Which drill to use

[Bob R]

I've been meaning to get to trying Kreg pocket holes for a few years and just bought the Toolboxx Master Collection - I haven't used it yet but already am happy since I never was aware that I could use pocket holes for outside construction  and it includes an HD set that I can use to repair my deck.

I'm just wondering whether the choice of drill is important. I have a couple of run of the mill cordless with clutches and large batteries in the base and they seem lopsided for the angle that you hold them at.

I also have a couple of Ridgid compact drills, that is nice and small and easy on the wrist.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-12v-compact-drill-console/98...

[John Schaben]

Hi Bob - The recommended drill speed for drilling the pockets is 2000 rpm or greater which leaves out most cordless drills. Obviously that is a recommended speed, not mandatory. Many get satisfactory results at lower speeds. A clutched, lower speed drill is recommended for driving the screws. That also is not mandatory, I usually drive mine with an impact but you need to be carfull not to strip the wood out and I have been know to split a board or two hitting it to hard.

[James Waller]

Many get satisfactory results at lower speeds.

And they use cordless drills with good results. When I first read about the Kreg Jig it stated what John said about needing a drill with at least 2000 rpm's or greater, so I got a DeWalt corded drill with 2500 rpm's. It made some really nice clean cut holes, but through the years I found out your drill bit needs to be sharp to keep on making those nice clean holes.

So recently after I got another new drill bit I decided to try my cordless drill and it worked great, even given the fact it's speed was considerable lower than the suggested 2000 rpm's.

So either go with a corded or a cordless but have nice sharp drill bits. If your bit does start showing signs of not making quality pocket holes, then Kreg has a service where you can mail your bit(s) to them and they will sharpen them for a small fee.

[Nick B]

This is the one I got, once I found out about the 2000rpm recommendation:

http://www.skiltools.com/Tools/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?model=6277-02

It was $40 at Wal-Mart

[Chad Bussey]

I use a cheap corded drill to drive the bit in and a cordless drill to place the screws.  You may want to check out Harbor freight tools for the best prices.  http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=drills

There products are cheap but most have a lifetime warranty. 

[Nick B]

None of the Harbor Freight drills hit the 2000 RPM suggested drill speed by Kreg