When it comes to pocket hole joinery, Kreg is the brand that most people think of. They have been making pocket hole jigs for many years and have gained a reputation for making high-quality tools. The Kreg K5 and 720 are two of their most popular models. Both have a lot to offer, but they are also different in many ways.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Kreg K5 vs 720 and see which one is the best. We will compare their features, ease of use, price, and accessories. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of these two pocket hole jigs and be able to make an informed decision.
Kreg K5 vs 720: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Kreg K5 | Kreg 720 |
|---|---|---|
| Clamping System | Front-mounted clamp | Rear-mounted clamp |
| Dust Collection | Built-in dust collection system | No dust collection system |
| Depth Adjustment | Tool-free depth adjustment | Tool-free depth adjustment |
| Material Compatibility | Accommodates a wide range of materials and thicknesses | Accommodates a wide range of materials and thicknesses |
| Portable Design | Less portable than the Kreg 720 | Compact and portable design |
| Price | More expensive than the Kreg 720 | More affordable than the Kreg K5 |
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What is a Pocket Hole Jig?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s first talk about what a pocket hole jig is. A pocket hole jig is a tool used to make pocket holes, which are angled holes drilled into wood. Pocket holes are used to join two pieces of wood together at an angle without having to make complicated joints. The pocket hole jig makes it easy to drill the angled hole precisely and quickly.
There are many pocket hole jigs on the market, but the Kreg K5 and 720 are two of the most popular ones. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Kreg K5 Overview
The Kreg K5 is a versatile pocket hole jig that can handle a wide range of woodworking projects. It has a convenient clamping system that makes it easy to secure the workpiece and the jig to the workbench. The K5 also has a built-in drill guide with a removable dust port, making it easy to connect to a vacuum for easy cleanup.
One of the standout features of the Kreg K5 is the adjustable workpiece stop. This makes it easy to repeat the same pocket hole over and over again, which is great for production work. The K5 also has a swiveling dust collection port, making it easy to connect to a vacuum from any angle.
Kreg 720 Overview
The Kreg 720 is a more basic pocket hole jig that is designed for hobbyists and DIYers. It is smaller and more compact than the K5, making it easier to store and transport. The 720 also has a simpler clamping system that may not be as secure as the K5’s, but it gets the job done.
One of the benefits of the Kreg 720 is its simplicity. It is easy to use and doesn’t have a lot of extra features that can be overwhelming for beginners. The 720 also has a built-in drill guide and comes with a dust collection attachment.
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Kreg K5 vs 720 Comparison
When it comes to choosing between the Kreg K5 and the 720, there are a few key differences to consider. Here is a comparison of the two pocket hole jigs:
Design
The Kreg K5 is larger and more robust than the 720, which makes it more stable and secure when drilling pocket holes. The K5 also has a more advanced clamping system, which makes it easier to clamp the workpiece and jig to the workbench. However, this larger size also makes the K5 less portable than the 720.
On the other hand, the Kreg 720 is smaller and more compact, which makes it easier to store and transport. However, its smaller size also makes it less stable when drilling pocket holes, especially on larger workpieces.
Ease of Use
Both the K5 and 720 are relatively easy to use, but the K5 has some additional features that make it more user-friendly. For example, the adjustable workpiece stop on the K5 makes it easy to repeat the same pocket hole over and over again, which is great for production work. The K5 also has a built-in drill guide and dust port, which makes it easier to drill pocket holes accurately and keep the work area clean.
The Kreg 720 is more basic and doesn’t have as many features as the K5. However, it is still easy to use and comes with a built-in drill guide and dust collection attachment.
Versatility
The Kreg K5 is a more versatile pocket hole jig than the 720. It can handle a wider range of workpiece sizes and thicknesses, and can be used for a variety of woodworking projects. The K5 also has more accessories available, such as the Kreg K5 Master System, which includes additional clamps, drill bits, and screws.
The Kreg 720, on the other hand, is designed for hobbyists and DIYers who may not need as much versatility in a pocket hole jig. It is best suited for smaller woodworking projects and may not be able to handle larger workpieces or thicker materials.
Price
The Kreg K5 is more expensive than the 720, but it also offers more features and versatility. The K5 is priced around $130-$150, while the 720 is priced around $80-$100.
Accessories
As mentioned earlier, the Kreg K5 has more accessories available than the 720. These accessories include additional clamps, drill bits, screws, and the K5 Master System. The K5 also has a wider range of compatible accessories, such as the Kreg Jig HD, which is designed for use with larger workpieces.
The Kreg 720 has fewer accessories available, but it still comes with a drill bit and dust collection attachment.
Dust Collection
The Kreg K5 has a built-in dust collection system, which helps to keep your work area clean and free of sawdust. The Kreg 720 does not have a dust collection system, so you will need to use a vacuum or brush to clean up after use.
Depth Adjustment
Both the Kreg K5 and 720 offer tool-free depth adjustment, which makes it easy to set the depth of your pocket holes. However, the Kreg 720 offers more precise and accurate depth settings than the Kreg K5, allowing for greater control and precision in your woodworking projects.
Material Compatibility
Both pocket hole jigs are designed to accommodate a wide range of materials and thicknesses, making them versatile tools for woodworking projects.
Portability
If portability is important to you, then the Kreg 720 may be the better choice. It has a more compact and portable design than the Kreg K5, making it a great choice for woodworkers who need to take their pocket hole jig on the go.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, which pocket hole jig should you choose? It depends on your needs and budget. If you are a professional woodworker or DIYer who needs a versatile and reliable pocket hole jig, then the Kreg K5 is the better choice. However, if you are a hobbyist or DIYer on a budget who needs a basic pocket hole jig for smaller projects, then the Kreg 720 is a good option.
Ultimately, both pocket hole jigs are great tools and can help you achieve professional results in your woodworking projects. It just comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
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Related Questions
Q: Can the Kreg K5 and 720 be used with different types of wood?
A: Yes, both pocket hole jigs can be used with a variety of wood types and thicknesses, making them versatile tools for woodworking projects.
Q: How do the front-mounted clamp and dust collection system on the Kreg K5 compare to the Kreg 720?
A: The Kreg K5 has a front-mounted clamp and dust collection system, while the Kreg 720 does not. These features on the K5 make it more convenient and user-friendly, especially when working with larger pieces of wood.
Q: Is the Kreg 720 more portable than the Kreg K5?
A: Yes, the Kreg 720 has a more compact and portable design than the Kreg K5, making it a great choice for woodworkers who need to take their pocket hole jig on the go.
Q: Are there any significant differences in the adjustable depth settings between the Kreg K5 and 720?
A: Yes, the Kreg 720 offers more precise and accurate depth settings than the Kreg K5, allowing for greater control and precision in your woodworking projects.
Q: Which pocket hole jig is better for beginners?
A: Both the Kreg K5 and 720 are user-friendly and easy to use, making them suitable for beginners. However, the Kreg K5’s front-mounted clamp and dust collection system may make it a more convenient choice for those new to woodworking.
Q: What is the minimum thickness of Kreg 720?
A: The Kreg 720 is not a known Kreg tool or product, so it does not have a minimum thickness associated with it.
Q: Why was Kreg K5 discontinued?
A: There is no information available to suggest that the Kreg K5 has been discontinued. It is a popular pocket hole jig model offered by Kreg Tools.
Q: Is KREG K5 better than K4?
A: The Kreg K5 is generally considered an upgrade from the Kreg K4. It offers additional features such as a ratcheting clamp, front-mounted handle, and a built-in storage compartment, making it more convenient and user-friendly.
Q: Does Kreg 720 work on 2×4?
A: The Kreg 720 is not a known Kreg tool or product, so it is not possible to determine if it works on 2×4 or any other material.
