How To Cut Door Hinges Without A Router
If you are looking for a DIY guide for scoring/cutting with new door hinges without a router then you are in the correct place. You might be overwhelmed by the idea of installing door hinges using simply a hammer and chisel but if you keep reading you will be able to DIY in no time.
The two best methods for scoring door hinges without a router are as follows:
- Hammer and chisel
- Drill
Tools needed depending on which method you are using
Hammer and Chisel:
- Door Hinges
- Marker/ Pencil
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Screwdriver
- Screws
Drill:
- Door Hinges
- Marker/ Pencil
- Forstner bit
- Drill Press
- Sawhorses
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Screwdriver
- Screws
How to Use the Hammer and Chisel Method?
This method is the easiest and can be done with a few simple steps
Marking to Score for The Hinge Spot
To mark the spot where the hinges will fit you need to score an area of the door. Door hinges are normally placed at the top, middle and bottom. The middle hinge goes in the exact middle of the door with the top one going on the 7in (18ccm) mark and the bottom one at 11 in (28 cm) of the door.
When marking the outline make sure the hinge doesn’t move from the intended place. With a pencil trace the 3 sides of the hinge to be used as a guide when making the score. The lines should be straight and visible enough by going over several times with a pencil. To measure the depth of the scored area you need to put the tip of the hinge wing on the door and trace the outline.
Chisel Out the Marked Area
After making the outline you need to cut grooves along the outline with the use of a chisel and hammer. Place the chisel on the traced outline and gently tap it with a hammer to make a groove till the exact length of the door hinge’s depth. The above process must be repeated on the traced outline to make grooves on the complete outline of the door hinge.
Now you have the outline area carved next using the chisel carefully hammer on the outlined area to dig out the scored spot. As small shavings of wood would come out with every strike the process must be repeated until the whole area is completely scored. While digging out try to fit the door hinge to make sure you don’t dig out more than the outlined depth. Keep digging until the hinge fits perfectly.
Fitting the Hinges
If all the above steps are followed, then all you have to do now is to make sure the door hinge stays in the scored spot. This is ensured by drilling holes so screws can be fitted on the door hinges bolt holes securing it in place. Pull the hinge to check if it is tightly secured with the screws. If the hinge moves, then screws need to be tighter.
How to Use Drill Method?
This method to score door hinges uses a drill equipped with a Forstner bit
Marking to Score for The Hinge Spot
As mentioned above that taking the correct measurement is essential when making scores for door hinges. Follow the same steps until the complete trace of the door hinge has been outlined and marked precisely.
After marking the area take the location of the door hinges on the door. Use the same measurements to the door jamb so they line up.
Drill the Marked Area
Before you can start drilling you need to prop the door on the sawhorses with the door hinge outline facing upwards.
Make sure to set the depth of the score so you don’t drill more than you need to. The drill must be used slowly and steadily so that you get an accurate score for the door hinges. To avoid damaging the door starting at the edge of the outline and drill your way towards the middle.
Chisel to The End
When a rough carving is achieved for the hinges switch to chisel for a finer touch. With better control than the drill, you would be able to clear out the uneven edges.
Just like in the previous method try the hinges out regularly to get the perfect fit for the hinge.
Lock Up the Hinges
When the drilling is done, fit the door hinges on the scored area of the door and to prevent any movement you must lock up the hinges using screws. Using a screwdriver secure the screws on the hinges bolt holes and make sure it is tight enough to be in place when pulled on the hinges.
Word of Caution
Always make sure to wear protective clothing while working with heavy machinery. Always wear these following items:
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Full sleeve clothing
The chisel and hammer must be handled carefully to avoid any injury
Conclusion:
In this article, we provide the proper information that actually works. If you are looking for the solution of how to cut door hinges without a router then you’re the right place. After reading the full article we hope you can now cut door hinges without a router easily.
To cut door hinges with a chisel place your hinge on top of the door to make an outline with a pencil. Using a chisel and hammer, make grooves along the traced outline and do the same on the outside to measure the depth.
Using the hammer and chisel carve the outline to dig out the score from the door. The process should be continued by regularly checking if the door hinges fit on the score or not. When it does secure the hinge by fitting screws.
The first step of using a drill to cut door hinges is to mark the location of the hinges and trace the outline of the whole hinge on the door. Place the door on the sawhorses with the outline of the door hinges upwards.
The drill must be equipped with a Forstner bit. After carving out a score of the door from the outline area switch to hammer and chisel which will prevent damage and give the edges that closer shave. Check regularly if the hinge fits so you can lock it up with screws with the help of a screwdriver.
If the steps are followed, then anyone can cut door hinges by using a hammer and chisel or a drill by themselves.