Why is the HD drill guide not steel like the other jigs?

[T Ferguson]

Hi,

Why does the HD not have the same steel drill guide design as the standard and micro jigs? The drill bushings are still steel but it doesn't have the block of steel with plastic molded around it like the other jigs?

And why is there only one length of screw available?

[James Waller]

The drill bushings (only 2 in a HD jig) are only steel probably to keep costs down and make it cheaper for the consumer, where the K3, K4 and Micro jigs have steel blocks cause they have 3 drill holes.

The HD screws are made for "heavy duty" projects that uses 1½" material or larger. They come in only one size of 2½" long. Here is an quote from their website...

"The Kreg Jig® HD is optimized for working with 2x4’s and larger stock. It utilizes #14 industrial-quality, heavy-duty, hardened-steel, screws which provide incredible shear resistance as well as 3 anti-corrosion layers for incredible long-term moisture resistance."

[Ken Darga]

TF,

Here's my inputs---

The 2-1/2'' length screw is the most useful, for joining/securing 2x (1-1/2)  stock.

Shorter screws will not provide enough thread engagement, and

too long of screws, would be overkill (thread engagement beyond what's necessary.

2-1/2'' screws are just right for the HD jig drill guide.

If you need longer screws, such as anchoring a 4x4 post, I'd use landscape timber screws,

and drill the angled holes a greater distance from the end of the work-piece.

When anchoring a 4x4 post to a deck, or the like,

locate one deck screw on each face---

positioned about 1-inch from the edge.

This will result in 4 screws to hold the post---

one in each face---

and result in even clamping pressure surrounding the post.

With the screws, offset/located as I've described, the screws will not interfere with each other, in the clamping areas.

Suggest making sample test pieces, examine the joinery closely,

before proceeding to the final product.