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Showerthought: I thought pocket screws were a cheap shortcut for way too long
For a solid five years, I refused to use them on any real project, thinking they were just for quick fixes. Then I had to build a set of built-in bookshelves for a client in a tight spot where clamps were useless. I tried a Kreg jig on a test piece, and the joint held up to a 200-pound pull test without a creak. I still use traditional joinery for show pieces, but now I see the pocket screw has its place. Has anyone else had a tool they swore against that ended up saving a job?
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martinez.ryan5mo ago
Oh man, I was the same way with brad nailers!
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wendy2055mo ago
Brad nailers are a perfect example, aren't they? I used to think they were just for lazy trim work. Then you realize how they hold things perfectly while the glue dries, without leaving big ugly holes to fill. It's not about skipping skill, it's about using the right tool for the job. Sometimes the "shortcut" is just the smarter way to work.
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fionaa352mo ago
Yeah but pocket screws do leave holes you gotta plug, right? I mean I get it, they're strong and quick for hidden spots. But I still cringe a little every time I see that oval hole on the face of a piece. Feels like you're putting a bandaid on a project instead of building it right.
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