Installing a hinge properly is easier said than done. If the hinge is not placed exactly where it should be, your door will be misaligned, creating problems such as an unsightly gap, or the door being skewed to the rest of the workpiece. Here are a few tips to help you out for the next time.

On large hinges, if it is possible to clamp them into place while you drill the pilot hole for the screw this is ideal.

However, most situations require small hinges which make it impossible to clamp them down. In order to hold the hinge in the exact proper position, you can use a bit of CA glue (Cyanoacrylate Glue), or double sided tape while you get that first screw in place.

Self Centering Drill Bits

Another great invention that helps enormously is the self centering vix bit. The self centering design of the vix bit ensures that the hole will be drilled absolutely in the center. They come in all manner of sizes and can be purchased at most hardware stores.

The drill depth can be changed by means of loosening a set screw on the body, adjusting the drill bit to the desired depth and then locking the set screw again. Be sure to get a bit that is made from high speed steel which will stay sharp many times longer than similar bits made from high carbon steel.

Self-Centering Bits Designed for Rockler Woodworking and Hardware... Self-Centering Bits