Pocket Hole Guide
A printable pocket hole cheat sheet: jig setting and screw length for every common wood thickness from 1/2" to 1-1/2", plus the thread-choice and setup rules that prevent blown-out pockets and split rails. Works with Kreg-style jigs.
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The two mistakes this chart prevents
Nearly every pocket hole failure is one of two things: the drill collar set to the wrong depth (screw tip pokes through the show face), or the wrong screw length for the wood. Both are solved by one habit — measure the board's actual thickness and set the jig, the collar, and the screw from that number. Store-bought "1-inch" boards usually measure 3/4. Measure, do not trust the label. Building frames from rough stock? Size your lumber first with the board foot calculator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size pocket hole screw for 3/4 inch wood?
1-1/4 inch screws, with the jig and drill collar both set to 3/4. This is the most common pocket hole setup in furniture building.
Should I use coarse or fine thread pocket screws?
Coarse thread for softwoods, plywood, and MDF; fine thread for hardwoods like oak and maple, where aggressive coarse threads can split the grain.
Which board do I drill the pockets in?
The thinner one, when thicknesses differ - and set the jig, collar, and screw length to that thinner board's thickness.
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