Chisel Door Frame Hinge

To cut hinge.

Chisel door frame hinge.

This is the traditional method of cutting door hinge slots and takes a. 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. Then place 1 of your hinge s wings flush against the spot where you want it to sit. Work from the knuckle side in until the mortise floor is flat.

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. Position the strike plate on the jamb so it is centered on both lines. Place the hinge in its mortise to see if it s flush with door surface.

Tap the chisel with a hammer to make a 1 8 inch deep cut again match the hinge leaf thickness. To do a good job cutting mortises the chisel needs to be razor sharp. When you install a door hinge you need to make notches for it on the edge of the door and on the jamb or the door won t close properly. Typically middle hinges go in the exact center of the door top hinges sit 7 in 18 cm below the top of the door and bottom hinges rest 11 in 28 cm above the bottom of the door.

The hinge mortise allows the hinge to be mounted flush with the jamb and door so the door will close properly. Position your door so you can clearly see the back edge. Example of how to use a bevel edged chisel to create hinge slots on a beech wood door. Move the chisel as needed to cut along the full width of the mortise.

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. Start with the chisel pointed downward along marked lines. How to cut and install door hinges is a do it yourself video shows how to cut in the perfect door hinge for a new door i used a bevel edged chisel to crea. Hold the chisel vertically about 1 8 inch away from one end of the mortise outline inside the waste area.

If not drill or chisel until it is.