What are some good tool options for installing the hardware on a door. I’ve seen and bought some of the cheap kits from HD, but they don’t last. I want some good quality tools for the hinges, locksets, and strike plates. I usually resort to cutting it out by hand, but it just takes to long.
Thanks, Kyle
Performance improvements for the prized homes of an influential developer who wanted us all to be able to own one.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
http://www.templaco.com/html/
I bought the Irwin kit about three years ago. I dont drill a ton of locksets but it has held up well.
It was only about $15 if I remember correctly.
How many locksets do you have to install?
I don't have to work on doors that often. But when I do I want a good tool that will do a professional job.
I've been eyeing this for a while. I just prepped a house full of doors and made my own router templates from 1/2" baltic birch, but I probably should have bought some of this stuff.
The best I have used is the Porter Cable door mortising kit. You can also buy PC strike plate template that automatically centers on edge of door. I imagine it costs upwards of $200.00 for the door hinge kit.
If you have a lot of doors to hang this jig will pay for itself in a short time. On commercial jobs where I set up in a room on each floor, I could easily mortise, square the mortise and install hinges in less than 10 minutes per door. I actually never timed it but I'm sure that's about right.
mike
I have 2 of those PC hinge templates. I have offered one to anyone with $100 to spend. They work great and haven't changed much since the 50's.
I built and installed all the doors in my house-used the Bosch hinge jig. I liked it a lot-it's sturdy, easily adjustable for every imaginable hinge size, comes with the appropriate router bit and collar, in a tough metal case, and can have a fourth template added for four hinge doors.
Stef
Never used the Bosch, I had 2 PC's