Fasteners
Screws
SPAX
$8-$30 per boxPocket Hole Screws for Concealed Wood Joinery
Pocket hole screws are specialty fasteners for pocket hole joinery, creating strong concealed joints. Their flat washer head seats firmly without pulling through, while self-tapping tips eliminate pilot holes in the mating piece.
Key Features
- Washer head prevents pull-through
- Self-tapping tip
- Coarse for softwood fine for hardwood
- Square drive slip-free
- Multiple lengths available
Specifications
Material: Zinc-coated carbon steel | Head: Flat washer | Drive: Square #2 | Thread: Coarse and fine | Lengths: 1in to 2-1/2in
Best For
Face frame assembly
Cabinet construction
Furniture building
Concealed panel joints
Compatible Materials
Hardwoods
Softwoods
Plywood
MDF
Melamine
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong concealed joints
- ✓ Fast assembly no clamps needed
- ✓ Self-tapping easy driving
- ✓ Joints can be disassembled
Cons
- ✗ Requires pocket hole jig
- ✗ Visible if not plugged
- ✗ Not for structural loads
- ✗ Can work loose without glue
Installation Tips
Always use glue in addition to screws for permanent joints. Match thread to material: coarse for softwoods, fine for hardwoods plywood and MDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 3/4in material use 1-1/4in screws. For 1-1/2in material (2x lumber) use 2-1/2in.
No. Regular wood screws have tapered heads that pull through the angled pocket hole. Pocket hole screws have flat washer heads.