Kreg recently launched a brand new suite of 20V tools under the Ionic Drive moniker. These tools are geared towards the woodworking industry and aim to supplement more traditional hand tools. One of the most unique members of this lineup is the Kreg Rebel 20V Pocket-Hole Joiner. I’m going to review the key details and design elements of this specialized tool, and tell you our first impressions so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your tool arsenal.
Kreg Rebel Pocket-Hole Joiner Performance
- No-Load Speed: 2,800 RPM
- Collet: 1/4 in. hex
Speed and Drilling Power
Looking at the specs, it’s clear that Kreg isn’t playing around. This drill features a brushless motor with a top speed of 2,800 RPMs which is significantly faster than most cordless drills. Unlike the other drills we’ve tested over the years, this model only has one speed, but that’s not really a big deal considering that this tool has one real function.
While getting familiar with this tool, I decided to drill a few test holes to see how the drill would perform under load. Overall, I have to say that I’m impressed with its performance. It maintains RPMs with ease and didn’t bog down as we pushed the bit into our board.
I would caution against drilling too fast, as this could damage the bit or your workpiece, especially in hardwoods. Think of it kind of like a drill press—it’s best to ease into each boring and allow the bit to advance smoothly.
Of course, keep an eye on your bit’s sharpness as well. Be sure to sharpen or replace it when it dulls to ensure smooth holes.
Bit Changes
Swapping bits is actually a very simple process. Kreg equipped this pocket hole joiner with a quick-change 1/4-inch hex collet, just like you see on an impact driver. While changing the bit is easy, getting to it is a little more complicated.
To change the bit, you need to remove the drill from the joiner’s frame. To do so, start by removing the battery and then slide the release lever located underneath the drill body. The drill will spring backward away from the frame and slide away easily.
Depth and Offset Adjustments
The beauty of this tool is that it’s designed for quick, repeatable results. It features an adjustable depth guide with detents at 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/2 inches, as well as a micro adjustment dial so you can fine-tune your settings.
Looking down at the base plate, you have an adjustable fence with positive stops like the depth guide. This fence eliminates the need for additional clamps, making the whole process fast and easy.
Narrow Rail Guide
From time to time, you may need to drill pocket holes in a smaller board, but this can be a little tricky if the board is narrower than the base plate. For this, Kreg includes a guide with an integrated feather board that helps hold the board in place as you drill. Simply slide and adjust the two pieces to fit your board, clamp them down, and you’re good to go.
Dust Collection
Dust management is a big priority in woodworking, and while this tool doesn’t make a huge mess, it’s still a pain point while working indoors. With that in mind, Kreg equipped this pocket hole joiner with an onboard dust collection tray with an integrated 1-inch dust port that you can pair with your favorite dust extractor.
Kreg Rebel Pocket-Hole Joiner Design Notes
- Model: Kreg KPTBRB100A
- Power Source: Kreg Blue Ion 20V battery
- Weight: 6.5 lbs (bare tool), 7.9 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length: 16.5 in.
Size and Weight
The Kreg Rebel Pocket Hole Joiner weighs 6.5 pounds as a bare tool and only 7.9 pounds with the kitted 4.0Ah battery. Weight isn’t a major issue since this is primarily a benchtop tool, but it’s worth noting that the total weight is only about two pounds heavier than many popular drills.
All in, the tool measures 16.5 inches from end to end and stands about 6 inches tall with the top handle in the storage position.
Grip(s) and Trigger
Kreg took a somewhat unique approach to the design of the grip and trigger on this tool. It features ambidextrous thumb safeties and a four-finger trigger, much like we saw on the Bosch 18V Cordless Dry Cut Saw. I really like this design because it caters to both right and left-handed people, ultimately lowering the barrier to entry across the board.
Towards the front of the tool, you have a large secondary grip. This grip plays an important role when using this tool, as it allows you to apply downward pressure to the tool. This ensures the baseplate stays in contact with your material and helps prevent lifting or slipping while you advance the drill bit.
Support Feet
One of the more unique elements of this tool is the sliding support feet located on the backside of the tool. At first glance, you may think these feet are designed to change the angle of attack for the drill bit. Rather, the feet are there to provide additional support when you’re working towards the edge of your material.
As I mentioned before, this tool experiences considerable downward pressure while in use. Because of this, it’s very easy to accidentally tilt the base plate while drilling a hole near the edge of the material.
To prevent this, simply place the tool on your workpiece, then press the release button on the back of the frame to deploy the support feet.
Kreg Rebel Pocket-Hole Joiner Price
The Kreg Rebel Pocket-Hole Joiner retails for $299 as a bare tool, and $349 as a kit that includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. Kreg backs this tool with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
After some hands-on time with the tool, it’s easy to see why this could be an appealing option for serious woodworkers. Unfortunately, when we encounter an extremely specialized tool like this, it’s easy to write them off as a gimmick or a solution that’s looking for a problem. But in this case, I think Kreg makes a strong argument for this tool. The real benefit here is that the Rebel Pocket-Hole Joiner saves you a ton of time by taking the genius of their pocket hole jigs and incorporating an integrated drill.
With that said, if you’re someone who occasionally dabbles in woodworking projects as a hobby, $349 might be a little steep. But for Pro woodworkers or cabinet makers, the Kreg KPTBRB100A can save you some serious time and help make life a little easier in the process.
