Seeing a lot more pocket hole joinery on site jobs lately

Three years ago on a big custom home in Seattle, I only saw them for face frames. Last month, the trim crew used them for all the window casings. It's fast, but I'm not sold on the strength for everything. What's the biggest thing you'd still never use a pocket hole on?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_betty23d ago

Remember that cheap TV stand from a few years back? I built one with pocket holes for the main frame and it sagged so bad in the middle the drawer wouldn't open. I would never, ever use them for any kind of long shelf or table apron that has to hold real weight. They're fine for pulling two boards together, but they just don't have the sheer strength for a load.

robert_rodriguez6623d ago

Man, I hear you. I tried them on some built-in shelves and they just felt wobbly under any real weight. I'd never trust them for a chair frame or something that gets knocked around. What about you, ever had one fail?