Hot take: I think pocket screw joinery gets way more credit than it deserves

I built a set of kitchen cabinets back in 2017 using only pocket screws, and after 3 years the joints in the face frames started shifting and pulling apart. Switched to dowels and glue on the next project, and those cabinets from 2020 are still rock solid with zero movement. Has anyone else noticed long term problems with pocket screws in load bearing furniture?

2 comments

2 Comments

patricia_wright26d ago

Never really thought about it until mine started falling apart too.

jade61826d ago

Used to be a pocket screw evangelist honestly. Built a whole entertainment center with them and thought I was slick, but after a year the shelves started sagging and the face frame joints got all loose and wobbly. Switched to dominoes and glue for my last big project and that thing hasn't budged at all, even with a ton of weight on it. Made me realize pocket screws are more for quick assembly than real longevity.