TREND PH/JIG User Manual

POCKET HOLE
JIG

PH/JIG

-2-

SAFETY

Observe the safety regulations in the
instruction manual of the Power Tool to
be used or connected to this
attachment. Also observe any
applicable additional safety rules. Read
the following safety instructions before
attempting to operate this product.

PLEASE KEEP THESE
INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE
PLACE.

The attention of UK users is drawn to
The Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998, and any
subsequent amendments.

General

■ Disconnect power tool, when not in
use. Before servicing and when
changing accessories such as
cutters. Disconnect power tool and
attachment from power supply.
Ensure the machine is switched off
before plugging tool in or
connecting to a power supply.

■ Always mount the power tool,
accessory or attachment in
conformity with the present
instructions.

■ Keep children and visitors away. Do
not let children or visitors touch the
tool, accessory or attachment.
Keep children and visitors away
from work area.

■ Make the workshop child proof with
padlock and master switch.

■ Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewellery, they can be
caught in moving parts. Rubber
gloves and non-skid footwear is
recommended when working
outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.

■ Consider working environment. Do
not use the product in the rain or in
a damp environment. Keep work
area well lit. Do not use power tools
near gasoline or flammable liquids.
Keep workshop at a comfortable
temperature so your hands are not
cold.

■ The accessory or attachment must
be kept level and stable at all
times.

■ Keep work area clean. Cluttered
workshops and benches can cause
injuries

■ Use the attachment with the power
tools and accessories specified in
this manual only. Do not force the
tool or attachment to do a job for
which it is not designed.

■ Secure idle tools. When not in use,
tools should be stored in a dry and
high or locked up place, out of
reach of children.

■ For best control and safety use
both hands on the power tool and
attachment. Keep both hands away
from cutting area. Always wait for
the spindle and cutter to stop
rotating before making any
adjustments.

■ Always keep guards in place and in
good working order.

■ Remove any nails, staples and
other metal parts from the
workpiece.

■ Maintain tools and cutters with
care. Keep cutters sharp and clean
for better and safer performance.
Do not use damaged cutters.
Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories. Keep
handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease.

■ Maintain accessories. Do not use
damaged accessories. Only use
accessories recommended by the
manufacturer.

■ Check damaged parts. Before
operation inspect the attachment,
the power tool, the cable, extension
cable and the plug carefully for
signs of damage. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding,
breakage, mounting and any other
conditions that may effect its
operation. Have any damage
repaired by an Authorised Service
Agent before using the tool or
accessory.

■ Do not use tool if switch does not
turn it on or off. Have defective
switches replaced by an Authorised
Service Agent.

■ Don't over reach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.

■ Don’t abuse the cable. Never carry
power tool or accessory by cord or
pull it to disconnect from the
socket. Keep cord from heat, oil
and sharp edges. Always trail the
power cord away from the work
area.

■ Connect dust extraction equipment.
If devices are provided for the
connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure these
are connected and properly used.

■ Check all fixing and fastening nuts,
bolts and screws before use to
ensure they are tight and secure.
Periodically check when machining
over long periods.

■ Stay alert. Watch what you are
doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate tools when you are tired,
under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.

■ Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). All PPE must meet current
UK and EU legislation.

■ Do not leave tools running
unattended. Do not leave tool until
it comes to a complete stop.

■ Always clamp workpiece being
machined securely.

Version 4.0 08/2003 PT1

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DESCRIPTION OF PARTS

1 Pocket hole jig body
2 Guide columns with solid hardened bushes
3 Solid bush drill guide hole
4 Guide column equidistant scale
5 Guide column adjustment screw
6 Guide column adjustment screw hex key

4mm A/F

7 Push-pull toggle clamp
8 Push-pull toggle clamp handle
9 Clamping pad

10

Adjustable clamping pad stud

11

Adjustable clamping pad lock nut

12

Push-pull securing machine screws

13

Push-pull securing screw hex key 3mm A/F

14

Bench fixing holes

15

Bench fixing screws No. 8 x 25mm

16

Stepped drill

17

Stepped drill depth collar

18

Depth collar hex key 2.5mm A/F

19

Square drive self-tapping screw
No. 7 x 30mm

20

Short square drive screwdriver bit No. 2 x
75mm for self-tapping screws

21

Long square drive screwdriver bit No. 2 x
150mm long for self-tapping screws

22

Face clamp

-3-

ITEMS ENCLOSED

1 x Pocket Hole Jig
1 x Stepped drill 9.5mm (3/8") diameter x

150mm long HSS
1 x Depth collar for stepped drill
1 x Square drive screwdriver bit

No. 2 x 75mm long
1 x Square drive screwdriver bit

No. 2 x 150mm long
100 x Self-tapping square head screws

No.7 x 30mm
1 x Hex key 4mm A/F
1 x Hex Key 3mm A/F
1 x Hex Key 2.5mm A/F
1 x Face clamp 152mm long x 42mm throat x

42mm opening
3 x Particleboard screw No. 8 x 25mm Pozi
1 x Manual
1 x Guarantee registration card

PH/JIG

-4-

PH/JIG

-5-

PH/JIG

ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENT

The Pocket Hole Jig is used with an electric or
cordless drill with a minimum 10mm chuck
capacity. It is ideally suited for use with 19mm
(3/4") thick material because the distance from
the base of the jig to the drill guide, combined
with the angle of the screws, causes the screw
to exit the 19mm material at its centre.

A pocket hole concept involves placing one
piece of the material to be joined in the jig and
boring two counter-bored holes with a special
stepped drill. This piece of material is joined to
the other piece and assembled with 30mm long
self-tapping screws, which once driven into the
material will provide a strong joint. No pilot hole
is required, but wood glue should be used to
provide a strong long lasting joint. The screw
removes the need for clamping and the
component can be handled whilst the glue is
drying.

An accessory stepped drill bit with collar is
available with a Snappy 1/4" hex quick-change
fitting, which allows faster tool change
(Ref. SNAP/PHD/95)

Setting Up The Jig

The Pocket Hole Jig can be used both fixed to a
bench or portably depending on the
application.The most common position is
screwed to a bench and with the material
clamped into the jig.

In the fixed bench position it is advisable to
secure material the same thickness as the jig,
either side of the jig body. This makes it easier
to slide large components into the jig and also
prevents it tipping.

2

2

1

1

3

3

Always remove plug from power
source before making any
adjustments.

The built-in push-pull clamp arrangement allows
both hands to be free for drilling in both
applications.

For use portably, the jig can be clamped to the
actual component. This is necessary for large or
heavy components.

-6-

PH/JIG

Setting the Push-Pull Clamp

To bore the pocket holes you will need to set the
clamp position to ensure it holds the material
securely. The Pocket Hole Jig has two positions
for fitting the clamp. The first position (A) allows
material thickness of 16mm to 18mm to be
clamped. The second position (B) allows
material from 18mm to 38mm thick to be
clamped.

■ Using the 3mm hex key loosen the four
machine screws and remove them.

■ Move clamp back one set of holes and
replace screws and tighten securely.

■ Loosen the locking nut (1) on the clamp pad
stud (2) using a 12mm A/F spanner.

■ Screw clamp pad in and out to find the correct
setting. The correct setting is achieved when
the clamp handle snaps closed when using
two fingers of pressure.

■ When set tighten clamp locking nut (1).

If the component moves when drilling the pocket
apply more pressure with the clamp by screwing
out the pad further.

A B A B

B

A B A

(2) (1)

Setting Pocket Hole Centres

The pocket hole jig has variable distance drill
guides to allow material of minimum width of
38mm (1-1/2”) to be joined.

■ The adjustable guides can
be locked at various
positions allowing hole
centres of 29mm (1-1/8") to
63mm (2-1/2") per set up.

■ Once the hole positions
have been decided, both
the drill guide columns can
be set equally using the
scale and locked in position
using the 4mm A/F hex
key.

29mm - 63mm

1

1 32 23

=

=

PH/JIG

-7-

Before using the pocket hole jig for
the first time, it is recommended that
a number of trial cuts are made in
waste timber.

✗✗

A

B

15mm15mm

10mm

30mm

30mm

20mm

Setting the Drill Bit Depth

The depth collar on the drill is used to control the
depth of the pocket, which also sets the length of
the screw that protrudes through and into the
joining piece.

■ To set the depth collar on the stepped drill,
firstly remove the component from the jig,
loosen the collar grub screw using the 2.5mm
A/F hex key and place onto the shank of the
drill about 50mm down.

■ Lightly tighten the grub screw to lock the
collar onto the drill.

■ Put the stepped drill with collar fitted into the
bushed hole in the column, until the collar
touches the top of the bush.

■ Gently loosen the grub screw on the collar
and adjust the depth of the drill so that the
end of the drill tip is about 3mm above the jig
base (a packing piece or coin can be used).

■ Tighten the grub screw securely. The collar is
now set for 30mm long screws, which gives
approximately half of the screw into each
workpiece.

■ Check collar position is correct before
beginning to drill.

By adjusting the collar back or forward will give a
deeper or shallower pocket. If the depth collar
position is set too deep the screw may protrude

3mm

through the face of the jointing piece. If too
shallow the screw may not enter into the joint
sufficiently.
When working with thin material (16mm) and
mitres, the counter-bored hole will need to be
shallower than standard. Shallower counter­bored holes will result in the head of the screw
being closer to or even above the surface, this is
acceptable in certain applications where the
head of the screw is invisible from view.

-8-

PH/JIG

Material Thickness

The jig can be used on material from 16mm to
38mm thick. If the material is thinner than
optimum 19mm thickness the screw will not exit
in the centre and likewise if thicker material is
used. Even though the screw does not exit in
the centre a tight joint will be still be created. As
the material gets thicker however it may be
advisable to put pocket holes on multiple sides
of the component.

OPERATION

19mm
(3/4")

9.5mm
(3/8")

9.5mm
(3/8")

38mm
(1-1/2")

9.5mm
(3/8")

38mm
(1-1/2")

9.5mm
(3/8")

9.5mm
(3/8")

50mm

(2")

75mm

(3")

38mm

Use a high drilling speed to increase
drill life.

Pocket Hole Spacing

When boring framing material, two pocket holes
should be used to keep the timber from twisting.
When working with long pieces of timber to
create a board (jointing edge to edge) to make a
table top for example, single pockets can be
drilled at between 150mm to 200mm centres.

Drilling the Pocket Holes

Boring the counter-bored hole involves drilling
with a stepped drill into one of the joint pieces.

■ Fit the material to be pocket hole drilled into
the jig and clamp tightly.

■ Fit the drill bit with depth collar already set
into the chuck of the drill used.

■ Place drill bit into bush hole in drill guide.

■ Switch on drill at full speed (clockwise

direction) and drill into the component until
the collar touches the bush. Gently pulling
drill in and out whilst drilling will allow wood
chips to clear more easily.

■ Once depth is reached switch drill off and
withdraw drill bit from drill guide.

■ Repeat for other pocket hole and then remove
component.

■ Repeat operation for the remaining pieces.

-9-

PH/JIG

Assembling the Joint

Self-tapping pocket hole screws do not need to
have pilot holes drilled, even in hardwoods.
Other types of screws can work in the jig but the
self-tapping screws reduce splitting in the timber
and are hardened to reduce breakage.
Whenever possible use glue on the joint unless
it is necessary to disassemble the joint.

To aid assembly on corner joints, it is advisable
to use a high batten, clamped to the bench. The
components can be pushed against it to keep
the two parts flush to each other, whilst screwing
them together.

When assembling edge to edge joints it is
advisable to use the face clamp to keep both
parts flush. The face clamp can be adjusted to
suit material thickness by adjusting the locking
nut on the handle of the face clamp. The larger
pad on the face should be on the face side of
the material.

The screw should be driven into the component
using a torque control screwdriving drill. The
torque control allows control of the tightness of
the screws into the wood and minimise the
possibility of stripping the screw. The longer
square drive screwdriver bit is used for most
pocket hole screw driving applications. The
shorter bit allows for use in tight spaces. The
screwdriver bits have 1/4" quick change shanks
and can be used directly into a drill chuck or
more conveniently into a Snappy quick change
drill chuck Ref. SNAP/QC.

If a torque control screwdriver is not available
start to screw with a conventional drill and then
finish off by hand using a square drive hand
screwdriver or the Snappy Handriver Ref.
SNAP/DRIVER.

If access to the screws are tight the screwdriver
bits can be fitted into a 1/4" socket fitted to a
ratchet or use a flexible shaft screwdriver.

Bench

Batten

Component

Component

Square Drive Bit

-10-

PH/JIG

Applications

Frame Corner Joints – faster and stronger than
dowel and biscuits. Self clamping whilst glue is
drying.

Mitred Frame Corner Joints – for narrow
frames a single pocket hole is necessary. Cut
the mitre and rout any rebates before boring the
pocket holes. For material less than 50mm wide
it may be necessary to tilt the pocket hole piece
so that the hole is not perpendicular to the
mitred edge.

Square Corner Joints – faster and stronger
than dowel and biscuits. Self clamping whilst
glue is drying.

T- Joints – faster and stronger than dowel and
biscuits. Self clamping whilst glue is drying.

When changing material or joint
application, test the depth of the drill
and collar before drilling into the
workpiece. Test drill in waste
pieces of the same thickness. Then
drill a screw into the pocket joint only
and lay it against the jointing piece to
see if screw depth is correct.

PH/JIG

-11-

Angled Joints – eliminates difficult clamping up.

The joint is created not by cutting each mitre to
half the angle but by cutting angle on one
jointing piece and drilling pocket holes into the
square piece. The method results in the mitred
edge having an overhang, which will need to be
removed by plane or sander.

Curved Joints – this uses the same technique
as the angled joint, but the angles will be
shallower (5° to 15°). The overhang will need to
be removed as previous.

Mitred Corner Joints – joining two pieces with
45° mitres with the pocket jig is not advisable,
however a 90° change of direction can be
created by using a bevel-jointing piece. The
joint comprises of a 90° infill piece with 45°
mitres on both sides.

Plinths – faster and stronger than dowel and
biscuits.

Pocket
holes

Spacer

Angled
Support

Bare Board

PH/JIG

Edge to Edge Joints – allows narrow strips to
be jointed to create wider boards such as a
tabletop.

Post and Rail Joints – pocket holes allow
strong table and chair joints. For fitting tabletops
to rails, the rails will need to be pocket hole
drilled. To allow for the movement of the timber
as it expands and contracts the hole must be
slightly over size. This is achieved by lifting the
rail about 3mm off the base of the jig. This
should allow the pilot tip of the drill to break
through the end of the timber, giving the screw
space for some movement. Alternatively move
the rail sideways slightly to drill another pocket
hole (interlocking) allowing a slot for the screw.

Edging of countertops or shelving – quick
and easy way to join edging onto plywood, MDF
or particleboard shelves.

Jig making – very useful for jig making and
temporary assembly operations. Ideal for
routing jigs.

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-13-

PH/JIG

Framed Panel (Cabinet) Joints – pocket holes
can be used for almost all framed cabinet
carcass construction.

PH/JIG

-14-

MAINTENANCE

■ Periodically lubricate the holes in the guide
columns with PTFE dry lubricant e.g.
TRENDICOTE

®

.

■ Ensure the drill bit is sharp.

RECYCLING

Jig, accessories and packaging should be sorted
for environmentally friendly recycling.

GUARANTEE

This jig carries a manufacturers guarantee in
accordance with the conditions on the enclosed
guarantee registration card.

For the location of your nearest Trend Service
Agent, please call the telephone number at the
back of this manual.

ACCESSORIES

Square Drive Self Tapping
Screws No.7x30mm
Pack 500 Ref. PH/7X30/500

Snappy Pocket Hole Drill
Ref. SNAP/PHD/95

-15-

PH/JIG - SPARE PARTS DIAGRAM v2.0 08/2003

PH/JIG

-16-

PH/JIG

Fault Cause Remedy

■ Clamp will not lock in Clamp pad not set to correct Adjust clamp pad length by

holding position. position. rotating pad, until clamp handle

snaps closed when using two
fingers of pressure.

■ Drill guide columns move Fixing screw not tight. Tighten fixing screw with hex

when drilling. key.

■ Screw protrudes through Depth collar set to high causing Adjust height of collar on drill bit.

face of mating piece. drill bit to drill too deep.

■ Workpieces will not pull Occurs on very hard woods, Clamp material more tightly

together tightly when when threads of self tapping or adjust collar so drill point
being assembled. screw are holding on both nearly breaks through first

pieces of material and pushing piece of material.
them apart.

■ Workpieces do not sit Screws tend to follow grain of the Clamp more securely to

flush or move when being wood. prevent material movement
assembled. when assembling. Use face

clamp for edge to edge joints.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

PH/JIG - SPARE PARTS LIST v2.0 8/2003

No. Qty. Desc. Ref.

1 1 Jig Body WP-PHJ/01
2 2 Guide Column with Solid Bush WP-PHJ/02
3 1 Guide Column Rod WP-PHJ/03
4 1 Guide Column Nut WP-PHJ/04
5 1 Machine Screw Dome M6 x 12mm Socket WP-SCW/72
6 1 Push-pull Clamp Complete WP-PHJ/06
7 1 Push-pull Clamp Adjustable Pad & Stud Assembly WP-PHJ/07
8 4 Machine Screw Dome M5 x 10mm Socket WP-SCW/71
9 1 Stepped Drill 9.5mm (3/8”) Diameter x 150mm

Long HSS PH/DRILL/95
10 1 Depth Collar for Stepped Drill PH/COLL/95
11 1 Snappy Square Drive Screwdriver Bit No. 2 x

75mm long SNAP/SQ/2A
12 1 Snappy Square Drive Screwdriver Bit No. 2 x

150mm long SNAP/SQ/2B
13 1 Screw Pocket Hole Self Tapping Dome No. 7 x

30mm Square Pack of 500 PH/7X30/500
14 1 Hex Key 2.5mm A/F WP-AP/25
15 1 Hex Key 3mm A/F WP-AP/03
16 1 Hex Key 4mm A/F WP-AP/04
17 1 Face Clamp 152mm Long x 42mm Throat x

42mm Opening PH/CLAMP/F6
18 3 Bench Fixing Screws Csk No. 8 x 25mm Pozi WP-SCW/100
19 1 Manual MANU/PH

MANU/PH v2.0

© Copyright Trend 2003. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without prior permission.

Our policy of continuous improvement means that specifications may change without notice. Trend Machinery and Cutting Tools

cannot be held liable for any material rendered unusable or any form of consequential loss. E&OE

Trend Machiner y & Cutting Tools Ltd.

Odhams Trading Estate St Albans Road
Watford WD24 7TR England

Enquiries: __________________0800 487363
Technical Support:____0044 (0) 1923 224681
Fax: ________________0044 (0) 1923 236879
Email:[e-mail]
Web:____________www.trendmachinery.co.uk

RECYCLABLE