Best Concealed Hinge Jig for Fitted Wardrobes in York: 2025 Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Fitting concealed hinges (often called Euro hinges) is a staple of modern joinery, especially for bespoke fitted wardrobes. However, in York – where many of our clients live in properties with uneven floors and non-standard alcoves – a millimetre of error in the hinge cup can make levelling a door a nightmare.
Many DIY enthusiasts struggle with this task because they rely on measuring and marking by hand, or using flimsy plastic templates that flex while drilling. For a professional finish, especially when using premium materials like heavy Oak or painted MDF, you need consistency.
In this review, I've broken down three hinge jigs available today: a budget-friendly marker for quick repairs, a solid aluminium problem-solver, and a high-end adjustable rig that offers the precision required for high-quality bespoke work.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal 35mm Fit"
"Most jigs claim to fit all standard 35mm concealed hinges."
While the 35mm cup diameter is standard, the 'offset' (distance from the door edge) varies. Cheap jigs are fixed at 5mm, but some heavy-duty or soft-close hinges require a 3mm or 6mm offset. Check your hinge specs first.
The Spec: "Drill Guide Material"
"Plastic guides are sufficient for home use."
Plastic guides widen as the drill bit spins against them, reducing accuracy after just a few holes. For a full run of wardrobe doors (10+ hinges), you need metal bushings or bearings.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Hakkin Hinge Jig 35mm Door Hinge Jig Drill Guide Concealed hinge jig
Hakkin
This is a basic, no-frills kit ideal for fixing a single broken door or a very small project. It relies on a plastic guide and a separate marking plate. It won't stand up to trade use, but for under a tenner, it solves the immediate problem.
The Good
- Extremely cheap – practically disposable price
- Includes a Forstner bit with depth stop (crucial to avoid drilling through the door)
- Simple enough for a one-off repair job
The Bad
- The red plate is for marking only, not drilling – high chance of human error
- Plastic template will wear out quickly
- No clamping method; you must hold it perfectly still manually
Installer Tip:
Do not try to drill through the red plate – it's just for marking the centre! Use a bradawl to punch the centre point firmly before drilling, otherwise, the large 35mm bit will wander across the timber surface.
Priced at £7.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonQuick Set 35mm Concealed Hinge Jig with Built-in Screw Hole Guide
Gohelper
This is the tool for the serious DIYer or tradesman. The adjustable offset (2-8mm) is a game-changer for bespoke joinery, allowing you to fine-tune how the door sits against the carcase – vital when working with thick bespoke doors in older York properties.
The Good
- Adjustable offset is essential for non-standard hinge requirements
- Built-in guide for the smaller screw holes ensures the hinge sits square
- Solid metal construction ensures consistent accuracy over hundreds of cuts
The Bad
- Higher price point
- Slightly heavier to handle if working vertically (though best used on a bench)
Installer Tip:
Use the adjustable offset to your advantage. If you are fitting particularly thick doors (e.g. 22mm MR MDF), increasing the offset to 6mm or more prevents the door edge from binding on the frame when opening.
Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonMetal Concealed Hinge Jig, 35MM Cabinet Hinge Jig Drilling Hole Puncher
GQGP
This jig solves the two biggest problems with budget jigs: 'bit wobble' and 'slippage'. By using double bearings and a solid aluminium clamp, it keeps the drill bit perfectly perpendicular to the door face, ensuring a clean cut even in tough hardwoods or brittle chipboard.
The Good
- Double bearings prevent the drill bit from rocking (a common issue with plastic jigs)
- Quick clamp mechanism makes repetitive work much faster
- Drills the 35mm cup and the 2mm pilot holes in one setup
The Bad
- Not as adjustable regarding offset as the Gohelper model
- Instruction manual can be a bit basic
Installer Tip:
Set your depth stop carefully. Test on a scrap piece of the same timber first! If you drill too deep on a 18mm door, the point of the bit will push through the face, ruining your expensive bespoke door panel.
Priced at £19.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the standard offset for concealed hinges?
Can I use these jigs on painted MDF doors?
Do I need a pillar drill for these?
Why do my hinge screws strip the wood?
Can DR Joinery fit wardrobes if I've bought the materials?
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