Kreg Jig Screws

gma2rjc

How do you know what length or style of Kreg screws to use with a Kreg Jig.

I am practicing on 3/4" scrap MDF right now and I know it requires the fine threaded screws, but there are different lengths and 2 different styles of heads that came with it.

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oh'mike

I just got one of those and haven't tried it yet---someone here will know---

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CaptRandy

here is their site
http://kregjig.ning.com/forum

joecaption

Good luck trying to get MDF to hold screws.
It requires a special type of screw and even then they may of may not hold.
What are you trying to build?

gma2rjc

Thanks everyone.

I'm trying to use up some 1x4 mdf and a 38"x34" piece of beadboard that I have laying around, to build something to hold CD's.

So I'm using the mdf for the 4 sides and the 5 shelves. It was a last-minute idea to build it and I thought it would give me some practice with the Kreg Jig.

Thanks for letting me know that it doesn't work well with mdf. I'll give it a try and see how it goes. At least if it doesn't, I'll know it's the boards and (hopefully) not something I'm doing wrong.

CaptRandy, I did find a chart on that website - thank you. It's in PDF form and I'm trying to figure out how to print it to a piece of paper.

I was wrong in my previous post. The fine threaded screws are meant for hardwoods. They suggest coarse thread screws for mdf.

Barb

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Daniel Holzman

The correct size of Kreg screw is a function of the thickness of the piece it is going into. The Kreg chart, either the hard copy that comes with their jig, or their on line chart, will tell you the proper length of screw. For certain very hard hardwoods, like ipe, you need to predrill. For many hardwoods, and for all softwoods, you just drill it in place.

deverson

One thing I found out about their screws. If you use ones that are too long, they poke through the front of the face frame. Then you have to start all over again. Not that I've done that, but I'm sure someone has!

chitownken

Kreg Maxi-Loc Hi-Low screws would probably be the best for MDF or particle board.

woodworkbykirk

with mdf you have to drill pilot holes in the adjoining piece otherwise it will split and wont have any hold if its within 2" of the edge

REXAMUS

http://www.kregtool.com/prodimages/ScrewChart.pdf

oh'mike

I'm watching and learning----I'm always the last guy on the block to try something new---and I have a new toy----any tips and stories about the system are welcome---

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ddawg16

I'm assuming the OP is talking about the pocket hole kit....in which case the drill bit should have the pilot hole drill as part of the whole bit.

But yea, without that pilot hole....not going to be pretty.

IIRC....course thread for soft woods like pine and MDF. Fine threads for hardwood.

I typically use 1 1/2" screws for pocket holes in 3/4" stock.

One last thing.....make sure those are real Kreg screws with the flat head surface against the wood. If you use a counter sunk type of screw it WILL split your wood....acts like a wedge.

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woodworkbykirk

of course the jig comes with the bit.. but you have to drill a 1/8 pilot hole in the secondary peice of wood that the pocket hole screw will be grabbing

woodworkbykirk

the other thing is when you go to drive the screw you have to clamp down both peices together and have them perfectly aligned before you drive the screw. otherwise the 2nd peice will creep up as the screw tightens, when that happens you wont have a flush joint which requires extra sanding


also use

1" screws for 1/2 " stock

1 1/4" for 3/4 thick stock

1 1/2" for 1" stock. 2 1/2" screws for 2x

gma2rjc

You should get yours out Mike. It's fun to work with. I didn't have a place to fasten down the full-size jig, but the portable one seems to work pretty well.

I'm glad to be working on scrap boards as once I got the shelves put together, there were areas between the shelves where I couldn't get the drill at the proper angle to drive the screws in..... had to rethink things and start over.

I like the clamp that came with the kit, but there are things it can't do, so I'll be buying other kinds of clamps to go with it.... as finances allow .

The YouTube video's are a lot of help.

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"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
The economy is so bad, Exxon-Mobil laid-off 25 congressmen --- Maxine