the_emery•5d ago

Hot take: I built two identical cabinets, one with pocket screws and one with dowels, and the dowel joint was rock solid while the pocket screws started to loosen after 6 months in a humid garage.

What's your go-to for case construction when you need something to last?

3 comments

3 Comments

leodavis5d ago

Dowels for the win, pocket screws just can't handle the moisture.

seanjackson5d ago

Ever try to use pocket screws outside? I learned the hard way when my birdhouse fell apart in the rain.

tara_patel5d ago

Ugh, that's the worst feeling. I had a similar thing happen with a simple shop cart I built. The pocket screws in the frame just gave up after a summer in my damp basement. Now I only use dowels or proper mortise and tenon for any casework that needs to hold up. The glue area with dowels is just so much stronger and it doesn't rely on metal that can react to moisture.