I finally saw the difference between pocket hole joinery and real dovetails on the same job

I've been hearing for years that dovetails are overrated and pocket screws are just as strong for cabinet boxes. So I built two identical nightstands this month, one with pocket holes and one with hand cut dovetails on the drawers. After six weeks of my kids opening and slamming them daily, the pocket hole drawer wiggled loose and the dovetail one is still tight as a drum. I honestly didn't think the difference would show up that fast. Has anyone else tested this side by side and seen similar results?

2 comments

2 Comments

williamw7514h ago

...and really that's what I've been telling people for years now. Pocket screws are fine if you're building something that's never gonna get moved or stressed, but the second you add any racking force that joint is gonna let go. I've had to fix too many cabinets where the pocket hole screws just pulled out after a few months of use. The real test is always gonna be in the long term, not the glue up.

grant1555h ago

So are we supposed to start a betting pool on which pocket screw joint fails first? @williamw75 you're basically describing half the "custom" built-in shelves I've seen at open houses. I guess the real test is how long it takes before the whole thing starts wobbling like a cheap IKEA dresser.