Chisel Door Frame Hinge

To cut hinge.

Chisel door frame hinge.

Position the strike plate on the jamb so it is centered on both lines. Hinge mortises on a door are often cut by machine with a router and straight bit but you can cut mortises by hand using a hammer and chisel as well. Open the door and stand with. Corner wood chisel squaring tool for cutting square mortised door hinge recesses square off mortises for frames box tops lids doors and flip up drawers 4 5 out of 5 stars 65 11 99 11.

Go slowly and test fit your hinge a few times until you get it mounted flush. Using a utility knife trace along the outline to create small groves then make a cut on the front or back side of the door indicating the mortise s depth. Work from the knuckle side in until the mortise floor is flat. Whichever type you use there are a variety of styles available to match your home decor.

If not drill or chisel until it is. If you re installing a pre hung door make sure you get the correct swing determined by the placement of the hinges and doorknob. The hinge mortise allows the hinge to be mounted flush with the jamb and door so the door will close properly. Place the hinge in its mortise to see if it s flush with door surface.

Before cutting your door hinge mortise place your hinge on top of the door and outline it with a pencil. Holding a chisel bevel side up with one hand on the blade and one on the handle slice away any wood that the bit couldn t reach. Score around the plate with a sharp utility knife. To do a good job cutting mortises the chisel needs to be razor sharp.

If your frame is in good shape a slab also called a blank door image to the right is fine. Tap the chisel with a hammer to make a 1 8 inch deep cut again match the hinge leaf thickness. Using a sharp 1 inch wide chisel cut a series of parallel lines into the jamb about 1 4 inch apart staying within the scored lines and holding the chisel perpendicular to the wood. With your chisel s beveled edge flat against the door s edge gently tap to remove material within your score marks.