Kreg offers Helpful Tips for when Working in Tight Spaces
When assembling your project and working in tight spaces, there are a few handy tools and devices you can use to make the job easier.
06/01/2021
When you are making or assembling wood furniture or timber and board projects using a Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig, you can usually place pocket-holes conveniently so that you will have easy access to drive in the pocket-hole screws. However, this might not always be the case and you may encounter a project or two where there isn't enough space to accommodate your drill/driver, especially if you are working on smaller projects or making repairs that are already in a tight or awkward space.
There may also be times when you have to leave pocket-holes exposed because there isn't enough space. It's good to know then that there are several handy tools and devices that you can put to good use in these situations, no matter how small the space.
Use a shorter driver bit
With most kits, your Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig is supplied with a driver bit that is 15cm in length. You can, however, purchase another driver bit is that 8cm in length that can also be used with the pocket-hole jig. But did you know that with the introduction of Roberson (square hole) screws, you can just as easily use one of these as well? Fit it into a standard holder for awkward to reach or tight spaces. The size of the Robertson driver is #2, so make sure you use the correct size to prevent stripping the square drive.
If you still have to invest in a Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig system, make sure to purchase both an 8cm and 15cm driver bit.
Use a right-angle attachment on your screwdriver or drill/driver
When you find that your drill/driver with the shorter length driver bit is too long to fit into a space, another possibility is to use a right-angle head that fits onto your drill/driver or cordless screwdriver. The Bosch GO cordless screwdriver is a worthwhile investment if you do a ton of project assembly or onsite work. Tork Craft also has an attachment that fits onto most drill/drivers and works with both the 8cm and 15cm square-drive bits.
Invest in a flexible attachment
When there is just no getting around it and no space to fit in, that's when you might want to invest in a flexible attachment. Also known as a snake-driver, it is fitted onto any type of drill/driver and is designed specifically to fit in tight and hard-to-reach spaces.
Use a cordless screwdriver or compact drill/driver
Nowadays there is a wide selection of really powerful cordless screwdrivers that might surprise you. Some of these offer more than enough power and torque for everyday jobs and can fit into the smallest spaces. With their lightweight design, many of these tools are easy to use, easy to carry around and easy to fit into tight spaces.
If all else fails... screw it!
There is always the option to take the manual route to tighten screws. Use a small screwdriver to tighten screws. You can easily speed up the process by using a ratcheting screwdriver.