Does the new door you’re replacing appear larger than the original one you’re trying to chisel out?
Asked by Dwight Macrae 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 8, 2024
I’m trying to switch out an old door and fit in a new one. The new hinge seems bigger than the old one, so I’m thinking of chiseling it out to make it fit. But before I start, I wanted to check in and make sure I’m on the right track. Does this seem correct to you?
Follow along the inside of the line
The reason it appears larger is because it is. When tracing an object, make sure to trace along the outer edges. Measure the width and height of the original item, create a rectangle based on those measurements, then align the hardware with the corners before tracing to ensure accuracy.
This one caught ‘ attention!
Traced a line from the bottom of the door, and it seemed to me like an illusion. I believe it’s due to the contrast between the dark paint and light wood compared to the new door that is fully painted.
It seems similar, but not quite right in my opinion. Tracing something can make it appear slightly larger.
Get your trusty ruler and give it a look. Just remember, you can take away more later, but adding back is tough. 😉
A friend sent you a link to a Home Depot product they believe you’d like to check out.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-Door-Hinge-Template-A99HT3/312284029
In addition to that tool, the router I purchased worked really well.
Can you try placing the old hinge next to it to see if it fits? I’m a bit confused about the question…
Ross, do you think this looks good?
Indeed, it appears to be a hinge cutout. SMH
It seems like the doors have different thicknesses
Yep, that’s . So, are you planning on moving the door frames?
Take your hinge and attach it to the door. Trace around it with a sharp utility knife. Next, remove the hinge and use a chisel. Be sure to switch sides of the chisel when gouging.
Make sure the knife blade is pressed firmly against the hinge while you trace around it.
Absolutely. Common sense should definitely take the lead. You’re right, man
I agree, it appears correct to me. The color might be playing tricks on the eyes.
Hmm, it seems like the size is different and the holes are not aligned in the same place.
I totally agree with what was said about the thickness of the door. It’s important to keep that in mind when installing the hinges.
The old door seems a bit more compact
Seems too large for me, I’d just create a paper template of the smaller version
Reminds me of the first time I tried it.. Now I use a router and a jig for it.
Try using a router for a more polished look and save some space for future generations
Tape never deceives
To make an outline, start by tracing the size with a utility or exacto knife and then cut deeper with a very sharp blade. You can also use a very sharp chisel for this step. If you’re willing to spend around 30 dollars, you can invest in a kit that works with a router.
https://a.co/d/74nYRIl
If you used the original hinges as a guide, it should be good to go.
The other door appears to be thicker.
Maybe it’s just a color variation. If not right, try moving it again.
Try to keep your pencil marks straight and accurate.
‘t be fooled by optical illusions.
If you trace along the inside edge instead of the outside, it will appear larger.
Hey, why not just grab a $20 mortiser kit from HD? It will work perfectly
Double check that your frame is sturdy enough for a thicker door, unless you don’t mind if it’s not flush
Did you make it too big? Why are there 3 lines on the left?
The top board appears to be thicker. Perhaps the hinge wasn’t fully inserted in its original position, causing it to protrude slightly. Double-check each measurement and, if necessary, use a chisel to adjust it.
Secure parchment paper to the edge of the old door and use a pencil to shade in the outline. Then, flip it over and transfer the design onto the new door. The drawing on the new door should be slightly larger than the original.
I’m excited to see your chiseling skills in action haha
But on a serious note, consider investing in a router
Also tried a jig.
Oh yeah, dude. I thought I could use a chisel for it. But nope 🙅♀️
Grab an olfa utility knife and carefully trace along the curved line. Then, create a narrow line the same thickness as the hinge and clean it up using a chisel.
Place the doors back to back with each end flush Then, check the hinges by using a square to ensure they are the same distance from the door edge
The new door is more substantial
I have experience with chiseling doors, but using a router completely changed the game!
Be careful with the stops, that door is thicker.
You could grab a budget-friendly jig from Home Depot and utilize a router
That top door seems to be thicker
Try putting the hinge in loosely first to check if it fits properly.
If you traced the hinge, it should be accurate. If not, try placing the hinge on top of the sketch to check for fit before proceeding.
I’ve heard some people mention that there are jigs available for this. You could also try using a portable router to carefully cut out the hinge. ‘t forget they also have one for the latch on the doorknob.
Hmm, that doesn’t seem quite right. Did you try using a thick carpenter’s pencil? Make sure it has a sharp point and run it with the lead right next to the hinge.
The top right side doesn’t seem correct. It appears that the line you drew may have angled out slightly to the right, making the line wider and the hole slightly off center. Have you attempted to align it with the actual hinge being used?
Use a ruler to measure. I bet you are a few millimeters over. Using a Stanley knife to make a mark is more precise.
Give the hinge a light press on an ink pad and then stamp it down gently
The hinge depth was not consistent on the old door. If you already have everything apart, I recommend matching the depth on the new door. If the door doesn’t hang correctly, adjust by cutting more and repositioning the hinge.
When tracing a hinge, keep in mind that the pencil line may end up slightly larger than necessary, resulting in a loose fit. To ensure a proper fit, chisel inside the line.
Does the new door seem wider than the previous one? The old door had the hinge sticking out a bit, while the new door is flush
‘t forget what Sandy mentioned – keep the chisel inside the line, not on the line
Can you tell me if the hinge is the same size? I see 3″, 3 1/2″, and 4″ options.
To make the hinge look bigger, trace around it and then chisel inside the pencil outline gradually until it fits properly.
You are absolutely right.
it’s a good idea to carefully score the line around the hinge with a razor blade if possible.
I noticed that the white door appears a bit thicker.
Hey, do you think the door is thicker?