How To Use a Kreg Jig R3

Have you ever dreamed of creating sturdy, professional-looking projects without breaking a sweat? Well, good news! Meet the Kreg Jig® R3 – your new best friend in the workshop.

Step 1: Set the Drilling Depth

Every piece of professional joinery started by setting the drilling depth, a task made easy for those who know how to use a Kreg Jig R3. Let's walk through the process together:

Prepare the Drill Bit: Slide the provided stop collar onto the drill bit. This collar is a key player in achieving the desired depth.
Insert the Drill Bit: Insert the pilot tip of the bit into the tip protector in the case tray. This ensures proper alignment and protection during the setup process.
Align with Workpiece Thickness Marks: Snap the bit into the depth-setting gauge. Ensure the stop collar rests in the recess marked with workpiece thickness indicators along the edges.
Tighten the Stop Collar: Push the bit step tight against the tip protector. Align the stop collar with the mark that matches your workpiece thickness. Secure it in place by tightening the stop collar set screw using the provided hex wrench.

Step 2: Adjust the Positioning Sliders

Next, you want to be sure you’re positioning the sliders correctly. This ensures your screw exits at the center of your workpiece, not wandering off the grain.

Flip the Jig: Turn the jig over so the bottom faces up. This angle allows easy access to the sliders for adjustments.
Slide and Align: Press the ridged tab on each slider and carefully slide them until the mark on the slider, corresponding to your workpiece thickness, aligns with the arrow on the jig body.

Step 3: Select the Right Screw

It should go without saying, but you’ll need the right screw length to achieve that “flawless” joint. Check out the chart featured in Figure 1.1 to identify which length of screw you need.

Don't have the right screws in your toolbox? Not a problem! Shop Kreg specialized screws at Beaver Industrial Supply, and enjoy fast same-day shipping!

Kreg Jig R3 Screw Selection Guide — Figure 1.1

How to Use Your Kreg Jig for Clamping vs Drilling

Before you go, let’s talk about how to use your Kreg Jig for both clamping and drilling tasks.

Clamping

Position the jig with the slider lugs hooked on the workpiece edge. This ensures stability during the entire drilling process.
Opt for a bar clamp or C-clamp to provide a secure hold on the jig and workpiece.
For faster and more convenient positioning, connect the Kreg Jig R3 to any Kreg face clamp using the included clamp pad adapter.

Advanced Tip: For drilling inside assembled cabinets, follow advanced steps to reconfigure the sliders for an optimal setup. If clamping isn't possible, secure the jig with a wood screw through the mounting hole.

Drilling

Space pocket holes evenly across the workpiece using the two-hole drill guide. This is crucial for maintaining structural integrity.
For wider parts, maintain a 9⁄16" spacing from each edge. Add extra holes strategically to ensure distances between holes do not exceed 6".
Larger projects, such as panels, benefit from starting the first pocket hole 2" from the edge and maintaining 6" intervals thereafter.

Before drilling, slide the bit into the drill guide, withdraw it slightly, and ensure your drill is running at full speed. Feed the bit into the workpiece, withdrawing it periodically to clear chips. Always stop when the stop collar contacts the drill guide, and wait for the drill to stop rotating before removing the bit.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! In my opinion, the Kreg Jig is the easiest, and most affordable, way to secure joints between two pieces of wood. And, if you're still on the fence about investing in the Kreg Jig R3, let me assure you—it's worth every penny. I've personally used it in countless projects, and each time, it proves its worth without fail. Coming in at around $40, it's a small investment with an enormous return in terms of the quality it brings to your woodworking projects.