Discover the advantages and disadvantages of all Kreg Pocket Hole Jigs to make an informed purchasing decision tailored to your woodworking needs.
Whether you’re a beginner embarking on your first project or an experienced woodworker looking to upgrade your toolkit, understanding the key features and differences among the various Kreg jigs is essential. This guide provides a detailed comparison of the Kreg 300 Series (including models 310 & 320), XL, 520Pro, 720, and 720Pro, helping you select the perfect jig for your workshop.
Table of Contents
- What is a Pocket Hole Jig?
- Features of the 300 Series Jigs
- Features of the XL Jig
- Features of the 520Pro Jig
- Features of the 720 and 720Pro Jigs
- Video Overview of Kreg Jig Comparisons
- Comparison Chart of Pocket Hole Jigs
What is a Pocket Hole Jig?
A pocket hole is a woodworking joint created by drilling an angled hole into one board, allowing a screw to be driven into an adjoining piece. This method results in a strong, durable connection that pulls the boards tightly together. The key to a perfect pocket hole lies in precise angle and placement, which is where a Kreg pocket hole jig becomes indispensable.
The Kreg jig simplifies this process by ensuring consistent angles and depths, enabling even novice woodworkers to produce professional-quality joints quickly and accurately.
A typical pocket hole jig guides you in drilling the hole at the correct angle and depth, stopping just shy of the end of the board to prevent splitting, while providing a built-in stop to prevent over-drilling. This ensures your screws go in smoothly and hold the joint securely.
Can you create a pocket hole without a jig?
Technically, yes. However, doing so involves manually measuring and drilling at the correct angle and depth, which is time-consuming and prone to inconsistency. Investing in a Kreg jig streamlines the process, guarantees uniform results, and significantly speeds up your woodworking projects. With options to fit any budget, adding a Kreg jig to your shop is a smart choice for building strong, beautiful projects with ease.
Features of the 300 Series Jigs
The 300 Series jig is an excellent portable option, ideal for small workshops, DIY beginners, and repair jobs. It is designed for those who need a lightweight, easy-to-use tool for occasional projects.
This series includes two models: the 310 and the 320. Despite slight differences in package contents, their core functionality remains identical:
- Both include a drill guide, drill bit with collar, a 6-inch square driver bit, and a material thickness gauge.
- The 310 comes with a single drill guide, while the 320 offers two guides and a spacer, along with a carrying case and sample screws.
Size and Customization
The 310’s single drill guide measures approximately 1 inch wide, 7 inches long, and 1 inch deep. The 320’s two guides, connected with a spacer, measure about 2.5 inches wide, 7 inches long, and 1 inch deep. This modular design allows you to use guides individually or clipped together for larger or more precise applications.
Mobility & Clamping
The 300 Series is designed for portability. It clamps onto your workpiece, requiring an external clamp such as the Kreg Automaxx for quick setup and repositioning. Alternatively, you can secure it with screws driven through its side recesses, especially useful during repairs where clamping may be challenging.
Capacity & Adjustment
Capable of drilling pocket holes in boards ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches thick, this jig requires manual adjustment of the material thickness setting via the collar and back-mounted stops. This ensures precise pocket placement and screw depth, tailored to your material’s thickness. For materials between preset thicknesses, use the closest setting and opt for longer screws if needed.
Optional Accessories
The 300 Series does not support micro jig or plug cutter attachments, but an expansion pack with an additional drill guide and spacer is available to increase productivity for larger projects.
Ideal Projects
Perfect for building nesting plant stands, farmhouse-style paper towel holders, DIY nightstands, valet docks, and other small furniture pieces.
Features of the XL Jig
The XL jig mirrors the design of the 300 Series but on a larger scale, specifically built for thicker materials up to 3 1/2 inches. It’s ideal for constructing robust furniture and structural components.
The XL includes a jig with two guides, a larger drill bit with collar, a 6-inch square driver, a hex wrench, and a clamp adapter. Its dimensions are approximately 1 3/4 inches wide, 9 inches long, and 1 1/4 inches deep when a single guide is used, doubling in width when guides are clipped together.
Mobility & Clamping
This jig is portable and clamps onto your workpiece. The clamp adapter ensures secure attachment, and the guides can be connected or used separately for different projects.
Capacity & Adjustment
Designed for boards 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches thick, it features preset stops at 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 inches. Adjustments are made by sliding the material stops on the back of the jig and setting the drill bit collar as needed.
Additional Features
The XL jig does not have optional accessories like docking stations but is suitable for larger projects such as hammock chair stands, outdoor furniture, and decorative structures.
Features of the 520Pro Jig
The 520Pro is designed for versatility and efficiency, especially when working on projects with numerous pocket holes. It’s user-friendly for beginners but also appreciated by seasoned woodworkers for its speed and precision.
While it cannot be adjusted for non-standard board thicknesses, this limitation is manageable by selecting appropriate screw lengths. The 520Pro lacks dust collection and is not compatible with plug cutters but comes with a comprehensive kit including a jig, drill bit with collar, driver bits, material thickness gauge, a 2-inch clamp, and a significant supply of screws.
Size and Portability
Measuring approximately 3 1/4 inches wide, 10 1/2 inches long, and 5 inches tall, it is compact and lightweight, suitable for storage and mobility. Optional accessories like a docking station enhance its benchtop capabilities and organization.
Clamping and Use
The 520Pro features an integrated VersaGrip clamp for quick and secure workpiece attachment. It can be rotated for vertical or horizontal drilling, making it adaptable to various project orientations. The optional docking station provides additional support wings and an adjustable stop for lining up multiple pocket holes efficiently.
Adjustments & Compatibility
It can drill in boards from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Adjustment involves setting the material stops and collars, with preset stops at 1/2, 3/4, and 1 1/2 inches. For non-standard thicknesses, reposition the stops and use longer screws accordingly.
Additional Accessories
The docking station is compatible with the 520Pro, including material support wings and an adjustable stop. The jig also works with the micro-pocket hole guide and plug cutter for specialized projects.
Recommended Projects
Great for affordable bathroom vanities, small tables, outdoor picnic tables, and other projects requiring multiple pocket joints.
Features of the 720 and 720Pro Jigs
The 720 Series represents the pinnacle of Kreg’s pocket hole jigs, packed with advanced features for professional-grade woodworking. It’s especially suitable for large projects, cabinetry, and furniture making.
The main differences between the 720 and 720Pro are the accessories included: both feature adjustable guides, but the 720Pro adds a docking station, additional screws, and a jig clamp for enhanced workflow. Both models include a jig, drill bits, driver bits, a material gauge, and dust collection accessories.
Size and Storage
The jig measures approximately 4 1/2 inches wide, 12 1/2 inches long, and 8 1/2 inches tall. Unique to this model is onboard storage for bits and gauges, making it highly organized and convenient for frequent use.
Clamping & Setup
The 720 can be secured to your work surface with a dedicated clamp or used with the optional docking station, which features foldable wings and additional storage. Its design allows for vertical and horizontal drilling, accommodating various project needs.
Adjustments & Capabilities
It can drill pocket holes in boards from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches thick, with preset stops at 1/2, 3/4, and 1 1/2 inches. The automatic clamp adjusts to material thickness, ensuring consistent results every time. This model offers the most flexibility, suitable for complex projects requiring precise pocket placement.
Additional Features
Optional accessories include a docking station, micro-pocket hole guide, and plug cutter, making the 720 series a versatile addition to any professional workshop or serious hobbyist’s arsenal.
Ideal Applications
Construct modern display cabinets, outdoor lounge chairs, and custom furniture with ease using the 720 or 720Pro. Their advanced features streamline large-scale assembly and ensure durable, accurate joints.
Video Overview of Kreg Jigs
If you prefer visual explanations, I’ve created a detailed video comparing all these Kreg jigs, highlighting their features, advantages, and ideal use cases to help you choose the best one for your projects.
Comparison Chart of Kreg Pocket Hole Jigs
| 300 Series | XL | 520Pro | 720 & 720Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to 2 1/2 inches x 7 inches x 1 inch | 3 1/2 inches x 9 inches x 1 1/4 inches | 3 1/2 inches x 10 1/2 inches x 5 inches | 4 1/2 inches x 12 1/2 inches x 8 1/2 inches |
| Carrying Case | Only in 320 | Not included | Not included | Folds up for storage |
| Accessory Storage | Only in 320 case | Not available | In optional docking station | Built-in storage compartments |
| Mobility | Portable | Portable | Portable or benchtop with optional dock | Benchtop only |
| Clamping Method | External clamp | External clamp | VersaGrip handle | Automaxx clamping system |
| Range of Thickness | 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches | 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches | 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches | 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches |
| Adjustability | Presets at 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/2 inches | Presets at 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 inches | Presets at 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/2 inches | Adjustable to any thickness |
| Dust Collection | No | No | No | Yes |
| Suitable for Repairs | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Plug Cutter Availability | No | No | No | Available |
| Docking Station | Not available | Not available | Yes | Included with 720Pro |
| MSRP | $21.99 / $39.99 | $59.99 | $99.99 | $129.99 / $149.99 |
For further questions or personalized recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy woodworking with your perfect pocket hole jig!
Special thanks to Kreg Tools for sponsoring this comprehensive guide. I only endorse products I trust and use regularly. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Click here to read my full disclosure policy.