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Kreg K4 vs Kreg K5: Which Hole Jig is Better?

Kreg K4 vs Kreg K5

DIY projects re so much fun and incredibly rewarding, but only when you have the right set of tools. The Kreg K4 and the Kreg K5 are pocket hole jigs and are essential for drilling perfect angled holes.

This article is going to help beginners and pros decide whether the Kreg K4 vs Kreg K5 is more suitable for them. We will go over their functions, how easy they are to use and their size. We will consider the value for money and weigh up some pros and cons for each. To begin with, we will look at how the two pocket hole jigs from Kreg are similar.

Kreg K4 vs Kreg K5 – Similarities

The Drill Guide

The Kreg K4 and the Kreg K5 have a hardened steel core drill guide that comes with a lifetime guarantee. Each has three hole spaces. The drill guide is designed to reduce the tear-out and provide minimal bit reflection. It both jigs, the drill guide is removable, only the Kreg K5 has a quick-release system.

Materials

The drills are made for making holes in wood. The material thickness can be from ½-inch to 1 ½-inches. The measurements increase by an eighth of an inch.

Securing the Jig

Some people are happy using the jibs without securing it to their workbench. For those who would prefer to have secured, there are two options. The Kreg K4 and the Kreg K5 have four hoes so you can permanently attach it to the workbench. Alternatively, you can use a Kreg multi-purpose face clamp, a bar clamp or a C-clamp.

Title
Our Pick
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig - US Pocket Hole Brand - Adjustable Jig for Strong Joints - Create Perfect, Rock-Solid Joints - Adjustable Drill Guides - For Materials 1/2" to 1 1/2" Thick
Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
Image
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig - US Pocket Hole Brand - Adjustable Jig for Strong Joints - Create Perfect, Rock-Solid Joints - Adjustable Drill Guides - For Materials 1/2" to 1 1/2" Thick
Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
Size
11.7 x 7.2 x 3.8 inches
23.5 x 9.5 x 5 inches
Weight
1.26lbs
4.94 lbs
Color
Black and blue
Black and blue
3-hole drill guide
Drill guide material
Hardened steel core
Hardened steel core
Removable drill guide
Clamp design
Rear-mounted
Front-mounted
Dust collection
Wood chip relief holes
Vacuum hose outlet
Material thickness
½ - 1 ½ inch
½ - 1 ½ inch
Storage wings
Prime status
Amazon Prime
-
Our Pick
Title
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig - US Pocket Hole Brand - Adjustable Jig for Strong Joints - Create Perfect, Rock-Solid Joints - Adjustable Drill Guides - For Materials 1/2" to 1 1/2" Thick
Image
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig - US Pocket Hole Brand - Adjustable Jig for Strong Joints - Create Perfect, Rock-Solid Joints - Adjustable Drill Guides - For Materials 1/2" to 1 1/2" Thick
Size
11.7 x 7.2 x 3.8 inches
Weight
1.26lbs
Color
Black and blue
3-hole drill guide
Drill guide material
Hardened steel core
Removable drill guide
Clamp design
Rear-mounted
Dust collection
Wood chip relief holes
Material thickness
½ - 1 ½ inch
Storage wings
Prime status
Amazon Prime
Title
Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
Image
Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
Size
23.5 x 9.5 x 5 inches
Weight
4.94 lbs
Color
Black and blue
3-hole drill guide
Drill guide material
Hardened steel core
Removable drill guide
Clamp design
Front-mounted
Dust collection
Vacuum hose outlet
Material thickness
½ - 1 ½ inch
Storage wings
Prime status
-

Aside from this, the only other similarity is the color, both jigs are black and blue. On that note, we will now discuss the differences between the Kreg K4 and the Kreg K5.

Differences Between Kreg K4 and Kreg K5

Appearance

Kreg K4 Review

Once you recognize a pocket hole jib, you will realize that the basic idea is the same. There will be a clamp to hold the material in place, pocket holes, and a guide to get the right size. The rest is down to the manufacturer’s design choice.

Kreg K4

The Kreg K4 is 11.7 x 7.2 x 3.8 inches. It weighs 1.26 pounds. It has a rear-mounted clamp. Overall, the Kreg K4 is very compact.

Kreg K5

This jig is quite a bit larger but this is mainly due to the storage wings on each side. They are handy to keep screws and plugs in and they are removable. It is 23.5 x 9.5 x 5 inches and weighs 4.94 pounds. It has a front-mounted clamp that works on a ratcheting system, so you won’t need additional tools to adjust the size.

The Winner Is- The Kreg K5

A Clean Workspace

Kreg K5 Review

Any type of woodwork will create wood chips or sawdust. A good dust collection system is necessary to keep the drill holes free from debris and improve visibility.

Kreg K4

This pocket hole jig has wood chip relief holes for the dust and chips to be cleared away.

Kreg K5

With the Kreg K5, you have a vacuum outlet. This outlet moves from side to side so you can position it in the best place for you. The vacuum outlet fits most standard vacuum hoses.

The Winner Is- The Kreg K5

Accessories

Kreg K5 comparison

Nowadays, when we buy a tool or appliance, we like to receive a little extra so we feel like we are really getting our money’s worth. Accessories will vary from brand to brand, and in this case, from jig to jig.

Kreg K4

You will receive the jig, stepped drill bit, a 6-inch square driver, a dust collection shroud, a starter screw set, a starter plug set, and a helpful DVD to give you tips and advice.

Kreg K5

It comes with the same accessories with some differences. There is no DVD or screw and plug set. Instead, there is a link where you can download plans for a coffee table, a coffee table with storage, a garage organizer, a media center, a glass door media center, and an entryway organizer.

The Winner Is- The Kreg K5


Value for Money

Kreg K4 comparison

One hole jigs can be as little as $30, other jigs can be as much as almost $200.

Kreg K4

It’s well priced, sitting in the average range. It helps to know that the drill guide has a lifetime guarantee.

Kreg K5

It is a little more expensive than the Kreg K4 but it does have some clear advantages and the lifetime guarantee for the drill guide.

The Winner Is- A Tie

Pros and Cons

And now for a few pros and cons of the Kreg K4 and the Kreg K5 before we offer our final verdict.

Kreg K4

Pros:

  • It’s an easy jig to use and great or beginners
  • It’s a great tool for saving time
  • It’s really beneficial for those who are making bookshelves and cabinets

Cons:

  • The drill bit isn’t of the best quality

Kreg K5

Pros:

  • The instructions are very useful and clear to understand
  • The clamping system makes it very easy to adjust the size
  • It’s a durable jig and will last for years

Cons:

  • The vacuum hose outlet is weak

The Final Verdict

We originally thought that the decision is a no brainer. The Kreg K5 is an improved version of the K4 and comes with some nice little extras like the storage wings and the downloadable plans. If you have never used a pocket hole jig before, it’s a great option.

But, after speaking to people who had used both, we are going to go with the Kreg K4 It does a wonderful job, it is easy to use, and the dust collection holes may not be as modern as the vacuum outlet but at least it works. It is cheaper and at the end of the day, it is easy enough to download plans to make furniture.


Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API