DIY Network

Pocket Holes and Cutting Tools: Pocket Hole Pocket Holes and Cutting Tools: Pocket Hole From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-244

When you're making cabinets, you can hide your joinery with pocket holes. In this segment, host David Thiel explains how.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

A pocket hole is a hidden drill hole that you sink a screw into at an angle to fasten two pieces of wood together (figure A). The pocket holes goes into a cabinet frame from behind so that you don't see the joinery from the front of the cabinet. You can also use pocket holes for shelving.

Drilling a Pocket Hole:

1. The drill bit you use to make a pocket hole has a pointed tip. Set a stop collar (figure B) on the bit so that you don't drill all the way through the board.

2. Take a piece of wood, then lock it into place using the plunger. You can position the wood to cut either one hole or two.

3. Drill the pocket hole. The bit slides through the pocket hole jig at an angle (figure C).

4. If necessary, drill a second hole.

Attaching Wood Using a Pocket Hole: