Best Hinge Jigs for Precision Door Fitting: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Hanging a door correctly is one of the true tests of a joiner's skill. In the past, cutting a hinge recess (or 'mortise') was done purely by eye with a sharp chisel and a mallet. Whilst I still rely on my chisels for restoration work in listed properties, a good hinge jig is indispensable for speed and consistency on modern fittings.
In York, where door frames are rarely square and timber thickness varies, having a reliable jig can mean the difference between a flush wrap-around fit and a door that binds. Whether you are fitting expensive solid Oak internal doors or replacing kitchen cabinet fronts, accuracy is paramount.
In this review, I've selected three jigs that cater to different needs: a budget-friendly option for occasionally hanging standard doors, a premium kit for cabinet joinery, and a versatile problem-solver for various door sizes.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Quick & Easy Setup"
"Manufacturer claims you can clamp the jig on and start routing immediately."
Always test on a scrap piece of timber first. Plastic jigs can flex, and if the clamp slips, you will ruin the door stile instantly.
The Spec: "Universal Fit"
"One jig fits all hinge sizes and door thicknesses."
Most budget jigs struggle with older, non-standard door thicknesses common in York's terraces (e.g., 32mm or 50mm). Check the specific capacity before buying.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Foppla Door Hinge Jig,Door Hinge Installation Kit,Sturdy Door Hinge Router Template Cabinet,Door Hinge Mounting Jig,Door Hinge Mortiser for Hinge Installation(Mixed Color)
Foppla
For the price, the Foppla jig is a competent tool for standard internal door fitting. It is lightweight and handles the common 3 to 5-inch hinge sizes found in most modern UK homes. It is an ideal entry point if you only have a few doors to hang and cannot justify a professional metal jig.
The Good
- Very affordable for one-off jobs
- Includes a self-centring drill bit (essential for straight screws)
- Adjustable for length and thickness
The Bad
- Plastic construction flexes if clamped too tightly
- Not durable enough for daily trade use
Installer Tip:
Because this jig is plastic, ensure your router bit is extremely sharp. A dull bit will drag the jig rather than cut the wood, leading to an inaccurate recess. Use light passes.
Priced at £15.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonQuick Set 35mm Concealed Hinge Jig with Built-in Screw Hole Guide, Metal Precision Cabinet Door Hinge Jig with Wider Offset from 2 to 8mm, Woodworking Cabinet Doors Mounting Tool
Gohelper
Whilst primarily for cabinet doors (concealed hinges) rather than internal room doors, this Gohelper jig is a piece of quality engineering. If you are refurbishing fitted wardrobes or a kitchen—common joinery tasks in York—this solid metal tool offers precision that plastic alternatives simply cannot match.
The Good
- Solid metal construction ensures zero flex
- Built-in clamp is robust and reliable
- Precise adjustment for edge offset (2-8mm)
The Bad
- Specific to 35mm concealed hinges (not for butt hinges)
- Higher price point reflecting the build quality
Installer Tip:
The dual-axis stabiliser is excellent. When drilling for wardrobe doors, ensure you vacuum the debris out of the hole frequently; compacted sawdust can stop the jig from sitting flat for the next hole.
Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDoor Hinge Jig Kit Premium Hinge Sizes Ultimate Door Hinge Jig Best Hinge Template Installation Kit Precision Door Locks Effortless Locator Cutouts
Garosa
This kit bridges the gap significantly well. It accommodates a massive range of hinge sizes (2-1/2 to 6 inches) and door thicknesses. This versatility is crucial when working on older properties where door dimensions might have been altered over decades of renovation.
The Good
- Excellent sizing range for non-standard doors
- Made from ABS which is tougher than standard plastic
- Sliding mechanism is intuitive to set up
The Bad
- Still requires careful handling compared to metal templates
- Instructions can be a bit sparse for beginners
Installer Tip:
Use the depth adjustment on your router, not the jig, to control the rebate depth. Set it to the exact thickness of your hinge leaf plus 0.5mm for paint clearance if you are fitting pre-finished doors.
Priced at £27.54 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a router to use these door hinge jigs?
Can I use these jigs on fire doors?
Why are plastic jigs cheaper than metal ones?
How do I deal with old layers of paint on frames in York properties?
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