How many pocket holes to join 1x2s together?

[thomas oliver]

I am doing a project where I am joining two 1x2s together and was curious if anyone had done this and whether they used one or two pocket screws. I am also planning on glueing and I was thinking of just using one as two seems like it may split. Any advice would be appreciated. The project is below.
http://ana-white.com/2010/12/helping-tower.html

[Maria Brouillard]

I've done several projects with 1x2s and I never had any problems using two holes. Just use the two holes that are closest to each other on the jig and you'll be fine.

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Thomas, the use of a single screw will often allow the material to twist and in looking at the project you have listed it would definitely use two screws.  The use of glue is a definite plus in your favor.  The kreg screw is made in such a way that the thread will cut its own pilot and will do this even when in is place near the edge in both soft and hardwood.  Since you will driving the screw near the edge do not drive the screw at a fast pace but allow the screw to cut and pull its self through the wood fibers. This is especially true when using course thread as the are aggressive.  Use course thread in soft wood and plywood and fine in hardwood.

Most of the splitting occurs when the screw if draw up tight and the split usually occurs on the drilled piece as when the pan head style bottom meets the flat bottom of the pocket screw and begins to place pressure on the bottom of the pocket hole.  An old trick of mine is to put some glue on the screw thread and then drive the screw in.  The wet glue acts like a lubricant and then like a locking feature once it dries.   Similar to "lock-tite" on metal threads.  If there is any splitting in the wood the glue will tend to bond the minor cracks that sometime appear in the wood fiber and we do not even realize it as they are eternal and hidden by the screw and the exterior part of the wood joint.

[KregRep]

Hi Thomas.  1x2 boards are 3/4" thick by 1-1/2" inches wide. I am not sure which jig you are using, but if it is a K3, K4, K4MS, or K5 model, you will use the B and C guide holes to drill two pocket holes in your material. Here's a visual reference:
If you need further assistance, please get in touch with Kreg Technical Support by calling 800-447-8638 or by emailing [e-mail]. They are very knowledgeable and will be more than happy to assist you. 

Thanks!

KregRep

[Richard Merks]

best to drill two, on your jig use the two closest, check it out on scrap wood first.

[joseph joel]

To reiterate the solid advice already mentioned, be conscious of the type of wood you decide to use (softwood vs hardwood) for the project, as this will dictate the appropriate Kreg screw type to reduce the chance for splits, primarily in more expensive hardwood.

SOFTWOOD (PINE, DOUG FIR, ETC) : use Kreg's COARSE threaded 1.25" screws
HARDWOOD (OAK, MAPLE) : use Kreg's FINE threaded 1.25" screws

Splits likely wont occur due to using FINE THREAD type in Softwood, but will likely have a less than optimal joint. However
using coarse thread in hardwood, even with correct screw length, will likely split the wood.