pockethole

Pockethole is an alternative spelling of pocket hole, a woodworking technique used to join pieces of wood. In this method, a hole is drilled at an angle into one workpiece to create a joint with another piece. The hole is typically created using a pocket-hole drill guide or jig that secures the workpiece and controls the angle, with a stepped drill bit to provide clearance for the screw. A self-tapping pocket-hole screw is driven from the first piece into the mating piece, often into a predrilled pilot hole.

The joint is assembled by tightening the screw until the head sits flush or slightly below the surface; glue is commonly applied for added strength. Pocket-hole joints accommodate butt and edge joints and are widely used in cabinetry, furniture framing, and general woodworking, particularly with softwoods or engineered boards.

Advantages include fast assembly, good strength in shear, compatibility with relatively thin stock, and the ability to hide fasteners on non-visible faces. Disadvantages include visible holes on the primary surface unless concealed, the need for a jig and specialized screws, and potential limitations for certain high-load or outdoor applications. Finishing options such as plugging or filling holes can improve appearance.

Variations of pocket-hole joinery emphasize different screw types and plug methods, but the core idea remains the same: using angled holes and screws to draw pieces together securely. See also pocket hole joinery, pocket-hole jig, and Kreg Jig for common tools and examples. The technique gained widespread popularity in the late 20th century through commercial pocket-hole jigs and has become a standard method in DIY and professional woodworking.