Questions and Answers for Kreg 8.25 in. Mini Jig Pocket Hole Kit

A:  Thanks for the question. The Kreg Mini will make the same pocket-holes as the Kreg R3. However, the Kreg R3 will have built in stops that will allow for repeatable set up.

A:  THE MINI JIG WORKS PERFECTLY, AND LETS YOU POSITION YOUR HOLES WHEREVERYOU WANT. I LOVE THIS TOOL

A:  Pretty much. The whole point is to put a whole and it does just that.

A:  I used the mini exclusively for years and I have owned the r3 more recently. The mini is allowed to use because you have to use something to get the spacing right unless you're using 3/4 inch stock. You also have to measure the drill stop placement. The r3 makes both of those things easier. If you are only using it occasionally for a project here and there the mini will work for you but if you can afford the r3 it does make things easier.

A:  The mini should work as well as the R3 if you do your measurements correctly. I have the mini (I have not used the R3) and have completed many DIY and furniture builds. The mini clamps fine and can fit all sorts of tight places.

A:  Refer to page 4 of the use & care manual at: https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/b5/b5afaadf-2922-4b64-9008-5b7d76116bf7.pdf

A:  Holly - It's an 1/8" Allen wrench.

A:  The allen wrench is a 1/8" for both the mini and the standard stop collars.

A:  Hello, I am sorry to hear that your Allen wrench was lost. The Allen wrench is 1/8 of an inch. Also, if you contact Kreg's Technical Support at 1800-447-8638 the could send out a replacement for you Thanks!

A:  Mine works with 1/8 . Purchased a year ago.

A:  3mm should do it

A:  I have the Kreg mini and K-4 jigs. Both provide 3/8" bits (pictured) however one had a hex drive whereas the other was a round shaft. Otherwise they are the same with an adjustable collar used for setting the depth of cut. For my use I created a spreadsheet (and related equation) useful for determining offset to use with varying material thicknesses. Others have done the same and these can be found on line on Kreg User group forums.

A:  Yes it is

A:  Yes

A:  Yes it is the same.

A:  . You can use the same but with the other jigs too. If you're just looking for a replacement bit those are some separately and I believe for a small fee you can send in an existing bit to Kreg for sharing.

A:  The bit works with all Kreg pocket hole jigs except the Micro Pocket Drill guide.

A:  Yes, the drill bit included in this set is the standard size Kreg bit. It’s just the jig that’s mini.

A:  Yes, although I believe kreg screws are threaded for angled drill holes

A:  Yes

A:  Yes, this model can be used with other screws.

A:  I have with one point they must be of a very similar design. DO NOT USE flush style screws. They will split the wood. This said I am sure the manufacturer Kreg does not recommend it.

A:  Thanks for the question. We only recommend using the Kreg Brand Screws with the Kreg Pocket Hole Technology due to them being designed specifically to be used with the system.

A:  Yes!

A:  It is possible, but not recommended. It is designed for 3/4" material, and the screw would be off-center, but it will still pull the boards together for gluing.

A:  I've made a few tables in my day and that's not the approach I would take. You would be better served to buy some pipe clamps and wood glue for that type of joinery. The surface of a table is a very long joint so securing all from one side is sure to result in joint separation on the opposing side. Be sure to alternate growth ring patterns when doing the glue up if taking my advice.

A:  Yes, the drill stop would be set between the dimensions for 1-1/2 inch material and 3/4 inch material.

A:  Yes you could, just measure carefully and use the right length screws so they don't come out the opposite side of the board.

A:  Yes, but I don't recommend it. This unit if strictly for 3/4" material

A:  You could, you would just need to carefully measure out the hole and screw length.

A:  Yes it can work. Though 5/4 is getting a little thicker, as the Kreg connection could be more toward the bottom. Therefore, I would also use wood glue between the seams and use a wood vice or bar clamps to insure the boards throughout seam together tightly.

A:  Yes, you may have to interpolate the settings for the collar and depth since I don't think they are listed for 5/4 stock. They are given for 3/4, 1/2 and 1-1/4 inch stock. You can start with the collar at 4" back and the tool 3/4 inch back from the edge of the board. Your screw length would be 2 inches. Use a test piece to fine tune these settings. Also, if the edge of the boards is not square or nearly square the result will probably be a slightly curved countertop, which will be more pronounced with each additional board. So while you can use this to make a tabletop and I did using 2x6 boards, you may need to do some ripping to get the desired flat and strong result. Will this be treated lumber? Are you considering this for a table where food is served? Treated lumber is not a good choice for that purpose but you may already have known that.

A:  Yes

A:  Recommend a disc system for the project. Better control of location and strength of joint.

A:  Westly, I don't see any problems with this tool giving a satisfactory performance. Take a piece of scrap wood and mark lines for placement of the tool. Run a few test and see what you think. Cedar is a soft wood and grain that splits easily may cause concern. Good luck.

A:  Probably not going to be think enough. The jig would be at too steep of an angle. The thinner the material the more of an angle you have to use

A:  You could, just measure carefully and use the right length screws.

A:  You should have no problem using it.

A:  It should work for that purpose - be sure to use glue on the edge joint too. That's where the real strength comes from - the screws are more just to provide clamping force while the glue dries. If you have wide enough clamps, I'd just edge joint and glue/clamp the boards instead.

A:  I am not sure about that one, it might be a little tight, I would first try it out on a piece of scrap wood first to see how it looks, or if it works at all.

A:  You will need a clamp and the clamp size will depend on the project. Kreg does have some unique clamps that can help, but I often use non-Kreg clamps.

A:  Yes you need a clamp

A:  I used a spring clamp but a C clamp would provide a more secure hold. Other than a clamp and screws, the package contains all you need.

A:  You will want a 3 inch C-Clamp at a minimum (Kreg KHC3 & HD Store SKU #1001213567) to hold the jig in place while drilling. You may also want a right angle C-Clamp to hold one piece vertical while another is held horizontal on your work surface but I have done a lot of work merely by using a stop block on my work surface to hold pieces in places while installing screws (Kreg KHCRA HD Internet #300188949 & not sold in stores). You also will need Kreg screws for your project since you get just a few with your jug. The length varies depending on the thickness of the two pieces of wood to be joined. Yes, dissimilar pieces of wood can be joined. There are also two different thread pitches for soft wood such as pine, plywood and for MDF as opposed to hardwood such as maple, oak and cherry. To avoid stripping of heads and other problems definitely get the Kreg screws. Finally, I would recommend you watch a video (many available on YouTube or Kreg site) of some project similar to your first project to see other possible needs and whether this is the best jig for you.

A:  Clamps help to keep jig from moving while using and to get repeatable results when making more than one screw pocket in one rea.

A:  Yes that should be no problem. You position it so I'd say if you mount it on center you'll have no problem.

A:  It can be used on 1 1/2 edge. The jib comes with directions that gives you jib offsets for different material thicknesses

A:  If I understand your question, you want to know if you can join two pieces of 2x4 , perhaps at right angles to each other along the 1-1/2 inch direction. Yes, I built an entire tool storage cabinet and workbench that way. There are videos online showing this. You must adjust the location of where you clamp the jig and where the collar is on the drill bit. You will also need the proper length screws to get the strength you need joining 2x4s (2-1/2 inch). See videos and information about this on the Kreg site.

A:  I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "at the 1 1/2" edge. But, this little dandy, does a great job if you clamp it on the face of the board area next to the edge (using stand-off dimensions in Kreg chart) and it will put a pocket hole cleanly through the face of the board at an angle and through that 1 1/2 edge dead centered. The Kreg chart shows how much offset you need from the edge of the board based on thickness and length of screw needed. You can do pocket hole connections on 2x4 material easily.

A:  It depends on the project. But I have drilled at 1 1/2 edge.