Is using a chisel the only way to chisel out an area to attach hinges when hanging an interior door?

Question

I'm installing some new interior doors and need to chisel the area out where the hinges will go. i'm doing a very, very poor job and getting frustrated. the doors i pull off have perfect chiseled out areas. is there a way to do this with a saw or sander or something? please remember this is my first time doing this. my husband does have an array of power tools at home, so i'm sure i'd have anything else that could be used. (he's currently out to sea or he'd have been suckered into this job!)

Answer 1

The first thing to remember is that this is your first time. What you are doing is not easy, so don't be hard on yourself. Most professionals will use a router to do the job you are doing. I would suggest renting a template to make the work more accurate. Sears sells a inexpensive template, but it can be difficult to use for the novice. If you would like me to give you more detailed instructions e-mail me at [e-mail]..

Answer 2

You can use a router and a hinge template (rent the router if you don't have one). You can get door hinges with rounded corners so that after you run the router inside the template you are done. If you have ones with square corners just use the chisel only for squaring up the round corners. That is how professionals who need to do a lot of doors get it done.

Answer 3

Unless you have a trimmer (small router) with a straight bit, then you should stick to the chisel.

*** The number one wood working tip there is 'sharp tools'. If the chisel you are using can't shave the hairs of your arm then it is not sharp enough. Good tradespeople don't use blunt tools.

Answer 4

I would suggest that you use a router with a flat bottom bit and a guide but a very very sharp chisel is the best way to do it.
I suggest that you check out google search for 'door hinge install'. Or bake a nice coffee cake and pot of coffee then find some nice retired handy man.
http://realestate.msn.com/Improve/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=24746

Answer 5

well, it is used for crafting. What you do you ask? You use it on a uncut gem, and if u have a high enough crafting lvl, it will turn into a cut jem, and will sell for more in the Grand Exchange. Here are the lvls: Cut Sapphire;20, Cut Emerald;30, cut ruby;50 and cut Diamond;70

Answer 6

Try using a Dremel Rotary Tool. Just start it with the chisel and then use the Dremel for the rest. My husband gave me one "as a gift" and it's the best invention ever!!

Answer 7

i know the best way; there is a template that is used for this and you clamp it on the door ;then you use a router and set the depth and run it around the templated area works perfectly all the time and looks like a munufacturere did it

Answer 8

You can get a template and attachment for a drill to cut it out. It would be cleaner than using chisel.

Answer 9

The next time use a "plunge router" with a 3/8 straight bit. It's better to know what your doing or, hire a professional. You could make a mess costing someone a lot of money.

Answer 10

you could use a router or take a utility knife and cut the shape around the hinge deep enough so that when you chisal out the excess it will look really good around the edges where you used the knife