Pocket hole screws are one of those supplies you don't think about until you run out in the middle of a build. I go through a lot of them building cabinets and furniture, so price and quality both matter to me. The ones I keep coming back to are the LIONMAX 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Here's why.
My Short Answer
They're cheap, they're strong, they work in pine, poplar, and plywood beautifully, and they come in nice large-quantity jars. Honestly, I think they're amazing, and they cost much less than Kreg screws.
What You Get
Here's what the listing says about these screws:
- Size: #8 x 1-1/4", the length you'll use most for joining 3/4" material with pocket holes.
- Quantity: 1,000 screws in one pack.
- Head: a washer head, which is the flat, wide head made to seat in the bottom of a pocket hole.
- Drive: square drive. A square bit grips better than a Phillips bit, so you're less likely to strip the head.
- Thread: coarse thread with a self-tapping tip.
- Finish: zinc coated for rust resistance. LIONMAX labels them for interior use.
- Bit: a square drive bit is included.
- Storage: they come in a container with a clear label, so they're easy to find on a shelf.
Why I Like Them
They're cheap
When you buy a thousand screws at a time, you're paying a lot less per screw than with the smaller name-brand boxes. In a shop where I'm building cabinet boxes, face frames, and furniture, that adds up.
They're strong
These screws hold a joint well. The washer head is made to seat in the bottom of the pocket, and the square drive grips the bit so it's less likely to slip out.
They work beautifully in pine, poplar, and plywood
Most of what I build is pine, poplar, or plywood, and these screws work great in all three. Coarse threads are the right choice for softer woods and plywood because they bite in and hold.
One honest note: I haven't tried them in hardwoods other than poplar. Poplar works great, but I can't tell you how they do in oak, maple, or other hard species. If that's what you're building with, try a few in scrap first.
The jars are great
I love that they come in a big jar. One container holds a lot of screws, it stacks on a shelf, and the label makes it easy to grab the right size. That beats digging through little boxes and bags.
LIONMAX vs. Kreg
Kreg is the name most people know for pocket holes, and their screws are good. But for the way I work, I don't see a reason to pay more. The LIONMAX screws do the job in the woods I use, at a much lower cost. A ton of makers use them for the same reason.
Tips for Using Pocket Hole Screws
- Match the screw length to your material. 1-1/4" is the usual length for joining two pieces of 3/4" stock. Check your pocket hole jig's chart for other thicknesses.
- Use coarse thread in softwood and plywood. That's what these are, and that's where they shine.
- Clamp the joint before you drive. Pocket screws can pull pieces out of line if they aren't clamped flat.
- Don't overdrive. Stop when the head seats. Driving too hard can strip the hole, especially in softer wood.
- Test in scrap. Any time you try a new wood species, drive a couple in scrap first. That goes double for hardwoods.
Who They're For
If you build cabinets, shop furniture, or DIY projects with pocket holes in pine, poplar, or plywood, these are a great value. They're especially good if you go through a lot of screws and are tired of buying small boxes.
My Take
They're cheap, strong, and come in a jar that lasts a long time. They're the pocket hole screws I recommend. If you need some, check out the LIONMAX 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
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