Chisel Door Frame Hinge

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.

Chisel door frame hinge.

If your frame is in good shape a slab also called a blank door image to the right is fine. To cut hinge. Move the chisel as needed to cut along the full width of the mortise. 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.

You want to make a nice flat surface for your hinge to lay into. Tap the chisel with a hammer to make a 1 8 inch deep cut again match the hinge leaf thickness. Position the strike plate on the jamb so it is centered on both lines. If not drill or chisel until it is.

Work from the knuckle side in until the mortise floor is flat. Hold the chisel vertically about 1 8 inch away from one end of the mortise outline inside the waste area. 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.

Place the hinge in its mortise to see if it s flush with door surface. Whichever type you use there are a variety of styles available to match your home decor. The hinge mortise allows the hinge to be mounted flush with the jamb and door so the door will close properly. Go slowly and test fit your hinge a few times until you get it mounted flush.

Open the door and stand with. To do a good job cutting mortises the chisel needs to be razor sharp. If you re installing a pre hung door make sure you get the correct swing determined by the placement of the hinges and doorknob. Before cutting your door hinge mortise place your hinge on top of the door and outline it with a pencil.