Hot take: People are way too scared of using pocket screws for face frames.

I keep seeing folks act like they'll fall apart, but I've been using them on my kitchen jobs for over five years with zero callbacks. The key is a good clamp and not over-tightening the driver. Anyone else get tired of the glue-and-dowel purists?

3 comments

3 Comments

shane_fisher371mo ago

Pocket screws are plenty strong for face frames if you know what you're doing. The trick is to use a clamp to pull the joint tight before driving the screw. People just get hung up on old-school methods.

faith_carter1mo ago

Exactly, and using glue in the pocket before clamping makes it basically a permanent joint.

the_alice1mo ago

Totally agree. A dab of glue in the hole and a good clamp makes it solid. The over-tightening is what causes most of the problems.