HingeMate300 Ready to Use Drop-in Door Hinge Template System for Routing Hinge, Strike and Latch Plate Mortises

There are two problems with this kit. First, all of the templates are larger than the final size of the cut out. This makes for needless difficulty when trying to duplicate or modify an existing installment. Secondly, the bit provided has an offset too small for the templates. As a result, the cutout ends up being too large allowing the hinge to move inside (at least 1/16" inch up and down) which decreases the strength of the hinge and invites problems with doors getting out of adjustment or sagging. This probably isn't an issue with a narrow 1 3/8" hollow door but is a major problem with a wide 1 3/4" thick solid door which weighs SUBSTANTIALLY more (hence my altering existing 3.5" hinges to 4" hinges which required me to enlarge the existing hinge mortise.)

This set consists of steel template frame which needs to be screwed onto the doors with two screws which are a part of this set. The frame has two knobs which allow the jig to be used with 1-3/4 and 1-3/8 thickness doors. There are 8 plates for different size and types of hinges as well as latches. Plates are made of a plastic which appears to be of a good quality. After selecting the plate matching your hinges and/or your latch you push it into the frame. This creates a template. In this set you will also find a router bit with 1/4" shank. Bit has a ball bearing which rides on the template. All you have to do is to set the depth of cut with a router and route the groove in the doors. Template can be removed now and hinge or a latch placed in the groove. This set also contains a #8 (9/64") drill bit which allows you to pre-drill holes for the screws which will hold the hinges or a latch on the doors. There is one more useful tool in this set - corner chisel. If you are using square hinges you need to use it to cut the round corners made by the router bit. Very useful addition! All parts are made of adequate materials (mostly metal except for plates) and seems to be able to last for many projects. The manuals are written in easy to follow matter in English, French and Spanish. There are also numerous drawings which illustrate what to do step by step. This set makes hanging doors quite an easy task even for someone who never have done it before.

if something happens to the plastic template, you can't get a replacement without purchasing a whole new kit.

Easy to use, hinges fit perfectly.

Easy to use and many combinations

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

It worked very well. Did the job perfect. I wouldn’t say it lines up perfectly but it’s just as easy to line it up by eye.

Tried it out and used different thickness of woods . Worked excellent.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser