Joining MDF

[Dave Pingel]

I have been trying to use the Kreg Jig to join MDF together and the joints crack. I use 1,25 Kreg course pan head screws for 3/4 stock. Am I just trying to tighten the joint too much???

[KregRep]

Dave, you are correct in using 1 1/4" coarse screws. However, for this application, the Maxi-loc head would be better than pan head. It would help to distribute driving force more evenly. You could also be over-tightening the joint. Try using screws with a Maxi-loc head and lowering your clutch setting by one notch. If this doesn't fix things, please get in touch with Technical Support directly for further assistance. They can be reached at 800-447-8638 or [e-mail]

[James P. Cottingham]

MDF has always been a bane to me but I have successfully joined pieces using the Kreg jig. When using MDF I always hand tighten the screws instead of using a drill or driver and I also always use glue.

[Dave Pingel]

Thank you.  That makes a lot of sense... I will have to find a square drive screw driver with a proper handle...

James P. Cottingham said:

MDF has always been a bane to me but I have successfully joined pieces using the Kreg jig. When using MDF I always hand tighten the screws instead of using a drill or driver and I also always use glue.

[James P. Cottingham]

Most screwdrivers that will accept a bit replaceable will work. I bought a ratchet set recently that has a bit driver included that will also work.

Dave Pingel said:

Thank you.  That makes a lot of sense... I will have to find a square drive screw driver with a proper handle...

James P. Cottingham said:

MDF has always been a bane to me but I have successfully joined pieces using the Kreg jig. When using MDF I always hand tighten the screws instead of using a drill or driver and I also always use glue.

[Ken Darga]

Dave,

The most common driver size is a 1/4" hex---

the hex fits into the driving tool---

the "SQ" tip fits in the recess of the fastener.

Common "square-tip" driver bits, are available in lengths of 1", 3" and 6".

Your driving tool, can be fitted with a magnetic bit tip holder, and the bit inserted into the holder.

Magnetic bit tip holders are readily available in 2" to 12" lengths.

 (driving tool) img src="http://d2pbmlo3fglvvr.cloudfront.net/product/full/Z0r59uncpEx_.JPG" alt="MILWAUKEE - Magnetic Bit Tip Holder, Steel, 3in L, PK10" width="120" height="25"/>  <  driver bit tip this end   > (screw head)

                                                 ^                                  

Select a bit extension, of a dia ____     to fit into the drilled pocket hole.

(Some bit extensions are too large of dia to fit into the pocket hole).

These items can be found in most hardward stores and home centers.

[Dave Pingel]

Thank you Ken.  I have the drivers, all I need is the driver tip.

Dave

Ken Darga said:

Dave,

The most common driver size is a 1/4" hex---

the hex fits into the driving tool---

the "SQ" tip fits in the recess of the fastener.

Common "square-tip" driver bits, are available in lengths of 1", 3" and 6".

Your driving tool, can be fitted with a magnetic bit tip holder, and the bit inserted into the holder.

Magnetic bit tip holders are readily available in 2" to 12" lengths.

 (driving tool) img width="120" height="25" alt="MILWAUKEE - Magnetic Bit Tip Holder, Steel, 3in L, PK10" src="http://d2pbmlo3fglvvr.cloudfront.net/product/full/Z0r59uncpEx_.JPG"/>  <  driver bit tip this end   > (screw head)

                                                 ^                                  

Select a bit extension, of a dia ____     to fit into the drilled pocket hole.

(Some bit extensions are too large of dia to fit into the pocket hole).

These items can be found in most hardward stores and home centers.

[Ron Murphy]

If you're going to HD or Lowes make sure to check out the in the aisle displays. They so frequently have the small driver tool displays or just bit sets that are really cheap but often have a good name like Dewalt or Makita etc. These now usually have square bits included. They didn't used to. 

When I was researching the Kreg products I just casually looked around what I had and turns out I have 5-6 sets of square bits I didn't really realize I had. 

[Ron Murphy]

Ken - Thanks, that's good info. 

Ken Darga said:

Dave,

The most common driver size is a 1/4" hex---

the hex fits into the driving tool---

the "SQ" tip fits in the recess of the fastener.

Common "square-tip" driver bits, are available in lengths of 1", 3" and 6".

Your driving tool, can be fitted with a magnetic bit tip holder, and the bit inserted into the holder.

Magnetic bit tip holders are readily available in 2" to 12" lengths.

 (driving tool) img src="http://d2pbmlo3fglvvr.cloudfront.net/product/full/Z0r59uncpEx_.JPG" alt="MILWAUKEE - Magnetic Bit Tip Holder, Steel, 3in L, PK10" width="120" height="25"/>  <  driver bit tip this end   > (screw head)

                                                 ^                                  

Select a bit extension, of a dia ____     to fit into the drilled pocket hole.

(Some bit extensions are too large of dia to fit into the pocket hole).

These items can be found in most hardward stores and home centers.

[Mike Nordling]

The square drive for the Kreg screws is a number 2.  You can buy a screwdriver with that head,  If you have an interchangeable bit screwdriver there should be one in the set.  Or you can insert the Kreg driver in the opening.