Sorry guys, it looks like Kreg cancelled the AC corded version of their new Rebel pocket hole drilling machine.
I checked retailers, and the battery-powered version is still available for preorder.
A few weeks ago, Kreg announced a new line of Rebel pocket hole machines for woodworking joinery. See New Kreg Rebel Pocket Hole Machine is the First of its Kind.
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They showed off a new 20V Ionic Drive pocket hole joinery kit, a 20V tool-only option, and also an AC-powered version.
It looked like the corded tool would be available later.
However, I recently heard some rumors that Kreg CANCELLED the AC Rebel pocket hole machine.
I looked around, and there’s no longer any reference to the corded model that I can find anywhere. Except for the image in my earlier post, I cannot find any signs the corded model ever existed or will ever be available.
I checked with anonymous sources, and was informed that Kreg has decided to prioritize their 20V cordless line. I am unable to confirm this with Kreg.
I messaged Kreg yesterday, asking what I can tell readers about when the AC-powered Rebel is launching, and they never responded.
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Right now it’s just a rumor, but it seems to be a high-confidence one.
Well, at least there’s a deal on the cordless version (see New Kreg Cordless Tool Deal Fixed their High Prices).
A couple of readers said they were only interested in the corded pocket hole tool that Kreg was showing off, and it looks like that might never be an option.
Are you going to keep waiting for the corded tool, or buy into Kreg’s 20V battery system?
As a reminder, there are plenty of pocket hole jigs on Amazon and elsewhere that don’t require rechargeable batteries.
I can’t think of any reason Kreg would have abandoned their corded tool other than to help funnel more potential customers into their cordless system.
I’m starting to feel sorry for Kreg. This and recent promotions make it seem like the new Kreg Ionic Drive 20V cordless power tool system has been a flop, despite the fortune they must have spent on influencer marketing to promote its launch.
Jared
They must really be struggling with the 20v order. Their cordless line is not particularly appealing – I assumed many people actually interested in the jig would prefer the corded version rather than jumping into a new platform. This doesn’t seem like a good sign for Kreg.
fred
Others have said it, and I agree that the cordless pocket hole tool is the only tool in Kreg’s cordless lineup that has any real appeal and might act as an entryway into that lineup. Having a corded version reduces that appeal considerably.
Scott K
It seems like a significant risk to develop a new battery platform without having a track record in the space. I wonder if they explored partnering with an established company – these tools could have been a nice supplement to an existing line.
Nathan
Meh I wasn’t that interested anyway so I can wait. I have a jig and it works well for me. And I use it rarely
Blocky
I have been heavily considering the Castle pocket hole cutter. The corded Kreg looked like a solid option for me – lower price, probably faster cutting, better ergonomics for large panels.
I do pocket holes not very often, but in the last month, I’ve done them hundreds at a time on massive panels that don’t fit on a workbench.
Sounds like Kreg just made up my mind for me.
Skylar
That seems like a bad business decision. Presumably most (or all) of the design work has already happened in order to make a corded version of the machine, so why would you cancel it?
I can only speak for myself but I doubt it’s a unique position- I would use the machine primarily for putting pocket holes in window & door casings when trimming out an entire home. That means I’d have my Festool dust extractor on hand to run the corded tool and I’m not going to buy into some dinky little new cordless system when I already run M18, M12, & Dewalt 20V systems for my daily workflows.
That sucks to hear; I was really looking forward to not hauling our Foreman around and I had already earmarked the funds to buy a corded version in the budget.