How to Cut a Hinge Mortise by Hand

Need to cut a hinge mortise but don't have access to an electric router? Relax, people have been doing it with just a hammer and chisel for decades. A chisel can actually be less work than a router. Here is a step by step guide on how to cut a hinge mortise.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Utility knife
• Hinge

1. Trace the outline of the hinge using a utility knife. Retrace your outline by scoring it as deep as possible with your utility knife.

2. Using your chisel and hammer, hammer a series of plunge cuts inside your outline every half inch or so.

3. With the bevel side down, remove the small sections of wood that were created by the plunge cuts. Be careful not to cut outside of your outline.

4. Touch up the interior of your outline with the chisel until you have a smooth even surface. Make sure the bevel side is down to avoid unnecessary gouges. Small controlled adjustments are best for guaranteeing accurate results.

[jbrown13]

on 11/5/2009 pretty good mortise, but i found hingedummy website with step by step pictured instructions for mortising and entire hinge installation. for cabinet hinge installations go here www.hingedummy.info/cabinethingepage or door hinge installation here www.hingedummy.info/doorhingepage

[larryt1054]

on 10/26/2009 nice job