Thread: Kreg pockethole system vs the Aussie ScrewIt

Kreg system is the best you can afford.
Their drill bits are the sharpest I have experienced. They are also more durable than others.
I bought a cheaper alternative jig for the community centre I'm teaching and I really notice the difference.

I happen to have both. Pocket holes are my go to joinery method. Its fast and the joints don't need glue. I've made 2 work benches, coffee tables, router table, chest of drawers all with the kreg jig. I bought the screwit a few years ago and it does work well but the kreg K5 which I bought last year is definitely a step up. As mentioned above the kreg drill bit stays sharper way longer and also find their screws work better although I still use the screwit screws. I love the auto locking of the K5 and the dust port which I hooked up to my dust collector. I also use the micro pocket add on which allows me to use 12mm stock which I found too difficult with the screwit system. The only downside is the price. I'm trying to sell the screwit system. Are you interested??

I have purchased the ScrewIt system direct from China. Thought I had saved myself some money. Now I regret it.

The ScrewIt system is good quality. Solid metal and metric guide which allows you to have any spacing between holes. Excellent. It just lacks some key features.
First I got a lot of tear out. So i went and bought the mini Kreg for the sharper bit and for any awkward jobs. The Kreg bit is sharper but unfortunately that didn't solve my tear out problem.

The chinese generic version I bought off eBay doesn't have proper pocket screws. So I went and got some Kreg screws and some ScrewIt screws.
So already I have paid more than if I had bought it from ScrewIt in the first place.

In addition I didn't realise the dust extraction issue. So many shavings get into the jig that I clean it out after every hole to make sure the next hole is accurate. This is a great waste of time.
A shop vac on the Kreg system would be faster.

If I do a lot more pocket hole work I might create some kind of jig to attach my shop vac to it. That way I could eventually end up with something better than the Kreg jig. However if I had known in advance I probably would have bought the Kreg jig from the start.


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I have used the Kreg system for many years now.Started with the basic jig and graduated to the K3.I find using the K3 excellent,and accurate providing you have a accurate cut-off(Mitre)saw,as most of the joints are butt 90 degree joints.The only problem I have, has been sourcing the Kreg screws,from Carbatec,the Au.agents.They are frequently out of stock and dearer than Screwit and the cost of freight exorbinant.The Kreg web site is very helpful with plans etc.
Junkey

There are other places that sell the Kreg screws. I got my last batch on ebay! The price of the screws was same as Carbatech but with slightly cheaper shipping.
You can search for Kreg stockists here:

https://www.kregtool.com/find-a-deal...l-dealers.aspx

I don't know whether they all stock consumables like screws, some of them are quite tool-centric but it might give you more options if Carbatech are out of stock.

Originally Posted by barri

I happen to have both. Pocket holes are my go to joinery method. Its fast and the joints don't need glue. I've made 2 work benches, coffee tables, router table, chest of drawers all with the kreg jig. I bought the screwit a few years ago and it does work well but the kreg K5 which I bought last year is definitely a step up. As mentioned above the kreg drill bit stays sharper way longer and also find their screws work better although I still use the screwit screws. I love the auto locking of the K5 and the dust port which I hooked up to my dust collector. I also use the micro pocket add on which allows me to use 12mm stock which I found too difficult with the screwit system. The only downside is the price. I'm trying to sell the screwit system. Are you interested??

No thanks. As much as I would like to buy Aussie, there are clear advantages to Kreg. My choice now is between the K4 master system ($215) & K5 master system ($259).

Never heard of the Aussie... but after doing a quick google I'd say for the money you're saving not worth it. Plus I'm also bit dubious to the durability of the alum body.

Kreg just works, plus all the accessories are on point and build solidly.

Originally Posted by tonzeyd

Never heard of the Aussie... but after doing a quick google I'd say for the money you're saving not worth it. Plus I'm also bit dubious to the durability of the alum body.

Kreg just works, plus all the accessories are on point and build solidly.

The metal body. The metric scale and the ability to have any spacing you like are all advantages the ScrewIt one has over the Kreg.
I thought the Kreg one had a better bit but having used both bits I'm not sure about that. Perhaps.
In fact if the ScrewIt one had a longer clamp rod and dust collection it would be superior to the Kreg but it doesn't.

So I'd recommend the Kreg set with the dust collection. However if you opt for the other Kreg sets to lower costs then you might be better off saving more and going with the Screwit.

Or cheaper still is to get the mini one hole Kreg, a bit and a clamp. This is all you really need for occasional use and is much cheaper than all the other options. If you decide to do a lot of pocket hole joinery you can keep the one hole for hard to access areas and then buy one of the clamping jigs. So no wasted investment.

The other thing I wish I had been told is that you need corner clamps etc to clamp you work when you screw it together. Whatever option you go with.



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Originally Posted by doggity

There are other places that sell the Kreg screws. I got my last batch on ebay! The price of the screws was same as Carbatech but with slightly cheaper shipping.

I bought the K5 from Total Tools in Canberra $259, they stock the full range of screws etc

Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered the Kreg K5 Master System ($259 - Timbecon) plus a screw starter kit. Waiting for it to be delivered (I'm in the boonies) so I can try it out. As I'm a disabled pensioner & single Dad, this was quite a purchase for me as I usually buy cheaper / 2nd hand tools.

However I really didn't see any practical alternatives as Kreg has so many features and expansion options.

You'll be pleased. Used correctly it's really a nice set. I've used Kreg jigs for near 8 years now and they've never failed me. If you watch eBay the screws can be had cheap on occasion.

You won't regret buying the Kreg. Handing out our hard earned is always a judgement call when it comes to expensive gear but I always try to only buy once and the best I can afford, hasn't let me down yet.

Stick with the Kreg screws and don't be tempted to substitute as wallboard (bugle head) screws are not a substitute and will split your pocket holes.

These are fantastics for kits and projects.

I've put together quite a few knock-down projects for clients with these. I also used the Festool domino (littlest ones) for alignment and strength while assembling, but you could very easily use one of the many excellent dowelling jigs out there too.

Good way to make a few extra dollars...