Fence / Deck Picket Hole Jig (1.5")

thingiverse

I'm building a large deck and need a quick and reliable way to pre-drill 250 pickets. I designed this jig for 1.5" nominal picket size, with an internal measurement of 1.460, which works perfectly for my project. The height is set at 3.5", centered around a 2x4 rail attachment, ensuring even positioning. This design offers two or three options: one center or two offset positions, depending on your preferences. A bushing hole was created based on a .25" OD, .144 ID, and .75" long aluminum bushing, commonly found at most hardware stores as part of the Hillman product line, which pairs well with a #23 drill bit. This setup allows for smooth drilling through the entire picket when using an adequately engaged drill bit. The bottom features a 45-degree angle with a single hole to accommodate clearance issues. Although the bushings were slightly tight, they fit snugly after some filing and pressing in place.