Pocket hole jig - is this one worth it?

[Jillos]

I want to have a go with pocket holes - I make a lot of planters and other bits for my garden, and figure it would just be a useful tool to have. As I've not had one before, I don't want to splash on a Kreg, but I found a you tuber who endorsed this one:
https://amzn.eu/d/9xpvmAQ

As always with Amazon, the reviews are mixed, and a few folk seem to be saying that the drill guides wear out quickly.

Does anyone have one, and is it worth a punt do you think?

 

[robgul]

I have a Trend one that's very similar - works fine - all pretty simple. Buy one. [You'll probably find the same thing on Banggood/Alie/Temu for a lot less money if that's an issue]

The Kreg range is great but overkill/expensive - watch Shara at Woodshop Diaries on YT - she's the "pocket hole queen" making everything with them.

 

[BillK]

You might be lucky and find hardened collars that drop in, they're only held in by grub screws. The inserts on that one do look a bit shiney-chromey for hardened ones.

 

[TRITON]

Probably a good deal in respect of its basically a UJK copy, but a 1/4 of the price

So if it is something that is getting used occasionally, then it will more than likely be fine

 

[Spectric]

I make a lot of planters and other bits for my garden

This sounds like more heavy stuff so you might want heavier fixings, for such jobs I use the Kreg HD jig which is just £50 and the screws are coated for outdoor use.

https://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/product/kreg-jig-hd-pocket-hole-system/

https://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/p...ointing-systems-pocket-hole-jigs/kreg-screws/

That Amazon jig for £26 is just like placing a bet on the grand national, you would be better off with this Jig for £20

https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/milescraft-pocketjig100/

to get a feel for pocket holes and then maybe progress one way or the other.

 

[Vulcan]

I bought a cheap one from Aliexpress some years ago and it’s fine - apart from the drill bit which was slightly the wrong size (too small). I then bought the cheap Trend one for the included drill bit and found myself using it more often than the Aliexpress one.
It was under £20 when I bought it.

 

[bushwhaker]

Maybe this https://www.tyzacktools.com/weekend-special-tyzack-pocket-hole-jig-k4