I’ve used a Kreg R3 Jr Pocket Hole jig for many years and have been happy with that. If I could only use ONE pocket hole jig, this would be the one. It can be used for every job; large or small, in the shop or on the job site. I can use it for box assembly as well as on a cabinet after construction to attach the face frame. 
Kreg R3 Jr Pocket Hole Jig review
The Kreg R3 pocket hole jig is a two hole pocket hole jig kit that comes with a drill bit, driver bit and its own nifty carrying case that doubles as a stop collar adjustment key. The stop collar placement controls the drill depth. Place the bit into it’s housing and the markings show you where to position the stop collar for the different material thickness. I know the first setting is for 1/2″ material. The second is for 3/4″…but those numbers are really difficult to see. Check out this great tip for making the Kreg jig easier to read!
Clamping
As is, this jig is made for use with a special face clamp that must be purchased separately. You don’t have to buy that clamp though. The round portion (which the face clamp slides into) can be removed so you can use it with a different clamp. That can save you $20.
The Kreg R3 Jr Pocket Hole Jig really easy to use. Just set the drilling depth to match the material thickness by squeezing the plastic tabs here and lining up the arrow to the correct thickness. Then release the tabs.
This is another great place to use that “easier to see the markings” tip I mentioned above.
There is a small degree of difficulty when it comes to drilling because you are drilling towards yourself; with the drill and the long drill bit — it can be a bit of a reach. It doesn’t feel completely natural to “Pull” the drill towards yourself while drilling. But it is what it is. I wouldn’t want to do it all day long but a few holes here and there — not that big a deal.
Sum it up:
I like this small jig because I can use it remotely on large built-ins. Bringing the tool to the wood instead of the reverse. Sitting large cabinet sides on a stationary jig is very difficult.
The jig is $40 plus $20 for a special clamp brings the “kit” price up to $60. That seems high for a plastic jig.
With that being said, after looking at other available jigs and reading tons of reviews and haven’t seen anything that I think would work better. So, currently for me, this little Kreg R3 Jr Pocket Hole Jig is the winner in the small, portable pocket hole jig category.
Check out my other pocket hole jig reviews: Kreg K5, Porter-Cable Quik Jig
kmassa2013 says
I need one of those. I have the larger Kreg Jig but the portable one makes a lot of sense and would save frustration when trying to figure out how to hold a large panel in place.
John Muirhead says
Love the Kreg Jig and all your projects. Are you taking new clients? I have a project that could really use some design guidance.
Andy from Workshopshed says
I’ve used pocket screws as an end user but never incorporated them in any of my own projects. I was thinking about creating my own but I do like the way this one handles all the adjustments and it’s really not that expensive either.
Guerrina says
I bought the R3 a couple years ago, but didn’t use it until a.couple.weeks.before.Christmas to.build a.loft bed for.my grandson as.a.surprise gift.from.Santa’s Elves. Made the job so much easier and was very easy to learn to use.