Kreg KHI Concealed Hinge Jig, Blue

Product Information

A router bit is required with full-size door hinge jigs, and one is often included. Shank size will be either ¼ inch or ½ inch. Neither is better than the other, but the size will determine the kind of router used. Some ½-inch routers include a ¼-inch collet as an option, whereas ¼-inch routers cannot use ½-inch bits. Kreg, one of the world’s leading jig makers, does not disappoint with this high-quality precision cabinet door hinge jig. It is made from tough glass-filled nylon and designed to cut holes for standard 35mm cabinet hinges (often called Euro hinges).

But, remembering that accuracy is key, a brand name template from a trusted woodworker brand like Porter Cable is a must. While this door jig is simpler than a telescoping jig, it will still: The jig can flex if too much pressure is applied when routing, so care is needed. Unfortunately, the included router bit is not very good and soon loses sharpness. Those with numerous doors to hang may wish to invest in a better cutter. A cabinet knob jig is a plastic sheet with pre-drilled holes for the most popular knob and handle spacing.

For fans of the highly reputable Kreg line, this jig is an excellent option for small projects. And due to its no-frills design, anyone can easily use it. A heavy door (often called a solid core door) should have a minimum of three hinges to spread the load and prevent it from dropping. In extreme cases, such as large oak external doors, four hinges may be necessary. Q. What kind of router do I need for door hinges? The best cabinet hardware jigs are designed for jobs of any size, are made from all metal components, and are easy to use. For advanced woodworkers the classic Kreg jig is all you will need as you probably own at least one of the other jigs. For projects with standard sized doors and drawers a simple template will eliminate most measuring mistakes.

With hinge alignment on large doors the #1 priority, a hinge jig that will extend across the entire door is a must. Especially for jobs with more than just a few hinges. Buying a door jig is the easy option, but with care, it is possible to make your own. In fact, for cabinet doors, a jig isn’t strictly necessary. If you can measure and mark accurately, hold the drill vertically, and judge the depth of a hole, then a Forstner bit of the appropriate diameter to match the hinge is all that is required. Owners of pillar drills will find the task easier, but a portable drill and a steady hand can get the job done. Calling the Everbilt template a cabinet hinge jig is a bit of a stretch, but as a low-cost way to mark out cabinet hinge positions, it works fine. It also includes the necessary Forstner drill bit, though not the 1/16-inch bit for hinge retaining screws. If you haven’t drilled cabinet hardware holes before, the term blow-out might not mean anything to you. Durability is assured by the cast-aluminum construction. For transportation, the jig is dismantled into two pieces, and it comes with a carrying case. A guide bush for the router cutter is included, though the cutter itself is not—rather disappointing given the Trend door hinge jig’s high price.

But, after testing this jig, we were disappointed due to a misaligned set screw on the main shaft of the jig that caused it to be out-of-square. Fixed jigs that are initially appealing due to price and the ability to skip measurements. But that makes it less flexible and accurate for perfectly centering your holes. The Concealed Hinge Jig takes the guesswork out of installing cabinet doors using concealed hinges. This economical, easy-to-use jig ensures accurate hinge alignment, so you can install doors that fit great and work well. Its design allows for positioning cabinet knobs or handles on the door or drawer in infinite settings through sliding adjustments.

Cabinet door hinge jigs are simply held to the inside of the door using any convenient woodworking clamps. Ratcheting types are convenient because they are easy to use one-handed. Two clamps should be employed, one either side of the cutter guide, to ensure that the jig can’t twist. Clamp-on jigs like the Kreg and a dozen other varieties of mostly fixed-hole jigs. While these jigs are suitable for smaller projects, getting that perfect 31/64 alignment that is surprisingly required on highly symmetrical installations is more challenging.Finally, for both drawer and doors, set the stop to the appropriate depth (middle of the door stile, center of the drawer front)