On Sep 23, 9:56*am, Swingman wrote:
On 9/23/2012 6:35 AM, Greg Guarino wrote:

If you look at the far clamp in the photo, you'll notice a small gap
between the clamp and the wood (see the shadow?). I re-examined the
clamps. Turns out the "pin depth" is adjustable. It was evidently set
too deep for the pocket hole and wouldn't allow the clamp to sit
flush.

Successfully using any tool is proper setup ... and you also have to
drill the pocket holes the proper depth for the material, which is where
a lot of folks mess up with pocket hole joinery.

Next time, instead of trying to hold the two pieces together, align them
closely; attach the clamp loosely; then push down on the top of the
clamp with one hand while tightening with the other, leaving just enough
slack to adjust the fit if necessary before screwing down for final
clamping pressure *... quicker done than the telling.

I may not have explained it clearly enough. Because the "pin" was too
long, there was no way to get the clamp flush with (i.e. touching) the
piece of wood with the pocket holes. The pocket holes were in fact
drilled to the Kreg-specified depth.

Once I perfected the technique of using this particular clamp, I've not
needed three hands for this operation, but I'm firmly convinced at some
point in the distant future woodworkers will indeed evolve to having
that third hand.

Several jokes come to mind, most of which might not be family-
friendly. "Are you trying to square up a corner, or are you just glad
to seem me?" is as child-safe as I can come up with.