Ryobi Hinge Jig - An Objective Look at the Ryobi Hinge Mortising Jig

[@InsiderCarpentry]

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[@759NPR]

Spencer - Glad you're taking the time to demonstrate so much of our craft to inquiring minds. I've been at this since boyhood, and professionally, I've been a finish carpenter/cabinetmaker since 1992. I've used a lot of different tools over the years - started out hand driving trim nails, building cabinets in two-car garages or on site, and hand mortising everything... Around the turn of the last century, after hand chopping many mortises in some high-end residential finish work, I plunked down $100 for the Hinge-Mate, HM-1100 - W It's an all aluminum jig, set up to mortise the smallest of hinges, right up through at least 5" butt hinges, and it accommodates 3/4", 1 3/8", as well as 1 3/4" exterior slabs. The jig will also reconfigure to mortise loose jamb material (not pre-hung) for jamb hinge placement . The kit came with 1/4" & 5/8" rad. mortising bits for the differing small & large radius of common butt hinges. I've used the various plastic versions, w/the set nails, but the Hinge Mate is worth its weight in gold bullion. Last I checked, it was offered at $200, some years ago, although haven't seen it offered anywhere in a while now. You may pick one up on Ebay, or FB marketplace, but if you've a chance to grab one - don't hesitate. Keep up the good work, you're a very good teacher. Hoping your work habits rub off on the younger up & comers in our craft - so very few that are willing to run the gauntlet of the "years" it takes to master our craft. A truck full of tools doesn't necessarily make one a craftsman. You're pointing people in the right direction -👍

[@tombarker2369]

I am about to start working on some 25 doors in an old mansion, just bought this jig to try it and lo and behold here is a video by a master who just saved me a ton of grief and time by explaining its quirks. thanks

[@ben68442]

see my post above for the real answer.

[@2815Juan]

I’ve used this jig for 12 plus years when ryobi used to be blue in color. Still works perfect. I’ve never had a problem making perfect hinge cut outs

[@targetshooter3]

Spencer thanks again for great info. I am a 76 year old practicing carpenter with one eye. If you dont start wearing eye protection you might just suffer some horrific consequences ......its just a matter of time. With respect, Roger

[@KenHill]

I'm a 68-year old finish carpenter with one eye and I approve this message!

[@texasfossilguy]

literally had a piece of nail smack me in the eye yesterday putting up barnwood shiplap and got lucky. you are absolutely right.

[@hcwbw3]

I guess it is safe to say the "I's" have it. I am not making light of your personal situation. Coming from a family of carpenters and dabbling in it my self, they never used eye protection and I don't but, I will. thanks.

[@Chuffin_ell]

You are a master, eye am a pupil....

[@rustyshackelford1483]

Many years ago when I was an apprentice, I was moving a 12' x 4' wallboard solo. I was using a two hand top grip when my right hand slipped and my thumb went into my eyeball with a lot of force. I had a black eye and a hematoma in my eye for weeks. I was very fortunate I didn't lose my sight in that eye. Since then I wear protective glasses whenever I'm working, no matter what task. Thanks for listening to my old man's story! 😉

[@user-zn1wo9nw4t]

Probably the best video to watch for this project. I think he should have mentioned the screw/drill guide tool too. I chiseled the first door and it did not go well. This tool and video saved me! Great job with the detailed video. Lots of very important tips. Listen closely.

[@stephaniehenry9329]

Thank you! I was looking for that info right at the 3:00 mark. I could tell something wasn't right, and I didn't even think to pull off the strips. lol. But that was it! The video helped so much. Great idea to go back and check the original door. I'm usually rushing, so your thorough video was awesome! I really appreciate the little tidbits of knowledge that I'm sure you've picked up over the years. It was my first time using a router, and putting up a door for that matter. Everything worked great, and the new door is up!

[@Eaglefreek300]

I've been in the door business since 86. I've got an old school Porter Cable kit in the old steel case. A couple years ago, I saw the Ryobi hanging at the store and said what the heck, I've got to try it. I haven't pulled out my Porter Cable kit since. I really like it. Just wish they made a more robust version for pros.

[@LoveGuruGreg]

Agree, a metal one would be great!

[@JeffBrewer-v6x]

One of the best reviews I’ve ever watched ! Simple and to the point . Thanks bud

[@popawalker]

I wish I had seen this a month ago. I just replaced 4 old doors and the checking the jig on the old door tip would have saved me some extra work. Thanks for these videos.

[@roccoconte2960]

I've been using a porter cable jig for about 30 years now works great all metal no plastic.

[@davidrobins4025]

Thanks for the good, clear description of how to use this jig.

[@andrewflewelling4294]

Perfect timing on this. I was getting ready to build a template/jig and was looking on KZbin for guidance. Now I know what to do with the $50 gift card from the kids for Christmas.

[@lexxb6386]

I bought the templaco bore master kit years ago, and that thing does it all. Great video!

[@chuckpazmore]

Informative, has key details. I'm very grateful for your analysis of this jig and putting your advice to use right now.

[@philipdevenish9416]

Thanks for the info,I used the jig out of the box and my door was binding on the stop,now I know why,it is going in the bin.

[@j4im3r]

Great info. Instant trust when the guy just installed 20+ doors and has sweet door holding saw horses.

[@Senpany_kit_abuse]

Makes me feel better. I got 10 slab doors to replace tomorrow and just picked up this jig.

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks Spencer. Always appreciate the tricks n tips. I’m heading to HD to purchase one for a small job.

[@firemann3295]

Thanks for the review and insight, I'm a pretty confident DIYr and I need to replace 6 doors in my house, I think I'll pick this up for the project. Thanks again.

[@melternes3678]

I actually have this jig but never used it. Looked complicated. But now after watching your video, shouldn't be an issue. Your videos are always top notch. I always learn a bunch. Thanks!

[@monkeygraborange]

Sometimes with a new tool you really benefit from seeing someone use it before you do.

[@joshuareed3999]

Totally agree. It's not bad. I have used these quite a bit, and while they're not the most precise hinge mortising option, they're good until the plastic gets worn out from bearing freeze and the occasional touch from the bit. When it gets a little wonky you toss it and spend $30 to get a new one. The one I have isn't as fancy as this one, but I guess that makes sense. I'm not nearly as fancy as Spencer. 😄 Nice review sir!

[@1goblingreen404]

1st, thanks for the tip on the removal of the rubber stoppers, it gave me the spacing I needed and I wouldn't have noticed it otherwise. 2nd, I noticed that as I tightened the jig, one side will rise up off the door, placing the jig at a small angle. When this happens, the router won't remove enough material on one side. I had to really hold down the jig while tightening and even that was not a great result. There was about a 1/32 to 1/64th difference, which may be a small problem when you're only removing a 1/16th.

[@davesawyer6506]

I recently used this jig to replace the slabs in my home and had EXCELLENT results, though practicing on the old doors is paramount. For my application, the proper hinge backset was achieved with a 1/32 cardboard shim in lieu of the 1/16 rubber ones. I also found the hinge height to be a bit inconsistent due to slop in the height selector. Some cardboard shims to force it toward the smaller side of the setting fixed it. Also, mine needed a little filing on the plastic 5/8 radius pieces to get a fair transition to the straights. Finally, some practice on lining the jig to your layout lines is worth the trouble...take the line vs. leave the line stuff. A great jig for the price.

[@renaissanceman8581]

I have the older version of this jig. When Ryobi was blue and yellow. The Vice screw is actually metal. It’s a simple jig. That’s why it works well.

[@buckeye44wbg]

I wish you had this and your other door video available a few months ago when I tried to do the same thing! Awesome information dude.

[@libertarian1637]

I bought a Master Craft hinge and strike mortising kit some years ago; I’m sure like many others as the years went on I just made my own hinge mortising jig. I don’t mortise hinges too often but I just wanted a sturdier jig, so I built my own. For a do-it-yourselfer a Dremel with their router attachment works great to free hand hinges and strike plates. As a side note: I have some of the a DeWalt battery trim routers and have the plunge base on one which adds a lot of utility as well as a slightly larger base plate to the standard trim base.

[@markarita3]

That's funny, I was watching your 1st video (with the Bosch) jig, thinking man, he would really like the Ryobi (which I own). Then this video pops up! One thing to be careful with is if you tighten too much, the screw tip will mark your door. As it doesn't stay seated "under flushed" behind its "push plate". I took mine apart and added a small spacer/washer to prevent that play. I'm still careful when I tighten, but this definitely fixed the problem.

[@mariomalette4155]

Very well explained. Thanks for this great demo. All the best Mario

[@jean-francoislegare2571]

Best video on how to use it with all the tricks. I was about to throw it in the garbage when I saw you removed the plastic shims.

[@bjm2762]

I used one for 10 oak doors with 4" oblong hinges and it worked fine with just a small amount of chiselling for the corners. I would highly recommended it.

[@MrRustyjackson]

And the kit for locksets works as well. Done dozens of doors with them with great results

[@wtlloyd6039]

And, it's only about $10 for the latch mortise jig. Cheaper than a stamp (that you then have to chisel out)

[@craiganderson159]

Excellent Instructor

[@JohnWalker-pg9zo]

I use the Trend Hinge Jig, very easy to set up, will do a number of different size hinges, good pice of kit.

[@MikeyBLial]

About to buy one of these. Great info and a heads up on the lateral depth of the mortise. Much appreciated, my dude 🤘🏻

[@jimserhant7741]

I love craftsmen & women like yourself. Not only are you extremely skilled @ your chosen career, you also take the time to teach AND, show the average DIYer like myself that we don’t need to spend high dollars on a tool to accomplish the same goal. Granted, the hands doing the work helps a great deal, but I think you know what I am trying to say. With a little time & patience, most anything can be accomplished by the average DIYer. I for one, truly appreciate you.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

You bet, I'm happy to add value to the DIY crowd also.

[@dkhallal]

Sold! I only do a few doors at a time and very far between so this is perfect. Great review,

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brewbuildsit]

Thanks for reviewing this. I have a few minor projects I need it for and while I hate buying tools that aren’t quality this was perfect and super cheap.

[@makavelione513]

I like this jig, looks pretty easy to set, don't have to nail or screw it to the doors. Another helpful video from a smart carpenter.

[@grahammchendry7874]

Looks like a good tool. Only reason I returned mine without even opening it was that it wouldn’t do jam mortises and I needed to do both

[@Rich-hm9ux]

I have the same jig and yes, the harder you tighten the clamp, the more the jig is going to lift up and off the surface. When you are routing, it is important to push down evenly on the router so it routs the surface at the proper depth and it works best if you route it with the router in the upright position so you can put force on the jig.

[@gnusndn301]

That jig looks like it might work pretty good but I'm still partial to my plywood jigs and also the clamping mechanism should be on either side of the hinge rather than pushing from the center which would give you that inaccuracy there on the hinge margin . Practice mortising on an old door would probably be a good idea or a block of wood or something like that to dial in all of the precise tolerances. Again I appreciate your attention to all of the fine details. As you know the margins around a door are very obvious to even some of the novices. For seeing the bumps in the road ahead of time sure helps in making a job flow smoothly or not. Thanks for your videos.

[@jeffgarner3178]

I wish you would make a video replacing an exterior jambs, cutting the hinges on the jamb sides and reusing the doors as I am replacing a double exterior set of door jambs with PVC. I have never done anything like this before and can't seem to get a trim carpenter out in the country in North Georgia where I live or find a video showing me how to replace just the jambs and cutting the hinges.

[@JL-il6vk]

We have used this jig to replace all of our doors in the house (16 total). Worked well. Only problem, doesn’t work for the door jamb.

[@maritzalopez9143]

Great video it popped up exactly when I needed it! I didn’t realize I already had that exact jig bc inherited it and didn’t know what it was. Thanks to you it came out perfect!! My hinge was a thick one but I cut it at a thin one and it was easy to make it deeper!! Such a fun tool to use once you know how to do it!!!

[@mkl5448]

That ryobi template works pretty well. I replace it every 5 jobs, or so. It's plastic, so it gets beat up a bit. Same with the lock mortis. They are very economical and work quite well. It's no match for a pro set up, but for most people it's more than adequate.

[@kerryrodriguez2921]

I'm very impressed with your instructions and explanations!!! Excellent clarity along with your advice!!! Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@marcelpichaco5392]

Thank you for the video. The small strips at the back should squeeze when the jig is properly tighten

[@zephyr1408]

A yr & change later I am doing lots of doors?? So far it’s ok but I perfer my Bosh jig!! But like u said ok here there & for a Home owner that knows what he/ she is doing?? Like dad used to tell his customers??(built custom or Speck homes) “You could do that , however; it will look like you did it”? Just a wealth of information and knowledge on your channel Spencer really a great Source !!!!!

[@gtxtfgtxtf2052]

The best in depth informative review and professional quality tips of use I’ve see about this fixture so far. Thank you I have and am having trouble with contractors and workers who don’t know what quality is😳 Thanks again.

[@warrenheimpel8285]

Lousy quality and deliberate cut corners contractors are everywhere unfortunately ...😔 Southern Ontario Canada

[@williamfabiano543]

Best video you'll find . Look no further. Very well explained. Nice job.

[@jasonbabila6006]

It's always a good practice for the DIY homeowners to read the instructions before proceeding using any tools.

[@ernestthebo5441]

Real men don't need no stinkin' instructions! ;)

[@patrickboek1138]

Thx for the door jig tips. I build my own watching your video. Also the Ryobi router hinge jig works like a charm. First time doing doors.

[@satchmodog2]

I lost my old templates when I switched over to my new van. Ordered the Ryobi kit a few weeks ago but haven't used it yet. But this and the latch punch seem like decent tools

[@libork8106]

Good feedback. Thank you.

[@jameslund221]

You should have mentioned how you built those sweet sweet door stands, they’re real nice like. lol 😂

[@timothyconnecticut1910]

I found that exact same issue with those rubber strips. Peeled them off and threw in the trash. Now it leaves a very light 1/4 "

[@hmtrimworks7148]

Yes, Ryobi hinge jig is definitely a good buy for the money… I have to say it is the only thing Ryobi I own, but I’m very happy with it... Using a story pole in the door jam with a paint stick spacer on top is the easiest foolproof way to mark the hinges and transfer them to the door... I have a video demonstrating that technique and using the Ryobi jig

[@InsiderCarpentry]

My first Ryobi tool also!

[@danlux4954]

I wish they had the matching jig for the latch side.

[@2815Juan]

Ryobi Door Installation Kit, Mortiser, Router Template & Bit, Latch Locator Set Try this jig out as well. Can mark the door on the screw side. So be careful. Otherwise it’s awesome

[@davebarnes1742]

The TREND HINGE JIG is the best i have ever used does the frame and door 3 or 4 hinges ,paid for its self within a couple of days

[@takismantas1159]

Another great video as usual, showing a decent hinge jig for occasional use. How about the jamb side? Any suggestions for Jamb hinge and latch jigs?

[@ethanboggio3314]

Great unbias review of a Ryobi tool Spencer! We can always count on you for down to earth info brother! If you ever had some Insider Carpentry shirts made I would buy one! Especially one that has the cross you've used as profile pic in the past. God bless you my brother in Christ.

[@jefferyholland]

Nice little jig . I just toasted one of my jig plates 2 weeks ago and have been looking to either replace the plate or get a new jig. I think for the amount of doors I do and the cost of a replacement plate I will pick one of these up. Thanks for the review.

[@orville58]

Thanks for sharing this great information. Keep the videos coming.

[@theroadnottaken9378]

Lee Valley also offers a hinge jig that allows to do doors and jambs.

[@rickcolumbo3148]

Have you used it?

[@ernestthebo5441]

Spencer, thanks for a great video and sharing your expertise and skill with us. Your voice is clear, and the video shots are excellent. It's a delight to see a real craftsman at work. With your guidance I think I'll be able to make this tool work.

[@AnthonyScolaro1]

Hi, great work by the way. I’ve been using this jig for quite some time now and it is good but like you said, if your not careful when tightening it down, it moves the jig further and tends to bend it slightly. Overall a good bang for the buck I’d say.

[@energyflowswhereattentiongoes]

yes it does bend it slightly. I use the smaller end of a wood shim about 4"long and slide it in where those rubber spacers are and I can adjust it for whatever size of a reveal I want left on edge of hinge and it corrects the bending.

[@lexiams5973]

Just an idea, you could take a carpenter’s square to transfer the back mark from the first hinge to the other 2 so as to have equal depth on the mortise. It’s another step Spencer but you seem to go the extra mile in everything you do anyway. keep up the good work. Much love from North Texas

[@deckmonkey1459]

I have the same one that I partially ruined pretty quickly so I was laughing on your last video when you said to let the router stop before you try to remove it. It still works good though and it's so much better and faster than scribing with a knife and using a chisel.

[@toddwilliams9918]

I have that jig. It’s a great inexpensive jig that really works. The only draw back is that it is made of plastic and has some flex to it. So I’m on my 3rd jig. But still a great jig.

[@reggiejenkins6458]

Ive been using this jig for years, it’s shockingly great for such a cheap tool from a cheap brand. They just released an updated version that’s thankfully more beefy than the older one, the thin plastic flexing was the only issue. It’s as easy to use as you’re going to get for one of these jigs.

[@rotaxrider]

Just doors or will it do jambs too?

[@klundin]

I have had that Ryobi jig for hinges and the Milwaukee similar (but red) plastic guide for door knobs for well over a decade or so and they have always worked well for me. I will preface that they get used sparingly. But when needed they are lifesavers and have always been accurate.

[@nogaffin]

Great job. No BS. Loved your video.

[@mikegrimaldi5844]

I’m a handyman so I do lots a different things. I ordered the ryobi jig to replace a slab. I needed to repair the jig out of the box. Using it worked just ok but I think I’m a tool snob and will replace it with something better made. I give it a rating of 5/10.

[@garyshell7925]

Would love to see a clamp on style made from aluminum or even just a tough version. Thanks for the review.

[@theroadnottaken9378]

used to be one made of aluminum called the 'Hinge Mate' not sure if it is still available. Woodcraft supply has a picture of one but says out of stock. Trend makes a nice one that does doors and jambs as well, designed for the pro.

[@garyshell7925]

@@theroadnottaken9378 Thanks for pointing that out. It looks neat.

[@jejones8976]

@@theroadnottaken9378 The Hinge Mate is still sold at Lowe's. I own and have used both the Hinge Mate and the Ryobi being demonstrated by Spencer. Success can be achieved with both. The Hinge Mate can also be used on the door frame to mortise out those areas for hinges and the strike plate. The Ryobi does not help with this, but is much simpler to use for what it does. My only complaint about the Ryobi is the plastic clamp mechanism, but that's minor. It works well and is much easier to align exactly where you want it than the Hinge Mate, in my opinion. Spencer, thanks as always. I learn a lot from you.

[@texasfossilguy]

exactly. same idea but more robust

[@TerryPullen]

The Ryobi does not work on jambs, door slabs only. I am using the Hingemate 300 from Milescraft. Works well.

[@neddyboy01]

Does the hingemate work on the jamb also?

[@TerryPullen]

@@neddyboy01 Yes, it does.

[@hhprogressiveconstruction1140]

Ryobi put some thought into that jig . I like that spot for the self centering bit to not lose it .

[@chrisr.986]

Thank you for review. I just bought one today.

[@tedreynolds5285]

You’re a great communicator!

[@andychapman5476]

As another person says in the comments here look at the trend hinge jig great product only been around 20 odd years

[@AlAmantea]

Jig doesn't look too bad. I use the Porter Cable Jig most of the time, but I get quite tired of loosing the small parts that go with it. I think I'll be giving this one a try on the next job.

[@joshuareed3999]

Same. I have both, and consistently use the ryobi when I'm only doing a few doors. Plus the porter cable requires you to make additional holes in the edge of the door slab.

[@dangraves25]

I always use that jig, works great. Wish they make a high quality metal one. It's cheap enough to throw it away when it wears out though. I've been thru 2 or 3 over the past 5 years

[@SpeedRobertson]

I have one of these and I really like it.

[@arnieselectric007]

Hey Spencer, the little curved corners actually fit right back in the same place only in reverse...😉

[@howardlaunius7484]

I bought this jig for a one door replacement. I was pleased with the outcome. Glad to hear pro thinks it's good for limited use. Thanks Spencer.

[@kevinohara8671]

Iv got 3 ryobi jigs set up in a peice of trespa I suppose that you can use mdf set at the normal 6 and 9 and centre works great

[@zephyr1408]

Hi Spencer! Yes; I hv that Jig and it’s great for me. Even though I am a finish carpenter I just do not do that many doors! In your case I do not see how it last? Whereas my jig for cabinet doors cup hinges had to be replaced with an expensive Blum jig this year; all metal! As pro carpenters we just can not use all plastic jigs for any length of time w/o failure! Ryobi make not! Make that Jig in quality metal with awesome clamps and bada-bing , bada-boom; winner winner wood dinner!

[@donproctor3445]

Im replacing some doors and jambs. I used prehung doors from Lowes in the basement but the jambs they use are crap. The doors are nice - Masonite molded solid core craftsman style. So I'm thinking buy slabs and make my own frames. Thinking of how to use the Ryobi jig and make a plywood jig with all 3 hinge layouts for door and jamb. Because Im making them myself the jamb hinge cut can be down before assembly.

[@MsPokey1234]

Spencer ~ My Dad was a German Old World Carpenter ~ But U are amazing! Where did you learn so much - so young! U & Dad would be a amazing team! Dean K.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I'm just a big nerd...always learning since I got into this at 16.

[@Bigelite094]

Our project manager was ready to drop close to 400 for a jig with multiple hinge templates. We were going to use it to mortise hinges in slabs for existing framed in and welded in steel frames. Would have been nice, but nope. Boss said go with the Ryobi, one at a time.

[@jamesbyers1165]

Incredibly helpful, thank you. About to replace hollow core doors with solid core. However they only used 2 hinges when they built this house and I definitely want 3. Any tips on mortising the door jam?

[@jermiester7772]

Thanks for posting as I have to install 5 new doors in a week

[@THETIMINATORTHETOOLMAN]

Great video I just got the jig and used it to install doors in my day job. Have you done a video on the door holders/stands that you are using to keep the door vertical? Thanks

[@InsiderCarpentry]

See the previous uploaded video. I talk about the door bucks a little bit.

[@THETIMINATORTHETOOLMAN]

@@InsiderCarpentry I will check it out. Thanks !!

[@casycasy5199]

great review never would have even looked at it before

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Same here, but several pros commented that they carry one for small jobs so i thought I'd try one.

[@ed6837]

I have one and it is ok. Trouble is I hit the plastic on the jig with the running router bit and took a chunk out of it. Had an old Porter Cable one that was just a piece of plastic and you secured it to the door with a couple of nails.

[@John-ee4ki]

Have that tool. used it. I have made jigs for this sort of thing. I don't do a lot of production in this assignment. Not a bad tool.

[@olakunleadewaleadegbile5301]

I initially tried 1 after watching other videos and messed it all up skipping very basic step. I was able to easily complete after watching this video.

[@AsHellBored]

Good video and no fault to you, but I can't believe the client is changing out the full wood doors.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Yeah...but reality is flat sawn oak has been done to death and it was time for an update. And oak doesn’t paint well imo.

[@davids8493]

Thanks for the video Spencer. Now you just need to change the bit to a good quality carbide bit and you will be all set.

[@wtlloyd6039]

buying this is a no-brainer, I am impressed that Ryobi basically gives you the jig for the price of the included tooling...$20 for the router bit and $10 for the Vix bit, jig for free! I have used one of these a few times, my only criticism is that it is plastic so it is easy to overclamp it and distort the template or position it "off-square". Secondly, being too forcefull with the router and pressure against the sides of the template and you can pretty easily distort your mortise shape - easy does it is best!

[@choice9572]

Excellent instructions, thanks!!

[@jeffreylonigro1382]

6:05 don’t take the router out until it stops spinning! Don’t ask me how I know!