How do you notch out for door hinges?

Installing a new door into an existing door frame often requires notching out the frame to accommodate the door hinges. This allows the hinges to sit flush within the frame so the door can open and close properly. Notching out hinge locations in a door frame is a relatively simple process that can be done with some basic tools and a bit of careful measuring.

What You Need

Notching out hinge locations requires just a few supplies:

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Wood shims

You will also need access to the measurements of the new door hinges that will be installed. This includes the hinge locations on the door as well as the width of the hinges. Having the actual hinges on hand can make measuring and marking easier as well.

Preparation

Before starting to chisel out the notches, take time to carefully measure and mark the hinge locations on the door frame. This is the most important step to ensure the hinges will fit properly. Here are the basic steps:

1. Measure the total height of the door frame and find the center. Mark this center point both on the face of the frame and on the edge.
2. Lay the door on sawhorses in front of the frame. Use shims to raise the door to the approximate height it will sit in the frame. Ensure it is centered within the frame.
3. Align the top hinge on the door with the center point on the frame. Use a pencil to mark the hinge location on the face and edge of the frame. Repeat for the other hinges based on their measurements.
4. Remove the door and double check all measurements before starting to chisel.

Taking precise measurements is crucial so the notches perfectly fit the hinges. Rushing this step can lead to misaligned doors that won’t function properly.

Cutting Out the Notches

With all measurements marked, it’s time to start chiseling. Use the following steps to notch out each hinge location:

1. Clamp a straight board beneath the hinge location to protect the bottom of the frame.
2. Use a utility knife to score the outside lines of the mortise. This helps create a neat chiseling guide.
3. Use a chisel approximately 1/8″ smaller than the hinge width. Chisel out the waste wood in between the scored lines with the chisel bevel facing outward.
4. Tap the backside of the chisel with a hammer to remove deeper waste until the mortise is the required depth.
5. Test fit the hinge in the mortise and remove any additional material as needed for a perfect fit.
6. Smooth and clean up the mortise edges with the chisel.

Take your time while chiseling out each mortise. Rushing through this stage can cause sloppy edges or mortises that are slightly off size. Frequently test fitting the actual hinges allows you to slowly notch out the perfect fit.

Hinge Installation

Once all the mortises are cleanly chiseled out, rehang the door in the frame and install the hinges. Use the following steps:

1. Hold the door in place and use shims inserted behind the hinges to hold it at the correct position and height in the frame.
2. Install one screw in the top and bottom hinge into the door.
3. Test opening and closing. If the door is binding, slightly adjust the shims until operation is smooth.
4. Install the remaining hinge screws into the door.
5. Install all screws into the frame.
6. Remove all shims and wood debris. Test operation of opening and closing one last time.

Tips

Follow these tips for clean hinge mortises:

• Use sharp chisels and replace any dulled edges. Sharp chisels make cleaner cuts.
• Set cutting depth in several passes rather than trying to notch out too much at once.
• Use a mallet and hammer for better control than just a hammer.
• Go slowly and test fit often for a perfect fit.
• Use a router plane to fine tune the edges of mortises and clean up tool marks.

Troubleshooting

Issues that can occur when notching out hinge mortises include:

• Uneven gaps around hinges – Ensure the mortise opening is square and hinges sit flush without gaps or tight spots.
• Door binds – This usually occurs when mortise is too tight on the hinge. Recut for a looser fit.
• Loose hinges – If the mortise is slightly too large, shims can take up the extra space before tightening hinge screws.
• Hinges don’t align – Inaccurate measuring and marking is the likely cause. Redo mortises in the correct location.

Careful measuring, sharp tools, and testing for proper fit will help avoid most issues when notching hinges. Take your time for the cleanest results.

Conclusion

Notching out the hinge mortises in a door frame is an essential step for proper door installation and operation. While it takes accuracy, patience, and the right tools, it is a manageable process for most do-it-yourselfers. Always measure twice and cut once. Test fitting the hinges frequently as you chisel out each mortise will confirm you have the proper fit. Install the door properly and enjoy your new functioning door.

Additional Tips

– Consider using a template to help guide your chisel cuts for a more accurate mortise.

– Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips when chiseling.

– A mortising attachment on a drill press can help mechanize some of the hinge mortise removal.

– Apply painter’s tape to the chisel cutting edge to mark your desired cutting depth.

– Finish exposed hinge mortises to prevent moisture damage and wood decay.

– Watch online video tutorials to see the notching process demonstrated before starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should I make the hinge mortises?

The mortise depth should allow the hinge to sit flush within the door frame. Typical mortise depths range from 1/8″ to 1/2″. Refer to the hinge specifications for exact required depth.

What size chisel should I use?

Use a chisel approximately 1/8″ smaller than the hinge width to allow fine tuning of the mortise as needed. So for a 4″ hinge, a 3-7/8″ chisel is ideal.

Can I use a router instead of a chisel?

Yes, a router with a mortising bit can be used to notch out the hinge locations instead of a chisel. A router jig helps guide the cuts. Go slowly to avoid taking out too much material.

Should I notch the door or just the frame?

For full mortise hinges, you must notch out both the door edge and frame to allow the hinge to recess flush into both surfaces. If using half mortise hinges, only the frame needs a mortise.

What do I do if my chisel mortise ends up slightly off center?

This can happen, especially when working on deep mortises. Place shims behind the hinge that is slightly off center to take up extra space before tightening screws.

Key Takeaways

– Carefully measure and mark all hinge locations before starting.

– Chisel out mortises gradually by making light passes.

– Frequently test fit the actual hinges in the mortises for proper fit.

– Go slowly and take your time for clean and accurate results.

– A perfect fitting mortise should allow the door hinge to sit flush within the frame.

– Proper hinge mortising is crucial for the door to hang straight and operate smoothly.

More Resources

For more information on notching out hinges, check out these helpful resources:

– Read this tutorial from Popular Woodworking on chiseling hinge mortises: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/mortising-for-hinges/

– Watch this YouTube video demonstrating the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtKxlOKOUc8

– Check out this guide to common door installation mistakes: https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/door/installation-repair/common-door-installation-mistakes/

– Learn about router jig options for hinge mortising: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-use-a-router-as-a-mortising-machine/

– View this article on troubleshooting hinge binding issues: https://www.fixthisbuildthat.com/warped-door-hinge-binding-problems-and-fixes/

I hope these instructions and tips help explain the process of notching out hinge mortises for installing doors properly. Let me know if you have any other questions!