Pocket Holes

[cdfjr1975]

Building my stand and I'm up to attaching the top and bottom frames and had a question about pocket holes. Kreg instructions state to start 9/16 from the sides and add some in between. This would allow for three holes in a 2x4. Most pictures I've seen have only two holes so any information, comments or advice on their builds would be appreciated.

Test holes drilled in a 2x4

 

[Zwogle]

I don't have empirical evidence to add, on my stand I did 3 holes, with no problems (30gallon tank), but in general pocket whole practice i've seen only two used.

 

[George Lopez]

I'm using 2 with glue

 

[AlexG]

I don't see an issue with using three screws instead of two. I spaced them together this way in my plywood aquarium for the top Euro brace and I did not run into any issues.

 

[Special_K]

I don't think it matters. Pocket screws are not designed to bear much load. They hold the parts together while your chosen joint method supports the weight and structural integrity.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Thanks for the info everyone

I'm going to use glue and two holes

 

[Special_K]

Thanks for the info everyone

I'm going to use glue and two holes

The end grain cannot hold glue as good as face or edge grain. But it still strengthens the joint compared to pocket screw only.

 

[Sleepydoc]

It's not as strong as a long grain joint, but end grain butt joints are still reasonably strong, especially when combined with pocket screws. Fine Woodworking did a 'joinery shootout' several years ago, and a plain butt joint was actually stronger than a stub tenon and a cope and stick joint and nearly as strong as a biscuit joint. Pocket screws increased the joint strength by about 50% to the point that a glued pocket screw butt joint was stronger than the domino biscuit system and nearly as strong as a ¼" mortise & tenon joint.

("Joinery Shootout," Fine Woodworking - Jan/Feb 2009)