Changed my mind on pocket screws after a job in Denver

Always thought pocket holes were for amateurs. But building cabinets in that old warehouse, the face frame alignment was perfect first try - no clamps needed. Anybody else had a project that made you switch up your go-to joinery?

2 comments

2 Comments

ross.river12d ago

Respectfully, I see pocket screws as a shortcut for when you don't care about the details. They work fine for cabinets that'll live in a warehouse but try that on a piece going in someone's living room and you'll see gaps develop over time from the wood moving. Tight joinery from real joints lasts way longer without those little screws loosening up.

simonp4012d ago

Remember I used to be all about pocket screws for everything, thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread for quick builds. But honestly seeing this laid out like that makes me rethink a lot of my own stuff I did for clients a few years back. I've got a couple of nightstands in my own house that I used pocket screws on and yeah now I notice the gaps showing up, especially after the seasons change. Guess I was just fooling myself thinking it was good enough for furniture that people actually live with every day. Definitely gonna switch over to real joinery for anything that matters from now on.