The Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System – A Brief History

The pocket hole jig is a familiar and popular tool to all woodworking enthusiasts.  It is a tool used for making pocket hole joints to join wood together.  The Kreg Tool Company of Huxley, Iowa revolutionized this indispensable tool with its introduction of the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig.  Here is the history behind The Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System, the company and its founder.

Out of pure necessity, Craig Sommerfeld a tool and die maker, created his first tool the “Craig’s Jig” in 1986.  This was a single-hole pocket hole jig made from steel and aluminum.  Seeing the potential of his tool, Craig founded The Kreg Tool Company and revolutionized pocket hole joinery.  Today Kreg Tool is the leader in Pocket Hole Technology with its simple solutions and variations of the pocket hole jig.

In the 90’s numerous new tool innovations and upgrades were made.  The Single-drill guide M1 Kreg Jig had been made available and the Two-drill guide M2 Kreg Jig was introduced.  Because of the demand the K2 Kreg Jig was also introduced.  The DK100 machine was developed for the custom cabinet and furniture shops and the portable Rocket Jig was patented. The Single drill guide Mini Kreg Jig, an entry level tool great for repairs and space constrained applications was brought out in 1998.

The 21st. Century brought automation and diversification to the Kreg product line.  The Kreg Jig K2000 ProPack, the second generation Kreg Jig, the Mini Kreg Jig and Rocket Jigs were launched. The DK1100 single-spindle machines and the DK3100 three spindle machine enter the market place. The 4 and 5 spindle DK4100 and DK5100 machines, designed to drill pocket holes in cabinet sides, stairs, and drawer box components, came out a year later. Product diversification was made with the addition of the Precision Miter Gauge, Precision Band Saw Fence, and Precision Trak and Stop Kit all designed to make cutting wood more accurate.

In 2005 the third generation jig or the Kreg K3 Jig and the Kreg Jig K3 master System was introduced. The tool contains the latest in Pocket Hole Technology including interchangeable drill guide design, front side clamping, Face Clamp, Portable Base, Drill Guide Spacer, Spacerdust collection, infinite upright adjustment, material support stop, and Instruction Manual

While pocket hole jigs have been used by the woodworking industry for many years, The Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System has simplified pocket joinery by its history of innovations and consistent improvements. 

Want to learn more about the features of the Kreg K3 Jig and the Kreg Pocket Hole System?