Scott wrote in with an interesting question. Here’s looking to buy a new Kreg jig and is wondering whether their screw assortments are a good idea for initial investment.
Scott wrote:
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I was hoping for some advice on Kreg entry-level products. I’d like to buy the basic pocket hole jig (about $19) as well as a set of pocket hole screws to play around with the basics on a few projects.
Kreg sells a few screw sets and I was wondering if you have an opinion on them. One is a 260 piece set for $20 and another is a 675 piece set for $27.
I don’t want to make too much of an investment in this yet as I’m just learning, but are these sets worth it for the variety, or would you recommend buying individual screw sizes as they’re needed? I mostly plan to join 2x4s and 1x material.
Quick Reference Links
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Starter Set: $19
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 Set: $39
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig System: $79
Kreg 260pc Screw Starter Set: $20
Kreg 675pc Screw Assortment Set: $26.15
Kreg Screw Boxes: $4 and up
Kreg R3 System via Rockler: $29
(Kreg products are usually similarly priced across all retailers. These links are to Amazon for convenience purposes.)
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Of the two Kreg screw assortments that Scott mentioned, the 675pc set is the better deal in my opinion. This is not so much that it gives you more “bang for the buck,” but because it gives you a little more variety. The smaller set has the addition of a 1-1/2″ size, while the larger set has an additional fine-threaded fastener option.
In my opinion, screw assortments are convenient. When working on a variety of projects and with different materials, having a screw assortment handy can save a last-minute trip to the store or having to wait several days for an online order to come in.
However, in this case, Scott is 1) starting out fresh, and 2) knows exactly what materials he will be working with.
With an initial budget of say $50, I think that Scott would be better off upgrading to the “320” pocket hole jig and buying a single box of fasteners for ~$5-6. This is assuming he already has a clamp for holding the pocket hole jig in place.
Kreg’s $20 jig isn’t a bad deal, but the 320 gives you a second drilling guide, a spacer, a case, and starter screws.
The good thing about the current $20 offering is that you can expand it in the future, with a spacer and second drilling guide for $17 at the time of this posting. Or, one could buy a second $20 starter set and get spacers separately at $9 for two. Still, the “320” set gives you a case and clamping pad.
So, that’s what I would do with a $50 budget, I’d put more money towards the jig rather than fasteners sizes that I might not even need upfront or even over time.
Rockler still has the discontinued R3 for $29, but I think the $40 320 set or $20 basic 310 set are going to be more versatile and expandable over time. (I might even upgrade to one of these sets myself.)
Kreg makes it really hard to tell which screws come with the 320 set, but squinting at product photos, it looks like you get:
20x 2-1/2″ indoor/outdoor screws (coarse thread)
20x 1-1/4″ indoor screws (coarse thread)
Here is Kreg’s screw chart:
Okay, so if you’re joining 1x material to 1x, you’re working with 3/4″ nominal material thickness and would need 1-1/4″ fasteners.
If you’re joining 2x material together, your material is 1-1/2″ thick and you’re looking at 2-1/2″ fasteners.
When you start joining different material thicknesses together, or boards with intermediate thicknesses, that’s when assortments can be particularly useful.
There’s also the fine-tooth vs. coarse-tooth discussion. Coarse-threaded screws work best in softwoods, and fine-threaded screws work best in hardwoods.
For users like Scott who are sticking to 1x and 2x boards to start off with, 1-1/4″ and 2-1/2″ screws are all you might need at first.
A box of 1-1/4″ fine-thread screws (100-count) is $4.77 at Amazon. A box of coarse-threaded 1-1/4″ screws (100 count) is also $4.77 via Amazon. A box of (50) 2-1/2″ screws is $4.28 via Amazon. That’s less than $14 for the fasteners you might need to work with 1x and 2x materials. Skip on one of the 1-1/4″ sizes, and you’re spending less than $10 on screws.
That, plus the 320 starter set ($40 at Amazon), and your budget is under $50. Or go with the 310 single drill guide starter set at $20, and you are only spending $30.
OR, the 310 set plus 2 boxes of screws plus Kreg face clamp ($21 via Amazon) brings you just over $50. You can use other locking c-clamp pliers, but personally I have been wanting for the Kreg version for a very long time and wish I bought it initially.
Back to the Screw Assortments
Let’s say a user is working with 1x hardwood and softwood boars, and 2x softwood boards intended for indoors applications.
The smaller $20 260pc screw assortment has ~$7.40 in usable screws (based on two half-boxes of 1-1/4″ screws and 3/5 of a box of 2-1/2″ screws. If you include the 2-1/2″ outdoor/indoor screws, that’s another ~$3.88 in value for ~$11.28 in value.
The larger ~$27 675 screw assortment has $14.31 in 1-1/4″ screws and $9.71 in indoor/outdoor 2-1/2″ screws (a box of 50 is $6.47). That’s ~$24.02 in usable screws. However, you’re spending more for indoor/outdoor screws when you might only need indoor screws. If you could use the 1″ screws, this starts to look like a good value.
But, what if you get the smaller assortment and need fine-thread 1″ or 1-1/2″ screws? Or if you get the larger assortment and you need 1-1/2″ screws? You’re buying more screws down the road.
Summing Everything Up
If you are on a tight budget, and you know you will only be working with 1x and 2x wood boards of known type or species, the screw assortments are not the best use of limited resources.
I don’t like having to stop everything to go out and hunt down fasteners for a project, especially projects that would otherwise be quick and simple.
But consider this – you can always buy a Kreg screw assortment down the road, and you can always buy more boxes of screws, if not from Kreg then from other brands of pocket hole screws.
I would either consider spending more on a more-featured Kreg jig, such as stepping up from the 310 to the 320, or I would put that money towards a locking face clamp. Or, I would simply buy the Kreg starter kit, 2 boxes of screws, and save my money towards future purchases, whether that will be for more screws, expansion parts for the Kreg 300-series components, or even a K4-series jig.
The screw assortments are a good value for what you get, especially the 675pc set, but for someone who knows they will be working with 1x and 2x wood boards exclusively, I wouldn’t recommend it.
You can always buy more fasteners when you need them.
Home centers even carry the most common sizes, at least near me, and some are even available for free delivery.
Kreg Screws via Home Depot
Kreg Screws via Amazon
What Would I Buy?
$30 Budget
Kreg 310 jig + 2 boxes of screws
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Starter Set: $19
Kreg Screw Boxes: $4 and up
$40 Budget
Kreg 320 jig, which comes with (40) total starter screws
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 Set: $39
OR
Kreg 310 jig + 260pc assortment
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Starter Set: $19
Kreg 260pc Screw Starter Set: $20
$50 Budget
Kreg 310 jig + 2 boxes of screws + Kreg face clamp
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Starter Set: $19
Kreg Screw Boxes: $4 and up
Kreg Locking Clamp: $21
OR
Kreg 320 jig + 2 boxes of screws (ToolGuyd Recommendation)
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 Set: $39
Kreg Screw Boxes: $4 and up
OR
Kreg 310 jig + 675pc screw assortment
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Starter Set: $19
Kreg 675pc Screw Assortment Set: $26.15
Also Consider
Kreg’s 300-series jigs are newer, but their R3 is still available at some retailers, and it’s still very useful. It can be a good idea for anyone stuck between $20 310 and $40 320 options.
Kreg R3 System via Rockler: $29
Agree/Disagree?
I’m trying to think back to when I purchased my Kreg R3-style jig. I *might* have also purchased a screw assortment, or maybe just a couple of boxes of screws in the size/style I thought I would need. But, my thoughts and recommendations above are what I would advise today.
I also at one time purchased a pocket hole screw assortment from McFeely’s.
My gut instinct is actually to buy the 675pc assortment. But the math – and the voice in my head – says that it’s better to buy pocket hole screws as you learn more about the sizes you need.
I often buy fastener sizes that I think I will need, and yet I will inevitably still need to place an order or visit the local home center.
Think about this – if you want to get into baking, there are 4 different types of flours you might need, 3 types of sugar, 2 styles of cocoa, and 4 styles of chocolate chips. Those ingredients are always available (well, usually), and so money is better spent on supplies that will offer greater impact. Getting into pocket hole joinery is similar.
Given the reader’s criteria, I really don’t think that a screw assortment is the most impactful use of limited funds at this time. If someone finds they enjoy pocket hole joinery, they can always buy more screws or value assortments later on.
I realize that I’ve written a lot of words to make a very basic point, but it was necessary to approach this question in such a manner. My instinct is to say “yes, get the assortment,” and as much as I wanted to show the reader why they shouldn’t get the assortment now, I was also working to convince myself of the same.
Do you think I’m on-target with these recommendations?
fred
The newer 310/320 jigs also allow you to expand your spacing without moving the jig. The system is modular and extra spacers (part #KPHA120) can be purchased
https://www.toolnut.com/kreg-kpha120-pocket-hole-jig-spacers.html
or you can buy a spacer and drilling guide together:
https://www.toolnut.com/kreg-kpha110-pocket-hole-jig-expansion-pack.html
Stuart
I mentioned these in the post. But expanding the 310 set with added guides or spacers will cost more over time than investing in the 310 set off the bat.
I’d argue that expanding the 310 set with a second 310 set and spacers down the road would be better. Not only do you get 2 spacers vs the expansion set, you also get the second drill guide and second drill bit with accessories.
fred
Did you mean adding a 310 set to a 320 ? That would make sense compared to buying a KPHA110
I thought the 310 was the bare bones 1 drill guide – bit ,collar and wrench – with no spacers – while the 320 added a spacer, second drill guide a clamping fixture, some screws and a plastic box to store it in.
MoogleMan3
The box that comes with the 320 is next to worthless. If you decide to expand the system at all with another drill guide or spacer, there’s no place to fit them, nor any extra screws. One of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076QF4MBJ makes a great kreg jig bag. Small, durable, plenty of room for the jig, some screws and a clamp or two.
Stuart
What I mean is that if you start with the 310 but later wish to upgrade to what would be effectively be the 320, it might be better to double down with another 310 set and add spacers. Or simply grab two clamps. That way you can vary the gap between drill guides by 1 or 2 units, and you get a second drill bit and gauge for when the first wears out.
I just don’t like the idea of $17 for the expansion set compared to what you get in the 310 set for $19. Granted the spacers are $8-9 more.
Jorhay
Get the 320, a clamp if you need one, and the screws you need for that project. If you like it, you can add more.
I started with the mini and it’s convenient for repairs, but sort of a pain otherwise. The 320 will be a lot less of a hassle in use. If you need coated screws for outdoor projects, I found the assorted case a better buy than what was in stock locally, but your mileage may vary. Plus now I have a variety on hand.
James Vis
I bought the R3 kit and the screw assortment kit a couple of years ago. I also primarily join 1x and 2x material. I have found that I have only used the 1-1/4″ screws (for joining 1x to 1x) and 2-1/2″ screws (for joining 2x to 2x).
Based on what Scott said, I would not recommend the assortment, but would just get the basic lengths I mentioned.
One thing that could also be considered is the length used to join 1x to 2x. I recently ran into this issue where I didn’t have the right length of screw, but that was after several years without needing this length (I changed my approach so I didn’t end up needing a different length screw in the end).
Tom D
Part of the decision has to factor in the distance to the store; if you can run over in 5 minutes and they’re open late, get the specific screws you’ll use for the next project.
If you have to run to town and it takes an hour or more total time, get the assortment and more than you think you’ll need.
If necessary, always remember you can return unopened and unused fasteners after the project is complete.
Mopar4wd
I would go for the R3 or 320 and some boxes of screws. I have the K4 kit and I can’t imagine not having two drill ports. I have only used mine on smaller stuff so all I have is 1″ and 1-.25″ screws, an assortment would be nice but I doubt I would ever use most of them. I have several stores within 5 miles of my house that sell them so not a big deal to get more.
DAVID
I say buy just what is needed for early projects and see where that leads. I’ve had my K4 kit for many years and use mostly 1′ and 1.25″; the assortment would be largely unused.
Every so often I’ll buy an assortment of square drive screws from McFeely’s and that’s been very useful for various needs. But, pocket hole screws are more specialized and less useful as an assortment… in my situation.
MoogleMan3
I just went through this a few months back. I already have a pocket hole jig in the workshop (my beloved K3), but wanted another setup for my tool bag. I went for the 320, which is the best entry point for a jig, IMHO, a 3″ face clamp, and the 675 piece assortment.
In the reader’s situation I would do the same. It’s not a huge investment, but is a very well-rounded set to get some projects done.
Otherwise, get the 320, 3″ face clamp (aka the premium face clamp), a box of 1 1/4″ coarse thread screws and a box of 2 1/2″ coarse thread screws. Not a huge savings over the other setup, but still a decent setup for some projects. I would not recommend the 310 as a starter point for anyone. Also note that the 675 piece assortment has more screws likely to be used in a project, and the case is very nice for storing screws, so it’s a worthwhile purchase IMHO. The individual screw cases are nice too though.
Adam
I have the k4 it’s a good tool, the only screws I really use, are the ones for 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch plywood, I forget what length they are.
Aaron
I’m considering taking up baking, how much flower should I start with? I can see buying the kreg jig blind because they are great, but the idea of buying screws when you don’t have a specific plan seems pretty weird to me. Buy what you need for each project, usually buy extra, end up with stockpile. Over a period of years get a sense for what you need on hand and make sure to stock enough to avoid unnecessary trips to the store. I guess my view is that money spent without a project is wasted, and stuff left over after a project that made financial sense is free.
MoogleMan3
In the case of the 675 piece assortment, it includes screws for 1/2″, 3/4″ and 2x materials in both hard and soft woods. It’s a great kit to have on hand.
Not having to run out to the store every time you want to start a new project is a very nice convenience; some of us value our time more than saving a few pennies. It doesn’t need to take years of knowing what you use to accomplish this.
The only kreg screws I really don’t use much of are the 1 1/2″. None of those are included in the 675 kit.
Stuart
5 lbs of all-purpose.
With me, I over-buy on fasteners. Why? Let’s say I need a fastener 9/16″ long. That’s a specialty size that’s say $18/box. 1/2″ and 5/8″ are $5/box, but I’m not quite sure which might be best. Shipping might be $9 for a small order. If I buy box fastener sizes and my first choice would have been right, I’m out $5, but can probably use the same fasteners in a future project/. If I’m wrong and only get one box, I’m out $9 and further delays while I wait for the second order.
fred
In modern business you develop a relationship with your suppliers for just in time delivery and cross-docking. That way you carry less inventory on your books and might even improve your cash-flow. You may decide what constitutes critical spares that might have the potential for shutting you down – then decide to stock them. The same would be true for consumables and supplies that you use on a regular basis. In our home settings we sometimes apply similar logic – but somewhere in our reptilian brains – a hoarding or anticipatory instinct sometimes kicks in and we buy more than our near-term needs. Tool and Parts buying often fits into this scheme of things. I often buy a box of 100 even though my immediate need is for 12. My logic is based on the per piece price plus part of my brain convincing me that if I need 12 now then I may need 12 more pretty soon. In these times of pandemic – I’m kind of happy that my stock of bundles of toilet paper has yet to run out and I’m probably fixed for several months more – even though the last time I bought any was just before Christmas last year. To be fair – the lack of house guests and visitors have diminished our use tremendously.
Stuart
Rules that work for small businesses don’t exactly apply to “one man band” operations.
I tend to over-prepare partially to save money but mostly to save on time.
When working on a project, a lack of experience or the potential for change can alter the parts requirements slightly enough to where standard parts might be on-hand. And if not, they’re almost guaranteed to be on-hand for next time.
Take USS vs. SAE washers. Or button head vs socket head cap screws. Sometimes you just need to play around to see what fits a task better.
Jim Felt
fred.
I’m sure Costco (in particular) wishes more of their patrons had planned as well as you. Or you might just be a hoarder?
;-)~
John
I found myself in the identical place as Scott last month, and ended up coming to the same conclusions as Stuart did, and bought the 320 — been busy, so still haven’t used it yet. I would have preferred the AutoMaxx clamp, but the basic clamp will have to do for the time being.
Glad to see Stuart reinforced my buying decision.
Stuart
I’m happy to hear that – not that you’ve been too busy, but that my stance reassured you about your own.
When it comes to my own purchasing decisions, I tend to be all over the place with second-guessing. I really don’t like “spending other people’s money,” and so I try to be more cautious with logic-based recommendations.
And if it makes you feel any better, my holiday season purchases rarely see any use until the new year.
I finally ordered new shop lights in October, but haven’t been able to install them yet.
Logan
Just found this deal, which you may find useful:
“ Focus Camera has Kreg R3 Master System with SK04 Pocket Hole Screw Starter Kit and 2” Clamp for $79.99 – $15.04 w/ discount code MASTER = $64.95. Shipping is free.”
https://lifestyle.focuscamera.com/kreg-r3-master-system-with-sk04-pocket-hole-screw-starter-kit.html
Stuart
Be sure to look at online reseller reviews for Focus Camera.
Kent
Another use for Kreg screws:
I have purchased 2,400 Kreg screws (2 x 1,200 boxes of 1 1/4″ coarse) to attach OSB to my shop walls as well as the metal ceiling. There should be enough left over to make my cabinets.
Why? Unlike many screws, pocket hole screws aren’t threaded for the last bit of the shank. If I’m screwing am OSB panel to the studs and use sheetrock screws, the panel will tend to leave a gap. But the pocket hole screws allow the screw to spin freely in the hole in the panel, and easily snug up to the wall. Also the pan head style keeps the OSB from blowing out, like you’d get in a flat head screw.
Brian
Buy the big box of screws.
I love the Kreg screws, and probably use more of them in non-pocket hole projects than pocket holes – they are that good. None of the other brands I have bought have been nearly as good
mattd
I bought the kreg mini jig on a whim when it was on special for about $9, and then bought the R3 for a similar reason for $13, and since I had no project in mind I just bought the 625 pc assortment for $20, and still have yet to use it for an actual project lol. I cannot pass up the deals.
GML
Not necessarily on topic (specific screws vs. the combination set) but no matter what you do I would definitely make sure to purchase the clamp.