How to tighten depth collar of pocket hole jig?

[michellef1]

I’m working on my first project and looked at guides on using my Craftright pocket hole jig. I’m struggling with the first step of tightening the depth collar. The set screw goes through the collar when it’s not on the bit but doesn’t tighten when I have it in the desired spot? I am using the Allen wrench provided with the kit. 

Am I doing something wrong? 

  

[EricL]

Hello @michellef1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your pocket hole jig.

In order to get a good grip on the drill bit, I suggest wrapping a tea towel over it so that you don't get cut by the helical blades. Once you have a good hold on the drill bit you can now turn the Allen key of the depth collar with a bit more force to make sure that it bites into the drill bit. 

But if you find that you can't get a good grip on the Allen key, I suggest using a Craftright 8 Piece T-Handle Hex Key Set. It has a "T" handle that will allow you to apply more force to lock the grub screw in place.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @JoeAzza for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @michellef1 

Ive stepped through your photos a few times and read the instructions. 

Ive got a couple of questions -

Q1 How tight do you do up that little grub screw? 

Q2 If you remove the ring and using your hex screw does it travel freely in and out?

Ive never used this type of tool yet Have used plenty of tools that need that type of holding screw (grub screw) tightened. 

I do like @EricL's suggestion for a T Bar hex, they make life so easy. I have one particular size for work and no more sore fingers and hands

If the screw travels freely through the ring when you remove it from the drillbit then we know that thread is fine. I would follow Eric's suggstion of a cloth over the end of the drill and tighten the grub screw more so. I do not think you could overtighten the screw if thats what you are worried about. 

If the screw dosnt travel freely all the way in and out then I would suggest to take it back to the store. It should move freely and then clamp as its wound up tight. 

Dave

[JoeAzza]

Hi @michellef1 , I have a similar pocket hole jig with the same collar that tightens to the drill bit using Allen key and grub screw, just don’t over tighten the screw, if so you may stripped the thread on the collar, mine is a Kreg system, if the grub screw is not tightening up onto the drill, either it’s faulty or the thread is stripped, as @Dave-1 @suggested take it bake for a replacement.

 I found this one from Bunnings that is similar to yours.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/kreg-pocket-hole-jig-320_p0202875

or this one, it’s a single hole one like yours

https://www.bunnings.com.au/kreg-pocket-hole-jig-310_p0202873