Replace Interior Door - Hinges How to?

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MTDIYer

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I need to replace an interior door that was damaged. I bought a replacement at HD, and can see that, for me, the hardest part will be cutting the space/slot for the hinges on the new door. I've attached a picture. How do you do that?

cDdUZvi.jpg
 
Well, you could buy a router and a hinge jig, or you can purchase square corner hinges, from the same big box, and complete the task with a hammer and chisel.
 
I need to replace an interior door that was damaged. I bought a replacement at HD, and can see that, for me, the hardest part will be cutting the space/slot for the hinges on the new door. I've attached a picture. How do you do that?

cDdUZvi.jpg
These were done with a router. You might consider mortise-less hinges if the task seems too daunting.
 
Hopefully you have the old door, set the two next to each other as they would be installed and use a square the mark the edges of that needs to be recessed. Use a router or a chisel and hammer to recess the hinge. Snoonyb said, square hinges are a lot easier to install if you don't have a router.
 
I do have a router. I am willing to give this a try. Where would I get a "hinge jig?" Just go back to HD where I got the door? I'd like to try to create a professional look if I can.

This probably seems like a real noob question. I did take a woodworking class as adult education and enjoyed it, and I bought a few tools like a router and a low end table saw. But, I started working on cars and find I enjoy automotive mechanicing a lot more. So I haven't kept up on my woodworking skills. A guy only has so much time in his life for hobbies, until I am retired, only 10 years to go.

Well, you could buy a router and a hinge jig, or you can purchase square corner hinges, from the same big box, and complete the task with a hammer and chisel.
 
Practice on a 2x4, I wouldn't bother with a hinge jig. Once you trace the outline, it's really pretty easy. Use a utility knife to mark the hinge profile, set the router bit for the depth of the hinge.
 
Thank you. Great advice. I will give that a go before I try on the door.

Practice on a 2x4, I wouldn't bother with a hinge jig. Once you trace the outline, it's really pretty easy. Use a utility knife to mark the hinge profile, set the router bit for the depth of the hinge.
 
A guy only has so much time in his life for hobbies, until I am retired, only 10 years to go.
All great advice on the hinge cutting I have nothing to add.

As to retirement remember that the fall doesn’t kill you it is the sudden stop at the end. Ten years is just about the right time to start gradually slowing the fall.
 
Yup, draw the profile on the door (copy location from your old door).
Then go over the outline with a utility knife and next set the router to the depth and freehand the cutout. Take your time and keep the router flat to the door edge surface (no tipping)
 
There are two ways you can do it. Like someone else before said you could trace out the area with a nice sharp blade and then with some patience notch the area with a sharp chisel. If you haven't done this before you'll be a little clumsy. Fortunately the hinge will hide your craftsmanship or lack of. Another good option is to buy a door hinge template jig by Ryobi at Home Depot. It's $25 and it works really well. I run a handyman business and have used it several times with great success. You'll just need your own router, preferably a compact router. I get precision, machine-like finishes when I use it
 
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