DIY Hinge Mortising

Mark the vertical center line of the desired locations of the hinges on the jamb. If you are matching hinge positions from an existing door, measure the hinge locations on from the door and transfer the measurements to the door jamb.

Separate the two leaves of the door hinge by removing the hinge pin.

Position a hinge leaf against the jamb surface and aligned with the centerlines marked earlier. With the hinge leaf held firmly in place, use a pencil to mark the perimeter outline of the hinge on the jamb or door edge. This line will be the edge of the hinge mortise.

Cut the outline of the hinge mortise with the tip of a 3/4-inch wood chisel and hammer. Hold the flat face of the chisel toward the outside of the mortise and tap the chisel to cut approximately 1/8-inch deep. If the hinges being installed have rounded corners, score the curved portion with a 3/8-inch coved chisel or utility knife.

Chisel out the hinge mortise using a 3/4-inch wood chisel and hammer. Hold the wood chisel firmly, with the beveled edge flat to the wood, and work slowly to remove the material from the mortise. Cut slowly up to the mortise edge to avoid chipping the surface beyond the mortise. The hinge leaf should fit securely in the mortise cut and level with the jamb or door surface.

Repeat to complete the remaining hinge mortises in both the door and door jamb.