Deck Jig Blues (broken drill bit)

[Jim Futrell]

Boy, was I excited to get the new Deck Jig - I held off resurfacing my 15X20 deck for a month until Woodcraft got my order in.  Everything went great for a while - strong, tight joints perfectly invisible!  Then, as the day went on, I realized that this little project was going to take FOREVER!  I did a similar project for my mother-in-law last year and spent maybe 4 hours face-screwing using 3" deck screws.  After four hours on this project I was barely 1/3 through!

 Then the REAL problem - the pilot bit snapped right in half!  No reason - no binding - no nail - NOTHING!  It just broke - and me with less than half a deck ( about 500 screw-holes in, to be exact).  And you know what?  This bit is nowhere near the same size as the regular pocket screw bit.  Know what else?  The replacement bits are not due to start shipping until JUNE!  Know what else?  They cost a small fortune!

I felt safe knowing a spare screw bit was in every box of screws.  They should put a pilot bit in there too!

I'm not a happy camper.  I don't want half a deck with ugly face screws, but I don't want to wait a month (and spend a fourth as much as I paid for the whole jig) just for a pilot bit.  

I should know - wait until all the reviews are in before buying!

[KregRep]

Jim, thank you for brining the drill bit issue up... 2 weeks ago we discovered a flaw with certain Deck Jig Drill Bits we have sent out... your bit is clearly a member of that particular batch. Since discovering the problem, we've been working tirelessly to find a solution to get customers like you back to building, ASAP! Thankfully, we've been able to secure replacement bits much faster than originally expected. Here is more information on the broken drill bit issue, and how you can be sure to get a replacement bit free of charge as soon as they become available:

[George Odenbreit, Jr.]

I had the same problem when I put in a small 10 x 16 deck. Fortunately, just the end came off and I was able to use the bit to finish the job. I have since called the called Customer service, info provided from KregRep, and they only asked for my name and address. I wasn't aware that the new bits will not ship till June. The new bit should be here shortly, but even with that the Jig worked like a charm. Even in the 90 plus degree weather here in Florida. Best of luck to you and hope your deck comes out great.

[Mark Ososki]

I saw replacement bits at Lowes for $19.00. I thought they were expensive so I'm waiting for my replacement from Kreg. But if you're in a hurry, you can always buy it.

The Kreg system is slower going than face screwing or even routing grooves and using Tiger Claw clips. But it is much neater and allows you to remove a single board without having to cut it out.