Gather Your Tools
Before you start, you need to gather all the necessary tools. You’ll need a router, a hinge template, a chisel, a hammer, a pencil, and safety glasses. Once you have all your tools, you’re ready to start.
Mark the Hinge Placement
The first step in how to router door hinges is to mark the hinge placement. Use the hinge template to mark where you want the hinges to be placed. Make sure that the marks are level and straight.
Set up the Router
Next, you need to set up the router. Attach the hinge template to the door and secure it in place. Then, attach the router to the template and turn it on.
Router the Hinge Area
Now it’s time to router the hinge area. Slowly and carefully move the router around the template, making sure to stay within the marked area. Once you’ve completed one hinge, move on to the next one.
Chisel Out the Hinge Area
Once you’ve routered out the hinge area, it’s time to chisel out the excess wood. Use the chisel to remove any remaining wood and make sure that the hinge fits snugly into the area.
Attach the Hinges
Now it’s time to attach the hinges to the door. Line up the hinge with the routered area and screw it into place. Make sure that the hinge is level and straight.
Attach the Door to the Frame
Once you’ve attached the hinges to the door, it’s time to attach the door to the frame. Carefully line up the hinges with the frame and screw them into place. Make sure that the door swings freely and doesn’t stick.
Test the Door
Now it’s time to test the door. Open and close it a few times to make sure that it operates correctly. If there are any problems, make any necessary adjustments.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a hinge template?
You can easily make your own hinge template out of cardboard or a piece of wood.
What if I accidentally router too much?
You can use wood filler to fill in any gaps or mistakes.
Can I router metal hinges?
No, you cannot router metal hinges. You’ll need to use a different method for attaching metal hinges.
Conclusion
Learning how to router door hinges is a simple process that can greatly improve the look of your doors. With the right tools and some patience, you can easily install new hinges and give your doors a professional look.