Position of Pocket Holes for Strength

[Jerry]

I am putting some 3/4-inch plywood shelves in a closet that already has vertical plywood dividers. I am using pocket holes instead of shelf pins. For maximum strength, should the pocket holes be on the top or bottom of the shelves? I do not care if the holes are visible.

[Ken Darga]

Install "cleats" for the end of the shelves to rest on.

Affix the cleats to the upright members with pocket holes.

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi jerry, I you do not want to use cleats that put the pocket hole on the bottom side as there is more wood for the pocket screw to bear against and resist the weight of the wood.

[Jerry]

Thanks
The bottom side it is....

[KregRep]

Hi Jerry. I'd also advise basing the number of pocket screws you use on the weight the shelves will hold. If you'll keep a lot of heavy items, three or four screws would be good. If the items are light, a couple of screws should be plenty.

KregRep

[ron abel]

fine thread screws are for hard wood ... I would use course threads .... but that's just a thought