If you’ve ever built furniture or cabinets using pocket holes, buckle up — because KREG just rewrote the book on joinery. The brand-new KREG Rebel 20V Cordless Pocket Hole Joiner isn’t just another jig. It’s a first-of-its-kind cordless machine that makes pocket holes faster, cleaner, and easier than ever before.

Whether you’re a beginner woodworker learning the ropes or a seasoned pro looking to speed up your workflow, this tool is about to change how you build forever.

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This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support! Prices are valid at the time of posting but are subject to change at any time.

Watch The Full Youtube Video Here: KREG Just Changed Wood Joinery FOREVER!

Why the KREG Rebel Is a Game-Changer

Pocket hole joinery has been around a long time, and KREG has led the way with tools like the K5, 720 Pro, and Foreman.
But the Rebel takes things to a whole new level.

This is the first-ever cordless, self-clamping pocket hole machine. No cords. No clamps. No fuss.

You just set it down on your board, press lightly, and drill perfect pocket holes.
That’s it.

✅ Runs on KREG’s new Blue Ion 20V battery platform
✅ Works with ½-inch to 1½-inch material
✅ No clamps needed thanks to its grippy base surface
✅ Self-leveling feet adjust automatically for perfect alignment
✅ Uses standard KREG pocket hole bits — easy to replace
✅ Built-in dust collection bin (no hose required)

👉 Shop the KREG 20V Rebel Pocket Hole Joiner Combo

Simple Setup for Any Woodworker

Setting up the Rebel couldn’t be easier. Here’s how you do it:

Set the fence to your material thickness (½", ¾", or 1½").
Adjust the drill bit depth using the quick-release collar.
Press down and drill — the machine grips the workpiece without clamps.
Empty the built-in dust bin as needed.

That’s it. No extra clamping or setup jigs required.

Built-In Genius: Leveling Feet and Grip Base

One of my favorite features is the self-leveling feet.
If you’ve ever tried drilling pocket holes on uneven or narrow stock, you know how frustrating that can be.
The Rebel fixes that. The feet automatically drop to the perfect height — whether you’re working on ¾" plywood or 2x4s.

And the rubberized base acts like a track-saw grip, keeping it locked in place with just 6 pounds of downward pressure.

Build Quality That’ll Last

KREG didn’t cut corners here. The Rebel is built on a metal chassis for durability with tough plastic where it makes sense, similar to your drill or impact driver. It feels sturdy in hand, balanced, and ready for everyday use in the shop.

After testing it for a few weeks, I’ve dropped it, bumped it, and used it on everything from pine to maple. No issues at all.

Battery life? Solid.
Even the smaller 2Ah Blue Ion battery handled a ton of holes on a single charge.

👉 Get the 20V 2Ah Battery
👉 Upgrade to the 4Ah Battery
👉 Grab a Fast Charger

Real-World Testing: Pocket Holes in Every Material

I put the Rebel through its paces on a few different materials to see how it performed.

🪵 Hardwoods (Maple)

Clean, crisp pocket holes — no burning, no tear-out. It drilled like a professional stationary machine.

🌲 Softwoods (Pine)

Effortless. The built-in dust bin caught most of the chips, leaving almost no cleanup behind.

🪑 Plywood

This is where the Rebel shines. I built a small cabinet box using ¾" plywood, and the results were perfect.
Every pocket hole was consistent, tight, and ready for screws.

If you’re a beginner woodworker building cabinets, shelves, or frames, this setup will make your life easier.

👉 KREG 20V Track Saw Combo
👉 MicroJig Ratchet Clamps (for perfect track clamping)

Pro Tips for Beginners Using Pocket Holes

If you’re new to pocket hole joinery, here are a few quick tips to help you get clean results every time:

Use torque control – Set your drill to a medium torque setting (around 13–14) so you don’t overdrive screws through your boards.
Use a right-angle clamp – Keeps your joints square and tight.
👉 KREG Right Angle Clamp
Grab extra bits – Pocket hole bits get dull over time, so having a spare on hand keeps your work sharp.
👉 KREG Pocket Hole Drill Bit (2-Pack)
Check your depth settings – Especially if you’ve planed down material that’s no longer a full ¾".

Safety tip: Always wear safety glasses and make sure your stock is fully supported before drilling.

Why the Rebel Beats Traditional Jigs

Compared to manual jigs like the K5 or 720 Pro, the Rebel is simply faster and more efficient.
You don’t have to clamp and unclamp between holes, and you can take it straight to large panels instead of trying to wrestle the panel onto a jig.

That’s huge if you’re building cabinets, desks, or long runs of face frames.

It’s the difference between bringing your material to the jig… and bringing the jig to your material.

Things I’d Like to See Improved

There’s not much to complain about here, but I’d tweak two small things:

Make the bit depth markings white — the gray is hard to see under shop lighting.
Loosen up the adjustment dial — it’s just a touch sticky.

Other than that, this thing is nearly perfect. Especially for a first-generation cordless tool.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the KREG Rebel?

In my opinion, absolutely yes.
The KREG Rebel is one of those rare tools that genuinely changes how you work in the shop. It’s fast, easy, portable, and incredibly well thought out.

If you build with pocket holes even a few times a month, this tool will save you time and frustration — and help you produce better-looking projects.

👉 Grab the KREG Rebel Combo at Acme Tools
👉 See all 20V KREG Tools
👉 KREG Tools on Amazon

Final Word

The KREG Rebel 20V Pocket Hole Machine isn’t just a new tool — it’s a glimpse into the future of joinery.
KREG took everything we love about pocket holes and made it faster, cleaner, and cordless.

It’s truly a game changer for any woodworker who values speed, precision, and portability.

Until next time — keep your fingers safe, your blades sharp, and your joinery tight.
See y’all in the next one 👊

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