tube Academy" student... 😎👍

[@danham3344]

Great info. I live in the mountains and we have huge temp & humidity swings. I'm new to woodworking and would not have considered expansion/contraction when using the Kreg. Thanks for yet another fantastic info packed video.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad you liked it! Definitely something to consider in your designs

[@naiyalexic]

Excellent presentation! About pocket screws @ 03:14: what about using pocket screws to attach deck railing to posts? Rails are 1" thickness x 4" width x 6' length, red balau (1800 hardness) to cedar posts 4"x4" (800 hardness). Thank you!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Deck attachments are usually fine because the widest board you are using is about 4". You shouldn't have any issues until you have single boards wider than 6"-8".

[@pteddie6965]

Great tutorial! You're a good teacher. This video was clear and concise. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks!

[@NomDeGuerre96]

thx for making the vid! As a newbie I can't tell you how valuable this is. You cut out a lot of trial and error for me

[@BrianKliss]

Give your screws a quick reverse to minimize shifting. It will start a pilot in the board to be joined and the threads will clean out the pilot so it draws better and doesn't thread itself away from the joint. (Also pray to the tool gods for a castle tsm-12 to level up on the pocket hole game-no clamps or shifting.) Keep up the good work🔨👍

[@TruBonehead]

Have the tsm 30 it’s awesome

[@archieireland570]

I have used pocket holes for years and you are spot on. and I am 70 years old.

[@johncoops6897]

There is a mistake at 6:45 - when building a set of shelves you *CAN* attach the shelves to the sides using pocket holes. Yes the upright will increase in width, but the shelf will expand at EXACTLY the same rate. A dado will certainly help keep the shelf flat, but serves no function regarding the climatic expansion of the parts. A couple more screws will almost do the same to help keep cupping under control.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good catch, if the grains are going the same direction then it should expand together, however if one is solid wood and the other is plywood, you could run into an issue.

[@davecolpo8441]

and you can use one pocket screw (or some other fixed fastener) in the center of a skirt or other application when the grains are perpendicular. Kind of like your live edge cabinet when you fixed the back so all expansion is forward. Having 1 fixed point makes the top feel more solid imho.

[@arbuilds]

Precise and concise, I'm a newbie to pocket hole joinery. I just bought a pocket hole jig, so glad I came across this video.... Love from Bangladesh.

[@EveningWoodworker]

They're pretty useful... Good thing you're learning about it before messing up any big projects!

[@joseville]

Great info. Taking note Wood expands in direction perpendicular to the grain. 2:20 Expansion in plywood is negligible because it consists of layers whose grain run perpendicular to each other. 2:55 more on plywood

[@CNCDude]

I don't know what you missed but I can tell you I learned a ton! Very well put together and incredibly informative. Thanks!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! Glad you learned something!

[@78tag]

Thanks, well done. I needed to be reminded about the width dimension.

[@knowledge2100]

Great explanation and very detailed. Making an end table for my daughter who asked me for her birthday. Right after I finish with my pantry upgrade I will start. This will call for pocket joining. Again, Thak you for sharing your knowledge. Ernest

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it helped!

[@codacreator6162]

I was all set to be the contrarian and defend my pocket hole screws. Then you taught me some stuff. This is a really smart, practical, and efficient video packed with great information and explanation. Nice job! And thank you for a well reasoned approach. I expected yet another video on why analog is superior to digital and what I got was how each is great for its own applications (I tried to think of a better metaphor, but it’s early and not enough coffee, yet). I’m saving this for future review!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I'm glad you got something out of it!

[@newluhu]

Excellent video 👍🏻👏🏻💪, i love woodworking too, i'm buiding a queen bed right now 😊😊

[@EveningWoodworker]

Awesome! It's really satisfying building stuff you can use.

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

What you didn't address was how the wood moves when screwing in the first pocket screw. Clamping is critical here to make sure that when the screw first hits the second piece of wood, the turning of the screw doesn't move the second piece and ruin the joint. I learned this the hard way. So, it is NOT just a matter of drilling a bunch of holes in the first piece and then merrily go about making perfect joints. One has to plan out where to put the screws and what is going to move when turning the screws into the second piece of wood.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good point, if you don't clamp the joint properly when putting those screws in, due to the angle, things can move before you even realize it!

[@cdouglas1942]

I have used a pilot hole (3/32) thru the bore of the pocket hole, into the receiving piece of wood to minimize the movement problem. And clamps

[@anyfoolknowthat]

@@EveningWoodworker How bout a vid on how to minimize pieces shifting when driving together

[@johncoops6897]

@@anyfoolknowthat - do you really need a video to explain such a simple thing as using a backing board and a clamp that suits your particular work??

[@anyfoolknowthat]

@@johncoops6897 I still have wood shift, even with multiple clamps

[@deborahlopez7147]

Excellent presentation. AND in all the woodworking videos I’ve seen no one has ever discussed this. Thank you!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad I can provide some clarity!

[@rb-ex]

nice video and explanation of expansion/contraction across the grain. however, the problem is not limited to pocket screws. any rigid joinery is going to suffer from the same problem across a lot of grain. a glued dado for breadboard ends provides more glue surface for the joint, but the wood fibers along the joint may eventually tear out just like pocket screws may loosen in that situation. i also think you overstate the problem a bit. in your example with of 6" boards with a butt joint, you said pocket screws might be a problem. but if you are using glue in the joint the problem is not different than a dowel or biscuit joint. these latter joints are stronger but not more resistant to expansion/contraction damage (a mortise and tenon would solves= that problem, if it's a problem). in practice, smooth sanding followed by a well-maintained surface finish will reduce the number of expansion/contraction cycles during daily relative humidity fluctuations and mitigate cycles during seasonal fluctuations. your topic is not really about when not to use pocket screws, but when to use joinery that will accommodate expansion and contraction across the grain

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good point, it can happen with other types of joinery too, it's just that I've seen so many designs with pocket screws everywhere, it seems to be a common area of confusion with pocket screws.

[@JCAM-z9r]

You are one of the few people who explain this in detail. Thank you so much. I understand when to and not to use pocket holes much better as it ve been staring at something I created to attach my 19 inch tv to an old video camera tripod I’ve repurposed. I’m using scraps of MDF in this case but think I’m going to use some plywood scraps I have. Thank you again for your time and great advice. God Bless!

[@tommanseau6277]

Thank you and learned a few things about pocket holes. I guess I've been fortunate to not accidentally use the screws in a way that would be counter to wood movement. While I started my journey with woodworking using a Kreg jig, I wish I had known about the Armor Tools jig 1st. I find their jig eliminates all the little annoyances I have with the Kreg version.

[@christophercharles9645]

I see others have mentioned it but I agree: your straw analogy of wood grain is great. Nice job.

[@deanwheeler9741]

Expansion/contraction is something to pay attention to. However, the pilot hole created by the jig (the narrow stepped part at the tip of the drill bit) is larger than the screw shaft. So unless you also glue the joint there is a bit of wiggle that could allow one piece to move laterally against the other.

[@EveningWoodworker]

True there's a bit of wiggle room, but for large tabletops, that might not be enough

[@johnr8252]

Wow, just what I needed! I'm figuring out out a toolbox project, and wasn't sure where to use pocket screws. Subscribed!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you sir!

[@Felipemcc]

Thanks for the info! Very technical and simple at the same time. Cheers!

[@barrybebenek8691]

Wow. Even though I knew all about expansion and contraction of the wood, I never thought about how it can affect pocket joinery. Thanks for this. 👍🏼🇨🇦

[@johnfreiler6017]

Pocket screws are great for aprons on table tops: you just have to slot the hole to allow for wood movement. Then that wonderfully unthreaded part of the screw acts as a spring to absorb the movement. The screw keep the table top held to apron while allowing for seasonal movement with the slotted opening. This is an old technique, been used as long as wood screws existed.

[@EveningWoodworker]

That's true, if you allow for wood movement with a slotted hole, even a pocket screw could work to hold a table top on.

[@CrimeVid]

Sure, ever had a look at a drawing board ?

[@barefootledgefarm4359]

Can you explain this more or link a video showing it? Which end of the hole gets a slot? Do you mean where the screw exits should be wider ?

[@jimmckelvey459]

I really enjoyed your explanation of wood expansion. You broke something down so well that anyone can easily understand it! Thanks!

[@michaelcarroll4330]

Super explanation - very practical and, I expect, really useful - thank you 👍👏

[@stephrhoades7390]

I learned SO much more in this one video than I have learned in all other videos combined about woodworking. I never realized any of this before, but now it all makes so much sense!

[@EveningWoodworker]

I'm glad it helped!

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

Thank you, this was a very well thought out and informative video, great job explaining 💫

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad you liked it!

[@riveralley]

@@EveningWoodworker sooo what about using pocket holes for MDF?

[@martinferos6732]

Thanks for your informative video regarding when, or when not to use pocket hole journey. Equally, when making projects with pocket hole journey you have to think and build them upsidedown and inside-out so the pocket holes and plugs are not exposed. Thanks again great video.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Yes, exactly!

[@michaelcraig2115]

1,000 comments already, so no idea if anyone already said this - Kreg does have a variety of pocket holes screws, enough that it could be it's own video for which to use when (coarse/fine thread, with/out washer head, micro-sized screws/holes, coated...) But as to the meat of this video and wood movement, thank you! I learned a lot ;^)

[@PhilDapple]

I've been a Cabinetmaker 40+ years and never ever used pocket holes. We use real joinery and assemble properly.

[@dianearnold5381]

I’m a new woodworker and I associate the pocket hole technique with cheap furniture. I’d like to make cabinets myself for a house I’m building - can you tell me what to use INSTEAD of the pocket hole technique? It seems ubiquitous.

[@enochpage1333]

@@dianearnold5381you would use mortise and tenon joinery.

[@streetglidescott6424]

All about the expansion/contraction. Great seminar. Thanks from the woodworking world!

[@danielaggeler9263]

Of my knowledge of woodworking there has never been any "Don't use pocket-screws here" instructions really available. Thank you for this video. When talking about wood expansion I always remember a job of tightening up a back porch where my job was to stabilize the existing joints. I did some fine measuring and joining of wood with woodscrews. I have always been haunted by the fact that I didn't account for expansion or weathering of the wood. I don't know if that house is still standing anymore. I always think of that episode when woodworking.

[@EveningWoodworker]

We all have that one (or more) regret where we didn't account for the wood expansion... I feel you man. Just gotta learn for the next time!

[@richardclowes6123]

What an excellent tutorial. Very clear and well presented. I am about to make a unit and just wanted to remind myself of the correct way of doing them as it's been a while since I used them. Like you, I love wood and all things wooden. People say I'm bonkers when I say that wood is 'as if it's alive' . . . well, it moves doesn't it . . . never seen dead things move !!!!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks!

[@AlexRomero-el4uu]

This was very informative. I'm just learning wood work and had no idea these issues could arise. Thank you sir.

[@josephperignat7374]

Well done explanation of wood expansion and the need to be aware of how to connect the wood pieces.

[@Valeszable]

I had no idea…wood-anatomy. What an awesome video! Very informative! Thank you for sharing!

[@Joe2-rg4lc]

Really great information explained in an easy to understand fashion. Nice job sir!

[@OIII-IOOO]

thank you for this deep dive on PHJ. i’ve never seen this info presented by anyone else. you just earned a new sub.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! Glad it helped

[@keithwilliamson236]

Great information. Beginner here, and I'm pocket hole obsessed.

[@georgemcginnis4395]

Very informative, detailed and without unnecessary dialog. You have a new follower.

[@ramirogonzalez7063]

Thanks, your KZbin is very good for me b/c I'm trying to reremember pocket hole screws. I now have Aphasia, due to my old stroke. I hope to go back to be a mechanic engineering design again.

[@patmason7276]

Nice explanation and love your pieces of furniture.

[@apptechman5932]

Great job of clarifying the do's and don'ts'. You also cleared up the ambiguity about the angles you can use pocket screws for. Finally, thank you for showing the difference between a bevel head screw and a designed pocket hole screw.

[@dkgrace6743]

Great video. Presented very well. I knew this when I built a bread board dinning room table but ignore it and paid dearly for it. The table expanded and split. Thanks.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! Hope your table is salvageable

[@MrWebbstudios]

Very educational. Your explanation of wood expansion and pocket holes will help a lot of us avoid grief and disaster. Your tips are highly appreciated. Thank you.

[@jdogsbad]

I just stumbled across this video. Never thought about the placing of my screws as far as expansion. Very good video. Thanks.

[@EveningWoodworker]

I'm glad it helped!

[@G1itcher]

Some have said this already but this video was so fantastically information dense. Thank you for bucking the trend of fluffed up, nothing burger videos

[@EveningWoodworker]

I hate those too! Glad I can add some value for people

[@Huiando]

A treasure trove of valuable information in a such a short video! OMG Thank you!

[@michaelpapadopoulos4957]

Great video. i have to inspect a table i build with pocket screws and the boards split. I thought it was due to poor drying but now i have to check the use of pocket screws according to the grain. Great info! Thanks.

[@frankgrams9511]

Love the info in the video. As a side note, the sander in front of the electric box is a big safety hazard, not to mention most likely a violation a building codes. Requires 30 width and 36 inched of clear space in in front of panel.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Don't worry it's on wheels so I can move it out as needed

[@retiefgregorovich810]

Thanks for the video. I'm just getting into woodworking and didn't know about the wood expansion effect. This was a very helpful video.

[@francostacy7675]

You covered this in more depth than others than I see. I have some follow up questions if you have time. 1. I don’t have to worry about this in plywood or mdf correct? 2. I don’t have to worry about this if the environment does not change in temp and humidity? 3 . In your example of attaching to a wide top you said to use a dado joint because it can move, so you mean a dado without fasteners or glue? 4. You said plywood is stable to use pocket screws because of the crossing of the layers…so why doesn’t those layers expand against each other and tear itself up? One layer is expanding in an one direction but the other layer expands in the other direction so I don’t see how plywood stays stable? 5 . You said to not attach a top or skirt with pocket screws, but would it be okay to use pocket hole screws with the grain and attach a skirt as long as I didn’t use pocket screws on a cross grain attachment?

[@EveningWoodworker]

1. No; 2. Technically no, but that's hard to do unless it's underground; 3. if you can align the grain on the shelf with the grain on the side, you can use fasteners and/or glue. If you have them across the grain, use the dado but secure it in just 2 locations 8" or less apart. 4. It's thin enough and glued/pressed enough together that it doesn't seem to be an issue. I've never seen plywood come apart due to expansion. 5. Yes you could do them with the grain on one side and be okay, but the other side would need expansion capability as the whole tabletop will expand across the grain, unless it's a very narrow table < 8" wide.

[@denisdore643]

This is a very good explanation of wood expansion. The straws helps a lot to remember in what direction humidity affects wood 🪵. Very good! Thanks a lot !

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped

[@Wyman642]

Wonderfully composed and edited video. Conveyed all the needed info with just the right amount of detail. Bravo!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you sir!

[@karthiksc47]

Superb subject matter knowledge and explained in a simple straightforward manner. Thank you !!

[@richardbecraft8675]

Thank you for doing this. I now have purchased screws tailored for pocket holes. I would have wasted my time searching and guessing prior to watching your video.

[@EveningWoodworker]

I'm glad it helped!

[@hossenfeffer8383]

Wowza. Best video in pocket hole screws I have seen. Well done.

[@aucomint]

I totally agree with the screw type issue. I experienced it many times. It's by the way amazing that Wolfcraft sells a pocket holes jig that comes along with regular screws.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Sounds like the Wolfcraft one will definitely have some issues

[@DWMtukwila]

I am very pleased I watched this. I put in a long butcher block countertop which is not yet attached(14' total length) and I was under the mistaken assumption that the 25" width was nothing to be concerned about. It will be difficult to narrow it in one section, but it will be done. I have never used pocket screws but I plan on using them to attach the L section with them.

[@EveningWoodworker]

If you are far enough along on your project, you can still use the pocket screws across the grain as long as you slot your screw holes. Drill the first hole with your jig and then drill another one 1/8" over so it makes a slotted hole. That way the slot can allow for movement, but the screw is still attached in the other board.

[@mwmentor]

Very nifty tip… thanks for sharing. I have never thought about any of these things… not unusual as I am only a very occasional woodcrafter… so thanks, and you have a really useful channel 👍😃

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you!

[@michaelbradford4444]

Best pocket hole tutorial I've seen , good job!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@twistdmonky1830]

I'm a rookie at this and you explained this really well. Thank you.

[@christopherford3175]

Can you do a video on wood dowels now? I know its not as complicated but you really simplify the way things are done im sure there are dos and donts.

[@williamanderson1127]

Have just 2 words about this video, perfect explanation .

[@williamguzman6037]

I am a new woodworker Great video but I am bit confused between pocket holes and studs to join boards together. I did subscribe because I think I can learn lots from you. Thank you

[@EveningWoodworker]

Welcome aboard! Each type of joint has its purpose and often many joints can be used in the same application. When you say studs, do you mean dowels?

[@christinaarchambault4527]

You’re amazing! I don’t have enough wide clamps to make a table top but i never thought of using pocket hole screws 💡 thanks

[@EveningWoodworker]

I'm glad it helped! Good luck!

[@dougblazer1376]

Thanks for this video. Even tho I knew about wood expanding I never gave it much consideration when using pocket holes. Thanks for the reminder.

[@OlliMSa]

Although long, you kept my attention the entire video. Very informational, and you clarified the confusion I had about both wood and pocket screws. Thank you.

[@mrmukura]

Whoa! That's crazy RH range. We average 85% year round, range is 60-90 with out dehumidifiers. Also, great overview too.

[@misspginbc9947]

Thanks for the video. Some good ideas. Looking at your electrical panel in the back ground, I hope you don’t use your sander in front of lit. Also, I believe that you need to keep the area clear in front of the panel. I do not know where you are but where I am you need to have 3’ clear space.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good tip! I do have the flip top stand on wheels which allows me to keep that space open when needed

[@mdaley3102]

Excellent advice. I’m getting ready to build your router sled and see how it works. I’m still trying to decide on what to use for the verticals rails that the sled will slide on. I don’t need an entire sheet of mdf so still thinking on that part.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Get some square 1x4 mdf trim boards. Then you don't need an entire sheet.

[@ravenheart1439]

Totally agree and thank you...I also just learned with hard wood go with a fine thread screw, it does make a difference....

[@EveningWoodworker]

Yes for sure!

[@catsmeow5566]

Wow! I never knew you could blow through wood and have the air come out like that. This is very helpful.

[@benslater909]

As a fairly new woodworker, this helps a lot. Thank you 👍🏻

[@EveningWoodworker]

You're welcome! Good luck!

[@ef2b]

One traditional way of attaching a table top was to hand-make something that is pretty much a pocket screw. A gouge was used to make something very similar to a pocket in the apron, then a hole was bored, and a screw was passed through up into the top. This worked because the screw can move side to side within the bore made through the apron or other portion of the base when the top expands and contracts. So, offhand, I would think a pocket screw would actually be good when you need to cross grain. I think there's enough room in the bore left by my jig for this movement. I'm wondering what others think, though.

[@EveningWoodworker]

I hadn't heard of that method before, but that sounds like it would work. Just gotta allow the wood to move across the grain.

[@jeffwells641]

Yeah, I think it was an old shaker method to use pocket screws across the grain. The trick was to make the pilot hole oversized so the screw had plenty of room around the shaft, so it could move around as needed as the board expands. If you do it right there is no issue, you just need to be aware of the problem to take steps to deal with it.

[@jessemahoney1639]

Agree with other comments here. I have used pocket screws to attach aprons to tops by slotting or oversizing the pilot hole. You just need to understand the direction of wood movement and estimate total amount of movement. Having this knowledge will allow you to determine if these fasteners are applicable for your project. Outdoor pieces will typically expand and contract more than an indoor piece (especially if it resides in a conditioned space), but you should always assume some movement will occur.

[@WashtubTimeMachine]

Ohhhh!!!! So that's why my contacts where mediocre.... THEY HAVE SPECIAL SCREWS. I just found out about pocket holes and bought a $25 jig. Decided to use it for my latest project and it's been, well, OK. Obviously didn't read the manual, LOL! Thanks for the video bud. Liked and Subscribed!!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! Yeah the screws make a big difference.