How to Create a Jig for Pocket Hole Plugs

Family Handyman

Easily Make Plugs for Pocket Screw Holes

Pocket screws are a great way to make strong, tight joints in woodworking projects. But to create a polished and finished look with a pocket screw, you have to plug the hole that the pocket screw went in to. The good news is that creating plugs to fill pocket holes is fairly simple, and it becomes even simpler with this easy-to-make jig.

Materials Needed:

• Pocket hole jig
• Drill/driver
• 8-in. piece of 2×4
• 3/8-in. dowel
• Clamp
• Pull saw
• Finish nail

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Use a pocket hole jig and a collared stepped drill bit to drill a pocket hole into the piece of 2×4.
2. Take a regular drill bit and drill through the back of the 2×4 into your newly created pocket hole.
3. Clamp the 2×4 to the edge of a sturdy table.
4. Insert the tip of the dowel into the pocket hole, pushing it in as far as it will go.
5. Cut off the dowel with a pull saw, keeping the blade flat against the side of the 2×4 as you do.
6. Pop out your newly-created plug by poking a nail into the hole you drilled into the back of the 2×4.

Once you’re done creating plugs for your pocket holes, label the 2×4 as a “3/8-in. pocket hole jig” and find a place to store it in your workshop.

Want to know more about using pocket screw jigs? Check out this video: