Who Invented Pocket Hole?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The pocket jig was created when

Craig Sommerfeld

, a journeyman tool and die maker, was building a home and needed a way to attach face frames on kitchen cabinets.

When did Kreg tools come out?

But for the small shop and weekend woodworker, pocket hole joinery took a giant leap forward in

1990

, when Craig Sommerfield brought out the first commercially available model of his remarkable Kreg Jig. Since its introduction, the Kreg Jig has lead the way in affordable, easy to use pocket hole joinery systems.

When were Pocketholes invented?

RWW 142:

18th Century

Pocket Holes. Pocket holes are not a 20th Century invention. Cabinetmakers and joiners were using them even 300 or more years ago.

Are dowels stronger than pocket holes?

The dowel joints were

1.5x stronger than the pocket hole joints

. I could have made the dowel joints stronger by using four dowels instead of two. Earlier tests indicate that such a joint should be nearly as strong as a mortise and tenon joint.

Who invented Kreg jig?


Craig Sommerfield –

Inventor of the Kreg Jig. This is Craig Sommerfeld, a really nice guy from Iowa who had a great idea and followed it through. in 1986 Craig was building some kitchen units for his home and needed a better way of securing his face frames to the units than using nails and filler.

What are the disadvantages of using pocket holes?

Drawbacks. A broken pocket-hole joint

“likely can’t be repaired”

. Although the holes can be plugged the pocket hole may be considered unsightly when all sides of the joint are visible. It is not suitable for joining thin pieces of wood – 10-15mm minimum.

Who owns Kreg?

The Story Of:

Todd Sommerfeld

| Owner & CEO of Kreg Tool Company.

Why do people not like pocket screws?

Partly it’s that people feel offended that someone can do things faster than them, and so they call it “cheating.” Pocket screws are

quick and easy

, so they must be a cheat of some kind. That said, there are some legitimate concerns with pocket holes.

Is Kreg going out of business?

Manufacturer Kreg Tool, which has operated in Huxley since 1992, has decided to move operations Ankeny. Todd Sommerfeld, executive chairman of the company, told the Huxley City Council Tuesday that the company plans to leave the Story County city

by May of 2021

. Kreg Tool designs and manufactures woodworking tools.

Are Kreg jigs Made in USA?

Kreg Tool: Kreg Jigs, Deck Jigs, Precision Routing Systems, Klamp Components.

Not everything they sell is still made here

but most stuff is. Woodpeckers Precision Woodworking Tools: Misc Router and Shop Accessories. (I’ve bought several things from them in the last few months and would highly recommend them.

What is the strongest wood joint?


Mortise and Tenon Woodworking Joints

One of the strongest woodworking joints is the mortise and tenon joint. This joint is simple and strong. Woodworkers have used it for many years. Normally you use it to join two pieces of wood at 90-degrees.

When should you not use pocket holes?

This one may be obvious, but you should avoid using pocket holes

in locations where they will be visible

. The only exceptions to this would be 1) if you don’t care about the aesthetics of the piece, or 2) you are using plugs and will be painting the piece.

Are biscuits stronger than dowels?


Biscuits don’t really add much strength

. They are more for alignment, where the dowels will add a good deal of strength. … When done correctly, a biscuit joint is at least as strong as a similar size mortise and tenon joint, and decidedly stronger than a dowel joint.”

How long has the Kreg Jig been around?

The answer changed the way thousands of woodworkers join wood. Since our humble beginning as a

family-owned company in 1989

, the Kreg name has become synonymous with pocket-hole joinery. Woodworkers of all skill levels have come to trust our products time and time again.

What angle does a Kreg Jig drill at?

As you drill, the stepped drill bit enters the wood at a

15° angle

. That’s what creates the distinctive oval shape. The pocket-hole jig ensures this angle is consistent, and that the bit is held steady as you work — making the process of drilling an angled hole entirely foolproof.

Where is Kreg located?

BACKGROUND and UPDATE: Construction is underway on the new headquarters for Kreg Enterprises Inc., which currently is located in

Huxley

. The company in April took out a building permit valued at $21.6 million. Kreg makes woodworking tools, such as jigs, clamps, and cutting and routing tools.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.