I typically use a router and a template to cut mortises or to enlarge existing mortises for new door hinges. But for small jobs where it doesn’t make sense to cart along a lot of gear, I use a utility knife and a chisel for the same purpose. First I screw the hinge to the door stile in the desired position. Then I score around the edges of the hinge with the knife as shown in the drawing above. With the hinge removed, I chisel the mortise to the thickness of the hinge. Now I can reattach the hinge using the same screw holes.
Daniel E. Hill, Ill, Griswold, CT
From Fine Homebuilding 78, pp. 28
Click the "thumbs up" button above to vote for this tip. Help us choose Fine Homebuilding's top-10 window and door tips.
