Inexpensive Kreg R3 Pockethole Jig System (The Kreg Jig Jr.)

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Pocket hole joints are one of the fastest ways to join two pieces of wood together with a strong bond and a professionally-finished look. Pocket hole joints work great for all kinds of woodworking, from cabinet making and furniture building, to building garage storage. We recently reviewed the Kreg Jig K3 Master System, a bench top system that is the standard in pockethole joint construction. Unfortunately, the K3 system retails for $140 which is a bit out of reach for some woodworkers.

Fortunately, Kreg also offers a simpler and less expensive version of the pockethole jig: the R3. The Kreg R3 (also called the Kreg Jig Jr.) features compact size that allows you to work in tight spaces and on already-finished furniture. (It also works on new furniture just fine). Just like all of the other Kreg Jigs, the R3 takes advantage of a technique called Kreg Joinery. Unlike other techniques that require glue, complicated math, and a small army of clamps to make wood joints, the jig simplifies joining wood by allowing you to drill angled holes and screw the wood together.

The picture in the upper right shows the type of holes the Jreg Jig produces. Self-tapping screws are driven through these holes into an adjacent piece of wood creating a strong bond.

Inexpensive Kreg Jig R3 Pocket Hole System (Kreg Jig Jr.)

Kreg R3 Pockethole Jig System

Amazon sells the Kreg R3 Pockethole Jig System for about $40 (about $100 less than the K3 master system). Plus, this unit ships for free and Amazon doesn’t charge sales tax in most places, making this unit about 5-10% off buying locally. Check out the reviews on Amazon’s site which are overwhelmingly positive.

This kit includes everything you need to get started, a clamp pad adapter, stepped drill bit, 6 driver bit, depth collar, allen wrench, starter screw set, and carrying case.

What do you think? Do you own this Kreg Jig System? Leave a comment below and let us know about your experience…