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Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig

Beautify and strengthen mitered joints using hardwood dowels and other materials!


Item #
59517
Rating:
88% of 100
(81)

Our Corner Key Doweling Jig lets you join mitered corners by running dowels through the joint at 45°. The exposed oval dowel ends result in a unique decorative effect, and the dowels serve to strengthen the joint, much like splines. You can use solid wood dowels in a contrasting species, non-ferrous metal tubes, a combination of both, or even tie the joint together with leather laces. More advanced decorative effects can be achieved by double-drilling to create dowels with a multi-layered core. The jig makes the angled drilling accurate and easy. No other product on the market offers the same functionality, repeatability and convenience. Extended length bits are required.


Features:

  • Creates beautiful, decorative mitered joints, and also strengthen mitered corners on boxes, drawers and more
  • Once set, the jig can be easily moved and re-clamped to drill the next hole (clamps sold separately)
  • Precisely molded reference lines and clear alignment window for fast, accurate setups
  • Includes 1/8'', 1/4'' and 3/8'' drill guide assemblies.
(1) Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig
(1) 1/8'' guide
(1) 1/4'' guide
(1) 3/8'' guide
More Information
Brand Rockler
Manufacturer Part Number
Weight 1.4000
Tech Spec
  • Jig Material: Polymer
  • Drill Guide Material: Steel
  • Drill Guide Sizes: 1/8'', 1/4'', 3/8''
  • Recommended Drill Bit Length: 6''
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4.4 / 5.0
81 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
55
12
7
5
2
First project with the dowel jig
I purchased the corner dowel jig with an eye to reinforcing 45 deg. miter joints. The decision to purchase was more based on its practical uses rather than aesthetics. However, once I began my first test project, sofa armrest trays, I saw the dowels as a design element. The attached photos show how brass pins were used to not only strengthen the joints, but add a decorative element. The setup and use of the jig was quite straightforward and after a couple of test cuts, I felt quite confident in its use. I have since use it for several projects and am experimenting using mosaic pins. The only "trick" to using it is making sure the thickness setting is correct and the jig is firmly clamped to both sides of the work piece.
1/4 and 1/8 inch brass pins used for corners. The trays are 12 in. wide and 11 inches long.
The tray is red oak with wenge and leopardwood inserts. The spaceman in the lower corner approves.
March 26, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
THE WOOD GUY
Works Absolutely Great With No Problem What So Ever,
I’m Happy I Have Recently Was Able To Use This Tool,
THANK YOU SO MUCH,R HORNBACK
March 25, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Advanced
Good product. May take some practice to operate.
The first box I made didn't work because I was unable to clamp things tight enough and the wood moved while drilling. Make sure you have good clamps and secure tightly. The jig itself is very well made and and easy to use. Will make great joints with tight clamping and attention to detail.
March 21, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
Worked perfectly
Took very little to set up and understand. But it is complex enough that I didn't want to try and make a home grown jig for it. After using it, the results spoke for themselves. If you make a lot of boxes this would be a good looking way to break up your style a little. Combine this with a dowel making jig, which I was able to do with a block of wood, a chisel, and a dowel in about 10 minutes and you can have any wood species you want as a dowel.
March 16, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
Handy Jig
I've only used it once since it arrived but it worked well and the contrasting color dowels look great on the box I used it on.
March 16, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
Corner Key Dowel Jig
I love this product. Why didn't someone think of this before? Of course, I love all the products I've purchased over the years from Rockler. Their products are top-notch.
March 12, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
Works like advertised,
March 9, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
This jig is great. Getting great comments on my projects
March 2, 2020
Purchased
 1 month ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
It's what I expected. Haven't used it enough yet...give one a chance to use it some.
February 23, 2020
Purchased
 2 months ago
Woodworking Experience:
Advanced
Great little jig! Easy to use.
Great little jig. Very easy to use and it works so well that I look forward to making small boxes for all my family!
January 15, 2020
Purchased
 3 months ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
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Browse 20 questions Browse 20 questions and 101 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
To make gifts
Michael S on Mar 31, 2020
Looking to make a wireless Bluetooth speaker with it
Jaime on Mar 24, 2020
To make gifts
Michael S on Mar 31, 2020
Looks really cool, want to try it out
Nathaniel F on Mar 30, 2020
Looking to make a wireless Bluetooth speaker with it
Jaime on Mar 24, 2020
Decorative box making
mike g on Mar 23, 2020
Looks like it might make some fun joints.
MartyH on Mar 21, 2020
Due to the corona virus canceling all of my woodworking classes. I am unable to use the schools studio table saws to reinforce some miter joints with splines, so I'lk be using this instead
Rogelio R on Mar 17, 2020
The Rockler name
Mark A on Mar 11, 2020
I like the look of the project capabilities shown in the advertisement of this product.
D R on Mar 1, 2020
I am making a unity cross for my daughter's wedding and needed something that would hold it together.
Johnny R on Jan 31, 2020
I liked the jig looks like it would it will be handy to have
James B on Dec 26, 2019
Easy way to add corner accents
J O on Dec 20, 2019
I wanted one and I missed the sale. It is just a nice jig to have around for lots of ideas
Robert T on Dec 13, 2019
To help build wood box for speaker kit.
Gerald S on Dec 11, 2019
Looked like a great joinery jig.
Eric T on Dec 10, 2019
HUBBY REQUESTED - GIVING FOR CHRISTMAS
BETH M on Dec 9, 2019
I bought the corner key doweling jig to add strength to my mitered corners and also for decorative purposes.
William S on Dec 7, 2019
I want some pizazz on some of my projects.
Chuck on Dec 7, 2019
Making a Drawer
Leslie W on Dec 7, 2019
Looking at doing boxes with dowel and this appears to be a good tool for the job.
James W on Dec 6, 2019
For the accuracy of placing corner dowels.
Sharon B on Dec 6, 2019
On sale
Jim L on Dec 6, 2019
Trying a new way & look for projects.
David M on Dec 6, 2019
1. I love tools. 2. It expands my capabilities to make really impressive projects.
Douglas R on Dec 5, 2019
Simply looked interesting
Daniel S on Dec 4, 2019
I am making keepsake wooden boxes for my grandchildren, for Christmas and thought that adding some corner dowling would give them a finishing touch. <br /><br />Plus, the price was right with the holiday sale.
Very Satisfied Customer on Dec 4, 2019
I LIKE THE USE OF 3 DRILL SIZES AND FINISHED ITEMS LOOK GREAT
john s on Dec 4, 2019
Cool tool for mitered corners, will add a bit of class to my projects!
Linda S on Dec 4, 2019
I am making some boxes and want to add some decorative designs and I thought this will help make them look more attractive.
Hans H on Dec 3, 2019
It might be quicker to making jewelry boxes
Robert S on Dec 3, 2019
Have used this and it works very very well
Dick B on Dec 3, 2019
I did not have it.
Edward B on Dec 3, 2019
Sale
Hotshot on Dec 2, 2019
Be nice to include in my projects.
David H on Dec 2, 2019
To diversify my woodworking hobby
Andrew K on Dec 2, 2019
quality
John R on Dec 2, 2019
Project for Wireless speaker box and future projects
Steven F on Dec 2, 2019
To Make Decorator Boxes
John H on Dec 2, 2019
i wanted to put more decorative strength to my boxes
Douglas G on Dec 2, 2019
This looks to be an easy jig to add to my compliment of cabinetry tools. I look forward to using it on future projects.
John W on Dec 2, 2019
Price and convenience.
Robert R on Dec 2, 2019
Looks like a neat way to have stronger corners
Richard on Dec 2, 2019
Just finished a project that could have used this jig. Won't happen again!
Joseph R. H on Dec 2, 2019
Will use to add decoration to boxes.
Duane L on Dec 2, 2019
Looking forward to trying something new.
N A on Dec 2, 2019
Looks like a great product
Gregory M on Dec 2, 2019
Looks like a good idea
George B on Dec 2, 2019
Alienate method to spline keys,dovetail splines and other router based keys. I will use them all for decorative accents and strength.
Randy on Dec 2, 2019
My Mother in law wanted some gift boxes and i'm going to use miter corners and decide to check this product to see how nice they going to come out
Jose on Dec 2, 2019
Currently building an antique blanket case and like the item of the angled dowels instead of the straight in dowel look. I will give it a try.
Bob E on Dec 2, 2019
i HAVE BEEN MAKING BOXES FOR YEARS. THIS JIG LOOKS LIKE A GOOD WAY PUT THE BOX CORNERS TOGETHER. THIS LOOKS LIKE A GOOD IDEA FOR PICTURE FRAME CORNERS IF I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUT THE FRAME INTO THE JIG.
RICHARD M on Nov 28, 2019
Looks really cool, want to try it out
Nathaniel F on Mar 30, 2020
Decorative box making
mike g on Mar 23, 2020
Does it also make straight dowel holes?
Ole N on Oct 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: This jig is designed to help drill angular dowel holes in box corners.
Does the doweling jig kit comes with a case, I noticed the Doweling Jig w/out drill bits has a case?
Rick H on Nov 21, 2018
Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig
Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig
Corner Key Doweling Jig with Set of 3 Drill Bits
Corner Key Doweling Jig with Set of 3 Drill Bits
BEST ANSWER: No case other than the original hard cardboard package. The cardboard is formed to fit the peices within the box, but it is not a plastic case.
Several people intended this for reinforcing picture frames. I'd like it for the same reason, but it looks to me like that would be tough to clamp and neatly accomplish the goal. Have any of you jig owners tried this and how did it go for reinforcing mitered picture frame corners?
SPENCE B on Jan 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: As the images show it is possible to clamp both sides of the corner. For a picture frame this would work if the outside edges are flat and both sides clamped. Also make sure your backer being used in the jig is new and solid wood... ply tends to fray out with repeated use.
When you have more rockler corner key doweling jig the item# 59517 ?
Duc T on Dec 17, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Sorry, but I don't understand the question. I am very satisfied with the Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig. I have completed two jewelry boxes and one urn with it.
Why is the use of brad-point drills not recommended?
Brian S on Feb 18, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I assume it is because the steel bushing guides the drill bit, so a brad point isn't needed. I used a regular drill bit when I corner keyed an Oak rolling base I built. The base was 3" square Oak, so I needed a long drill bit to get all the way through the corner. Doweling across the corner made it very strong.
Could you do a box that is 15 inches deep?
Cliff S on Jun 14, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It makes no difference how deep or how large the box is however it can make a difference in the thickness of the walls of the box as that would determine the length of drill and dowels you would need. The deeper the box the more dowels you may want to use.
I am an artist and make my own frames from 1x2. Would this work instead of using nails and the air compressor? I usually use 18 gauge brads and nail two on one side and one on the other side of the mitered corner. Thanks.
martha s on Feb 18, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Martha, Yes this will work great on you 1x2 wood, i use it on 3/4" teak that i use in my tackel boxes, follow the direction when setting it up for you wood and you will be super happy, Mike
Three questions actually; 1.) What is the RED clip's function? 2.) Does this jig require the use of backer boards, (the vertical board in the pictures.) If so, why? Shortcomings of the initial design? 3.) Would using either a brad point drill or a Kreg drill help with the tear-out on the hole? Thank you in advance for your time.
Dorald K on Feb 9, 2020
BEST ANSWER: 1. The red clip is the locking key to hold the bushing in place.
2. Yes you need a backing board. You need it for the spacing and to prevent tear out. Since the bit is coming through at an angle, it tears out even with brad point bits if you don't have a backer.
Do you need to use 6” drill bits or can you use regular bits?
Janis M on Feb 17, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Look at Figure 9 of the instructions that come with this item. It gives a good idea of the length you will be drilling. I would estimate a drill bit at least 5” long for 3/4” thick pieces is required. If the pieces are very thin, like 1/4” or 3/8” you could use a shorter bit - such as 4 1/2”.
I make gift boxes. Seldom are the sides greater than 3/8” thick. Usually a bit less. Will it work?
Lynn D on Feb 6, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you would use the 1/8" drill (get a longer one than normal) and 1/8" dowels. I have used it with 1/4" mitered sides.
Can the jig handle corners that are not 90 degrees? Like a 45 degree angle on a flag case?
Ken K on Jan 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No. It is designed to accomodate only 90 degree corners. You wd have to make another drill bit guide then the metal one included. That is what I received in the box.
Are all 4 corners glued up and allowed to dry and then drilled for the dowels or are they drilled for the dowels and then glued up?
Rich on Jan 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: All 4 corners are allowed to dry first. Then drill for the dowels. Please let me know how it works for you. Definitely try on scrap wood first. I had trouble getting it to drill straight.
I need a 1/4 " drill bit for this jig , where can I find it on your website ?
D U on Mar 8, 2020
BEST ANSWER: here ya go -- https://www.rockler.com/rockler-premium-extended-length-drill-bits
Do they make a 3/16 drill guide?
Dirk H on Feb 18, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, 1/8 1/4 and 3/8. Wish they made 3/16 and 1/2".
Can you use it to strengthen plywood cabinets?
Cory H on Apr 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I might help but very little. It’s really for decoration on boxes etc. I had a hard time drilling straight thru corners.i sent it back but maybe it was me and not the jig.
What wood thickness can it be used on? 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1” or greater?
John L on Dec 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: All of the above. But I ha$ trouble centering the jig. Bsometimes it would not drill where I wanted to go. Sometimes it works ok. Just practice on scrap first
Can the jig be configured to do inside corners? I have a manufactured drawer for a dresser that is badly made with dove tails.. they don't match up and little or no room to fix but this might be the answer.
Dave on Dec 4, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No it can only be used on the outside corners.
how far can you drill the hole from the edge of the workpiece?
Michael T on Sep 18, 2019
Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig
Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig
Corner Key Doweling Jig with Set of 3 Drill Bits
Corner Key Doweling Jig with Set of 3 Drill Bits
BEST ANSWER: The farthest that you can set it for is with the 3/4 inch setting. The drill the centers about 3/4 inch from the tip of the miter and goes through at a 45 degree angle.
Will the corner jig als work on butt joints?
Jack H on Dec 26, 2018
BEST ANSWER: No, it only works on miter joints.
Prop 65 WarningWARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Prop 65 WarningWARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood.
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