Find the correct screw length, thread type, and jig depth-collar position for any material thickness.
Always test on scrap before drilling your workpiece — depth settings vary slightly between jig generations. Use a clamp when assembling to close the joint before driving the screw.
Quick reference
| Thickness | Screw | Thread | Jig pos. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 1" | Coarse | A |
| 5/8" | 1-1/4" | Coarse | B |
| 3/4" | 1-1/4" | Coarse | B |
| 1" | 1-1/2" | Fine | C |
| 1-1/4" | 2" | Fine | C |
| 1-1/2" | 2-1/2" | Fine | C |
Pocket-hole screws come in two thread patterns. Coarse thread grips better in softwood, plywood, and MDF — the wide threads bite into the fibres. Fine thread is designed for hardwood, where the denser grain provides enough resistance without splitting.
Screw length is chosen so the tip exits roughly in the centre of the mating piece's thickness, giving maximum pull-out strength without breaking through the face. Always test on scrap of the same species and thickness before drilling your workpiece.