If you drill pocket holes regularly for cabinets, shelves, or repeat parts, the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO is the best overall choice. It makes the most sense when you have room to leave a jig set up and want support wings, a repeatable stop, integrated clamping, and dust collection in one station.
The right jig depends less on a brand hierarchy than on your workflow. A builder working through a batch of cabinet parts needs a different setup than someone repairing a chair in the driveway or making one shelf on a Saturday. Choose the 720PRO for repeat work at a dedicated bench, the 520PRO when the jig needs to travel to the workpiece, or the 320 for a compact first or occasional-use setup.
Best Overall: Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO
The 720PRO is the pick for regular small-shop work. Kreg specifies automatic material-thickness setting for stock from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inches, plus a Docking Station with support wings, a repeatable stop, a jig clamp, and a vacuum adapter. That combination keeps common setup tools in one place and helps when the same layout repeats across several parts.
Best for: furniture, cabinets, shelves, and small production runs where the jig can live at the bench.
Skip it if: your shop needs every tool to pack away after a project, or you only drill a handful of pocket holes a few times a year.
Pros
- Automatic material-thickness setting for common woodworking stock.
- Support wings and repeatable stop suit repeated part layouts.
- Includes a jig clamp, vacuum adapter, and sample screws.
Cons
- It takes more bench space than the portable options.
- Its workstation accessories matter most when you use the jig often.
Portable Pick: Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 520PRO
Choose the 520PRO when the workpiece is the thing that will not move. Its 360-degree rotating handle and pump-action clamping are useful for a large panel, an installed cabinet face, or a project that travels between the garage and driveway. Kreg documents preset settings for 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-1/2-inch material, along with an adjustable repeat stop.
Best for: makers who want quicker setup than a basic clamp-on jig without committing space to a dedicated station.
Skip it if: you expect the 720PRO's Docking Station and support wings to be part of the package. The older 520PRO mapped to this listing is a different package from the current 520PRO2 bundles.
Pros
- Compact enough to bring to the workpiece.
- Pump-action clamping and preset thickness settings reduce setup steps.
- The documented package includes a face clamp, drill bit, driver bits, gauge, and sample screws.
Cons
- It does not include the 720PRO workstation accessories.
- It is less convenient for a long run of identical parts at a permanent bench.
Beginner Pick: Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 320
The 320 is the sensible entry point for small repairs, simple shelving, frames, and early project prototypes. It works with 1/2- to 1-1/2-inch material and has stops for 1/2, 3/4, and 1-1/2 inches. The kit's separable drill guides, removable spacer, clamp adapter, bit, gauge, screws, and carry case make it easier to get started without reserving a section of the bench for one tool.
Best for: a first jig, occasional DIY work, and compact shops where tools need to store easily.
Skip it if: you already know you will drill pocket holes frequently for cabinets or repeated product parts. The smaller format asks more of your clamping and setup routine as the job grows.
Pros
- Compact kit stores in a carry case.
- Covers the common material thicknesses for shelves, frames, and repairs.
- Separable guides and a spacer allow different hole spacing.
Cons
- Better for lower-volume work than a dedicated bench setup.
- You will spend more time positioning and clamping as parts and repetitions add up.
The practical choice
Buy the 720PRO if pocket holes are a regular part of your shop workflow and you can give it a home on the bench. Pick the 520PRO when portability matters more than a fixed workstation. Start with the 320 when you are learning, working occasionally, or building in a small space.
Whichever jig you choose, match the screw length and setting to the material, clamp the work securely, and plan where the holes will be hidden. Pocket holes are useful for plenty of shop projects, but they are only one joinery option. For a first-project perspective, see our beginner pocket-hole jig guide. If your next job is a larger built-in, the giant mudroom locker build shows pocket holes used in a cabinet-scale project.