| Review by Pete_Jud | posted 159 days ago | 1303 views | 0 times favorited | 5 comments |  |
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- Harbor Freight Portable pocket hole jig
- Brand: Harbor Freight | Category: Other
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I picked up a Kreg single pocket hole jig a couple of weeks ago for 20 bucks and have fallen in love with the concept. Even “Norm” uses the pocket screws for doing face frames. I saw that Harbor Freight had a 2 hole jig that looked like it worked like the Kreg 2 hole jig for a whole lot less money. I thought I would give it a try. I had a 20 percent off any single item coupon and it cost me 54 bucks instead of 99 bucks for the kreg. The Kit came with the step drill, lock collar, and a bunch of screws that I wont use. The jig is very well made, maybe even better than the kreg, It’s solid AU and no plastic. It works great, but I could not give it 5 stars because of the manual. The Kreg, manual gives you all the mesurmants to set the stop collars for the different size wood. It takes a lot of trial and error to get this jig set up right. Over all Im quite happy with it. It will become a well used tool in the shop.
-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.
5 comments so far
a1Jim
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17109 posts in 476 days
posted 159 days ago
good review thanks
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com
rwyoung
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167 posts in 370 days
posted 159 days ago
AU = Gold in the periodit table of the elements. I seriously doubt Harbor Freight would sell something made of gold. ;)
Did you mean ALUMINUM (AL)?
Looks similar to other jigs I’ve seen that also didn’t come with pre-calibrated depth stops. The instructions for one suggested you slip the drill bit down the pilot hole you intend to use, placing a nickel so that the tip of the bit touches the nickel instead of the base of the jig. Then lock your depth collar at that depth. I seem to remember this was correct only for a 3/4” to 3/4” joint.
Otherwise after each experimentation session, just make a gauge block so the next time you’re all set to go.
-- Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.
PeytonO
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2 posts in 159 days
posted 159 days ago
The products are typically significantly less expensive, so you dont have to use much payday loans, than other brands making them a consideration for low-end hobbyist use. Some of the tools are decent, or at least adequate, while others may not have the same consistency or quality of higher-end tools, as might be suggested by the price difference. Expect a high level of customer service, when available, as stores are chronically understaffed. Warranties are commensurate with the low prices; however, return policies are fairly generous, and all of its Pittsburgh hand tools have a lifetime warranty.
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7045 posts in 1198 days
posted 159 days ago
It looks like a pretty good jig. I’ve had fairly good results from their hand tools that are not battery operated.
I Googled the tool, & here’s a PDF, of the manual.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Splinterman
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4921 posts in 260 days
posted 159 days ago
Good one Dick….....handy manual to have.
-- I will just keep doing it till I get it right.