AUTO-ADJUST POCKET HOLE JIG

PROJECT BRIEF

The patented double spur-gear mechanism was conceived by Mike to synchronize adjustment of the drill-guide block and drill-bit collar, automatically setting drilling geometry based on material thickness. He led concept development and integration of the mechanism into a handheld pocket-hole jig platform, created the initial CAD architecture and aesthetic direction aligned with Armor Tool’s visual brand language, and guided CAD engineering & prototype refinement of later design iterations with TTI. The final pre-production iteration was completed after his 2019 departure from Armor.

ARMOR TOOL™ MINI-JIG

Like the Auto-Jig™, the Armor Mini-Jig was developed to simplify one of the most critical steps in pocket-hole joinery: setting the jig for material thickness. Traditional systems require manual adjustment of both the drill guide and the drill bit collar each time stock thickness changes. The Mini-Jig eliminates that process.

Using an integrated caliper mechanism, the tool automatically sets both the drill guide and the bit collar based on the thickness of the material placed in the jig. Simply clamp the workpiece in the caliper and the system establishes the correct drilling geometry - no measuring, indexing, or resetting required when moving between material sizes.

The Mini-Jig also incorporates Armor Tool’s color-coded screw system to quickly identify the appropriate fastener length for the selected material thickness. Additional features include a reversible edge guide, magnetic clamp pad, integrated hex key, and hardened steel drill guides designed for long service life. The main body combines glass-filled nylon with a stamped steel subframe and metal-injection-molded steel gears to withstand repeated shop use.