Kreg K3MS K3 Master Pocket Hole Jig System Reviews



Amazon.com Customer Reviews

Greatest single tool I've EVER owned. - Review written on October 09, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

This tool paid for itself in saving me hundreds of dollars by building my own custom cabinets in my basement remodel! Incredibly simple to use and PROFESSIONAL looking finish!!

Your friends and family will be impressed with what you can make. No more biscuits, glue, and the messes that coincide (except for the saw dust....and this even has the vacuum hook up to care for that!!).
Kreg K# Master Review - Excellent! - Review written on September 15, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

This product is EXCELLENT! Easy to use and setup. Slight learning curve, but easily mastered in about a few hours. I couldn't see building cabinets, storage boxes, and the like without it.

A limited number of screws come with the product. Their up sell is to buy screws from them. Similar sized wood screws can work as well and cheaper.
pocket hole jig - Review written on September 01, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

I've been using this jig for tables and it has worked great. It's easy to use if you attach it to some heavy plywood or hard wood to keep it lined up. I use it a lot and rate it a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10
Kreg Jig - Review written on August 13, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

The Kreg system is the best jointing tool on the market. I have many uses for the tool that I didn't know it could do.
Great addition to shop - Review written on May 29, 2008
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Rating: 4 out of 5

This is somthing I have wanted for awhile and now I can do more and better things in my shop. Grat product and easy to set up.
Great, but with a few problems - Review written on May 27, 2008
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Rating: 4 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful.

Kreg did a great job with this jig, but there are a few important things to keep in mind if you're thinking about doing pocket hole joinery; Things that I learned the hard way so I thought I'd share my experience.

First of all, forget about using pocket holes in MDF, Particle board, Melamine coated particle board, fiber board, etc. The screws enter too close to the edge for these materials and they just disintegrate.

Also, if you're going to be joining plywood, remember that plywood is rarely sold by actual thickness. For instance, 1/2" plywood is really 7/16" thick these days. And that 1/16" does make a difference with pocket hole joinery. The 1" screws that you're supposed to use with 1/2" material might poke out the other side if you're not careful. You can compensate for this somewhat by setting the drill depth, but you have to remember to do this and not just go with the 1/2" settings. I didn't have this problem with 3/4" material, even though it too is not really 3/4" thick.

You might want to consider buying some of the clamps they sell for doing pocket hole joinery Kreg RAC Right Angle Clamp, Kreg Standard Face Clamp. It's almost impossible to get a good joint without them. When possible, I'll tack the pieces together with brads and then drive the pocket screws, but you have to have something holding the pieces firmly together before driving the screws or it just won't work right.

If you're thinking about hooking up your shop vac to the jig, you'll probably need some sort of adapter. I wish these things were more standardized. This jig requires something like a 1 1/2" hose, my shop vac is 2 1/2".

Don't let this review scare you away from pocket hole joinery. It's quick, it's easy and it works if you know what its limitations are. And Kreg did do a great job with this jig. Well worth the price of admission.

Great system - Review written on May 25, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

I owned the older version of the Kreg pocket hole jig. Although it works fine, the new version made some helpful improvements. The holding mechanism is greatly improved. The locking clamp now has two large pads instead of the older system that has one large pad and one small one (although there is a place for both, if your two pieces of wood are slightly different thickness, you can better control the pressure and alignment with the old one). The vacuum port is nice, but I needed an adapter to connect it to my Festool vacuum.
Great tool to have - Review written on May 22, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Face frames, cabinet joinery, and many other uses make this a diverse tool for your shop. The first time I ever used any kind of pocket hole equipment, and it worked flawlessly.
My first project was creating a custom transition from one room to another with a 2" difference in height. Instead of breaking out the biscuit joiner, marking and cutting BOTH pieces, gluing, then clamping, just cut all your pieces, use the extremely easy jig and drill some holes and you're nearly there. All that's left is to add a little glue, and screw it together!
The kit includes everything you need to set up your shop for production type drilling, as well as a jig and clamp to use in the field or on awkward pieces.
Disappointing results in dense cabinet hardwood - Review written on April 24, 2008
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Rating: 2 out of 5
2 customers found this review not to be helpful.
I was excited to start using my new Kreg jig when I got it and was immediately disappointed when the mating 1 1/2 x 3/4 inch hickory face frame split when I drove in the screws. I thought it was just a bad coincidence, but then the other end split too. So I think I'm doing something wrong and open the manual where it assures you that no pre-drilling is needed and specifically names hickory and maple as examples. Obviously this isn't true, so I set out to pre-drill the holes in the next joints. I put the screw in just so it marks the matting piece and then back the screw out. Pilot the hole then drive the screw back in. Now I'm thinking this is not a time saving device as advertised. This time on the second screw, it snaps off in the middle. I think well maybe it was a weak screw and maybe I over worked it until three screws later another one snaps off. I've got to tell you, save your money and your time on this thing unless you are planning on using less dense wood or wider face frames. With all the fiddling around to pilot drill the matting pieces it is much quicker to use a biscuit joiner with FF biscuits.
This is some system - Review written on April 22, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Even after several years I haven't used all the gadgets. I cant say enough for the basic system. Nothing, absolutely nothing even comes close to the ease, accuracy and longevity of a pocket joint. If you are thinking about making face frames or just joining two pieces of wood together, this is the tool you need to buy next!
Great Product - Review written on March 10, 2008
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Rating: 4 out of 5

For the serious woodworker this is a must have! For the hobbiest definitely add this to your collection.

This is a very well thought out and manufactured product. It is easy to learn and use.

Even though it doesn't say it in the manual, do no make the same mistake I did and assume the drill bit must pass all the way through the wood. If it does you will end up with a hole in the jig.

Defintely purchase the Kreg self tapping screws. They're not expensive, and will remove any doubt that the joint will hold.



Better than the K2000, which is also great - Review written on February 27, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I have been a happy Kreg K2000 owner for several years. As such, I find the beauty of the Kreg jigs to be their tight, nearly invisible joints for things like face frames and edge banding, and the strength of the joints they form from a structural standpoint. Screws in a ton of sizes and types are widely available as well, which makes these jigs even more useful.

For the price, I can't envision a better way to supplement your wood joinery capabilities than the K3MS, especially if you don't already own a Kreg jig. I've used mine for everything from furniture work with oak plugs to construction that doesn't have to look nice, just be strong. It works well for both. The most significant upgrade in the K3 over the K2 is the chip-collection capability. It's remarkable how quickly you can fill a work area with chips using a pocket-hole jig. I have also found the pivoting clamp pocket on the back of the three-hole jig body very useful when clamping it directly to a piece of plywood or other large work surface. It makes jig alignment fast and easy, and that translates to faster, better-quality work.

Other than these feature upgrades, if you're already a K2 user you probably won't find much value in the K3. But if you don't own a Kreg jig already, the K3MS is an outstanding way to spend less than $150 upgrading your woodshop!
Great Kit, Works excellent, A+++ - Review written on February 27, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I'm no carpenter at all. So I learned a lot and this tool is simple to use. Thanks, Larry
Works Well for Constructing Wooden Skateboard Ramp - Review written on February 20, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

I am teaching my boy how to do woodworking by building a quarter-pipe ramp out of two-by-fours, two-by-sixes, and plywood. By chance I decided to check out this pocket hole system after being suggested by Amazon. After reviewing the promotional video clip, I decided to try it out on this project. I found that using this pocket hole system has made it easier to fasten the frame pieces together than screwing deck screws through the board faces. The only problem I encountered so far has been drilling pocket hole consistently into a couple of 1/2 thick pine boards. On the other hand, I would not have had any other way to fasten together very well such thin boards using screws. But, the system works great to fasten two-by-fours and the two-by sixes.
A Must Have for the Workshop - Review written on February 15, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

It is well worth the time to begin by reading the manual from front to back. Then take about 30 minutes with some scrap wood and practice putting several pieces together. This is a wonderful tool for joining all types of woodwork. The setup is quick and accurate; a lot of thought has been put into it. Just be sure to wear your hearing protectors when you turn on your shop vac with the 1 1/2" reduction tube because it really howls before it is hooked up...
Yes, it IS worth the money! - Review written on February 12, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5
5 customers found this review helpful.

Like you, I came here to Amazon and read all the reviews before buying my K3MS. I was torn; which Kreg jig to get? I had already bought a cheapo General brand pocket hole jig at Home Depot, and it just sat in the bottom of a box, gathering dust. It is all metal, but who cares? It is sloppily cast, and is very cheap. To do this properly, one needs a good step drill bit and self tapping pan head, flat bottom screws.

All the right stuff is included in this it. The difference between the K3 Master System and the K3 Standard is the big clamping base with the shop vac adapter. I was on the fence about whether to buy this kit or the standard kit. I finally decided to bite the bullet and get this one. If you think you will use it a lot, spend the extra and get this one. It just makes everything faster and neater.

If you don't think you will use it a lot, get the K3 standard. The lower models don't have the metal plate where the drill bit exits the jig, which is going to mean it won't hold up as well over the years.

I too laughed when I saw the shop vac attachment, but it is no joke. Drilling more than a couple pocket holes creates a lot of chips in a big hurry, and with this adapter, they just disappear!
It is a great product - Review written on January 21, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review not to be helpful.
I own a older Kreg for 6 years and just like the older Kreg but newer this a great product
easy to use ,
Biscuits - who needs 'em? - Review written on January 14, 2008
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Rating: 4 out of 5

You can justify the purchase of the K3 with one project. You will save so much time on assembly and even more not needing any clamps and glue or drying time. My first project was a large frame for a HT screen, the second was some shelves. I am now going to build an entertainment center.
Buy the Right Angle Clamp (RAC) as you will need it and the kit should really include one. Okay I am sure there are a few things where biscuits would be a better solution but it is a very short list if you have the K3.
THE ABSOLUTE BEST CABINET MAKING TOOL CREATED - Review written on January 07, 2008
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Rating: 5 out of 5

THIS TOOL IS SO EASY TO USE AND GIVES THE USER THE HIGH END RESULTS THAT NORMALLY COMES FROM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN TOOLS ALL FOR $150 DOLLARS. NO CLAMPING TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANT SAY ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT THIS SET I JUST WISH I KNEW ABOUT KREG YEARS AGO!!!!!!!
A perfect USA made tool - just get it - Review written on December 27, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5

This is an absolutely brilliant, well made, well designed, USA made tool. Just bite the bullet and buy this full kit. I had a cheap pocket hole set, but upon starting a cabinet project for my house, I just sucked it up and bought the K3 Master system; and it was unlike me to not try and find a cheaper solution. All I can say now is I don't regret one penny. It really is a fantastic woodworking kit with exceptional ease of use and results. For the cabinet making use, it goes from super fast pocket holes in the face frame wood to rapid holes along the sides of the cabinet to attached the frame. Plus, I will say again, this is USA made and the quality and design shows. If you've never used pocket holes, you will be amazed at how secure and strong they are.

Just one thing, even if you've used some sort of pocket hole guide in the past, the first thing you need to do is read the manual. Its a quick read and you will find out all the nice little design aspects of it.
Great Set! - Review written on December 22, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5

First time I have ever used pocket joinery...Wow.. this straight forward jig works great. Read all the instructions and try several test pieces before hitting your project. I found making sure your dill was up to speed in the jig before starting into the wood is the trick to avoid any misalignment. Great tool... big time saver.
Kreg Master Pocket Hole Jig System - Review written on December 17, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Kreg K3MS K3 Master Pocket Hole Jig System I looked at all models of the Kreg system, like anyone else I wanted what would best suit my needs. The decision had to be the Master system to do all the things I needed it for, the lesser models would have been great, but would limit job performance in the long run, and just added more expense by purchasing add-on tools later. Amazon has been a five star company, always answering my questions and emails.
Great Product - Review written on November 26, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Don't know why I waited so long to buy the master kit. I love it!
Changed my finishing technique and provided more options - Review written on November 18, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Great kit. I bought it never having used a pocket hole kit. I did 2 practice joints and rolled right into cabinet facing finish work with great results. Kit includes all you need to be quite effective and the case provides room for all the components and extra bits and screws. Only advise is use a good drill with a settable clutch to prevent stripping screws in joints. This makes makes face joints strong and great looking with out glue squeezeout
Simple but accurate - Review written on November 08, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

The pocket hole system provides all the tools you need to create accurate joints. This is especially helpful for the most common of woodworking do-it-yourself projects those involving face frames. Face frames are integral parts of all cabinets, bookshelves as well as the trimming of various openings around a home such as windows, built-ins or even door frames. The process could not be simpler. I have been an amateur woodworker for over 20 years and always resisted opting for the traditional method of mortise and tenon joints. Let's face it spending a great deal of time on a detail that cannot be seen and is just as strong is silly in today's busy world. I recommend the product highly.
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig System K3M3 - Review written on September 20, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

This is a fantastic tool. It is easy to use and does a magnificent job. I used it to make an oak face frame, fasten oak trim to the edge of 3/4" plywood, and a few other similar tasks. Again, it is great.
5 STARS ALL THE WAY!!! - Review written on September 16, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

What else can be said? This sytem flat out make joining wood a dream. I built 14 base cabinet carcasses in 2 days. Wow what a pleasure. The best $140 I have spent... Great Job Kreg!
Great product with a lot of thoughtful features - Review written on September 09, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
5 customers found this review helpful.

Previously I was using the smallest Kreg pocket screw jig but recently upgraded to the K3 Master Kit. What a difference! If you're going to do more than a few pocket screws, skip all the other lower sets and just get this one. Easy to set up and I just did a bunch of holes in a few minutes. The clamping jig is perfect. I had to do a bunch of pieces for a coffee table project and once I did the first one, the rest were easy. An added bonus of a vaccum hookup sucked up most of the sawdust to make it a clean project.
Throw away your doweling jig and mortising machine - Review written on September 02, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

Using the Kreg pocket hole system is much easier and I believe stronger than traditional mortise and tenon or dowel joints. This is comperable to using a dovetail joint. I just love mine.
pleased with it - Review written on August 08, 2007
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Rating: 4 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

Used to dowel my cabinet face frames. Got a kreg pocket hole jig original. If it was a woman i would of married it after doweling for so long it made things so easy, no clamps etc. The new version is alot eaisier to use.
Well engineered - Review written on August 03, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

Amazing tool! Seems foolproof. Well made and versatile. Not just for cabinet work. Made a very difficult rough framing project simple and fast (2 1/2" screws!). Then used it on the trim. Somebody give these guys a hug.
Pockethole star! - Review written on August 02, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
5 customers found this review helpful.

For basic cabinets and drawers this is an incredibly simple and effective tool. You can put a carcase together in minutes! I attached the dust collection system and it is almost chip free- You don't have to even withdraw the bit to let chips fall out of the hole.

It is well made and simple to use. Once you get the hand of set up, the time from start to finish is minimal. Tests on the joints is also very good. I still use other joints for fine furniture but am really happy at the quality of results this produces.

I also use a biscuit plate joiner but this produces a stronger joint and they are both very fast. I have continued to use biscuits to edge join table tops and shelves.
A Great Tool & Investment - Review written on July 19, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

I bought my system from toolman54 via Amazon. I needed something to repair an old kitchen/dining room table my wife bought and had been after me to repair. The boards on the top of the table were coming apart and were loose. Well not any more! The table is just as solid now as the day it was made. The pocket hole system is so easy a beginner could use it. Thank you Amazon! Thank you Kreg! Thank you Toolman54 for selling new items at used prices!
Kreg K3 Pocket Hole System - Review written on May 20, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful.

I found this to be one of the neatest tools I have purchased in a long time. Making framework sections are much stronger and easier to hide. I also purchased the hardwood plugs which virtually remove any signs of the connection. This is a great product, and I highly recommend it to anyone else.
Kreg master pocket hole system - Review written on May 18, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Everything came through as expected. The pocket hole system works well