Concealed hinges, also known as European hinges or cup hinges, are a popular choice for modern cabinetry due to their clean aesthetic and hidden design. They provide a sleek and seamless look, allowing the focus to remain on the cabinetry itself. Installing these hinges properly is crucial to ensure smooth functioning and longevity. To execute this process accurately and efficiently, you can use a special concealed hinge jig, available from a few manufacturers.
There are several jigs available for installing concealed hinges that make the process efficient and precise. The right tools can simplify the process and help achieve professional results, even for DIY enthusiasts. Having the proper tools on hand will also save time during installation and ensure the hinges are secure and properly aligned.
When choosing among the available jigs for installing concealed hinges, it’s essential to consider factors such as compatibility with the specific hinge type, ease of use, and accuracy. A high-quality tool should be able to create precise holes and guide you through the installation process with minimal margin for error.
With a variety of options available, it’s essential to find the right set of tools to match your needs and skill level. To help you make an informed decision, we have thoroughly researched and tested various products to identify the best tools for installing concealed hinges, ensuring a smooth and successful project.
Best Jigs for Installing Concealed Hinges
Explore our carefully curated list of the top tools for installing concealed hinges (European Hinges).
Kreg KHI-HINGE Concealed Hinge Jig
The Kreg KHI-HINGE Concealed Hinge Jig is a must-have for achieving precise and accurate hinge alignment on cabinet doors, making it a great investment for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers. This concealed hinge jig includes the 35mm Forstner bit and the drill guide. It does not include the 1/16″ or 5/32″ drill bit for predrilling for the mounting screws, so make sure you have some on hand.
Pros
- High-quality carbide-tipped drill bit for clean, accurate holes
- Easy-to-use design with indexing cams and measuring scales
- Works well with various concealed hinge types, offering versatility
Cons
- Clamps for securing the jig are not included
- Chip clearance could be better, especially for polymer cages
- Depth adjustment in 1mm increments may not suit all projects
Having personally used the Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig, I can confidently say that it made the installation of concealed hinges a breeze. As a reliable and sturdy companion in my woodworking projects, it outperformed my expectations by ensuring accurate hinge alignment on every door. The included carbide-tipped drill bit and stop collar make it easy to achieve the correct depth for cup holes, while the jig’s compatibility with various hinge types adds versatility to its value.
Despite its many benefits, there are a few drawbacks that users should be aware of. The jig does not come with clamps for securing it in place, so you’ll need to purchase those separately. Additionally, the chip clearance in the polymer cage could be better, and the depth adjustment in 1mm increments may not be suitable for all project requirements. One additional complaint is that the drill guides for the 1/16″ screw holes are plastic. Probably not an issue, but some of the cheaper models do include steel guides for improved durability.
However, taking these minor hiccups into account, I still believe the Kreg KHI-HINGE Concealed Hinge Jig is a valuable addition to any woodworking toolbox.
Milescraft 1342 Euro Hinge Jig
The Milescraft 1342 Euro Hinge Jig is a reliable and user-friendly solution for installing concealed hinges on your cabinet doors.
Pros
- Accurate, repeatable drilling with metal bushing guide
- Edge alignment knobs for precise hinge positioning
- Built-in depth gauges for easy depth setting
Cons
- Only works with 35mm Forstner bit
- Drill bit may not fit all drill drivers
- Additional depth setting for 11mm not included
Having just used the Milescraft 1342 Euro Hinge Jig, I found it incredibly efficient in creating perfect 35mm concealed hinge holes on both framed and frameless cabinets. Its versatility allowed me to align the jig to six common cup hole edge distance settings, ensuring accuracy for each installation.
The metal bushing drill guide and built-in depth gauges were game-changers. They guided me through the drilling process effortlessly, producing consistent hinge hole depths without any wear and tear on the jig itself. Furthermore, this jig included a detachable hinge marking guide that helped me align measurements from door to frame seamlessly, a feature I appreciated during my project.
However, I noticed that there is no built-in depth setting for 11mm, so those requiring that specific depth will need to adjust accordingly. Despite these minor concerns, the Milescraft 1342 Euro Hinge Jig is a practical and dependable tool for anyone looking to install concealed hinges with precision and ease.
CDIYTOOL 35mm Concealed Hinge Jig with Clamp
The CDIYTOOL 35mm Jig for Concealed Hinges is a useful tool, but has a few drawbacks to consider.
Pros
- High-quality aluminum alloy construction
- Adjustable for different wood thicknesses
- Complete kit for convenient use
Cons
- 35mm bit may wear out quickly
- Screw hole alignment issues
- May not work well with all hinge brands
I recently used the CDIYTOOL 35mm Concealed Hinge Jig to install concealed hinges on a few cabinets. The jig is made of a durable aluminum alloy, which makes it both wear-resistant and long-lasting. The adjustable drill guide was very handy, allowing me to secure wooden boards of various thicknesses without any issues. There are actually several comparable/knock-off brands of this jig available on amazon. They all appear pretty similar.
The kit comes with all the necessary components, including a hole opener with a limit ring, spanners, a 2mm drill bit, and a hexagon wrench. This made the installation process smooth and hassle-free. Overall, the jig was easy to use and perform its intended function effectively.
However, I did encounter a couple of drawbacks while using this product. The 35mm bit seemed to become dull fairly quickly, which might be a concern for users who need to drill a large number of holes. Additionally, I had some issues with the alignment of the screw holes, which required further adjustments for a proper fit. Lastly, the jig might not be suitable for all hinge brands, so double-check compatibility before purchasing. The Bore spacing from the door edge is not easily adjustable.
Neoteck 35mm Hinge Drilling Jig
The Neoteck 35mm Hinge Drilling Jig is a versatile and easy-to-use tool that will simplify the installation of concealed cabinet hinges, making it a must-have for DIY enthusiasts.
Pros
- Simple to use with any hand drill
- Accurate hinge positioning via built-in indexing tabs
- Convenient and repeatable results with measuring scales
Cons
- Bit guide could be more durable
- May require additional clamping for best results
- Not ideal for large-scale projects
The Neoteck 35mm Hinge Drilling Jig made the process of installing cabinet door hinges a breeze for me. It’s compatible with any hand drill, which means you don’t need to invest in special equipment. The built-in indexing tabs ensure a precise hinge position, taking the guesswork out of the installation process.
In my experience, the tool provided consistent results due to its built-in measuring scales. However, I found that the bit guide could be more durable, especially when working on more extensive projects. It’s important to ensure proper clamping on a stable work surface for the most effective use, so consider that when setting up your workspace.
While using the Neoteck 35mm Hinge Drilling Jig, it’s worth noting that it might not be the best choice for large-scale projects, as its durability could be an issue in the long run. Nevertheless, for smaller projects and occasional use, this jig is an excellent value and makes hinge installation much more accessible for the average DIYer. Essentially, this jig is a cheaper knock of version of the kreg jig, with similar design and features, but very likely lower quality materials and tolerances.
My Recommendation
All 4 of these jigs will get the job done, but for the price, and considering the additional features offered, the Milescraft 1342 Euro Hinge Jig is the clear winner. It does everything the Kreg jig does, and more. Include the stops, the detachable hinge locating guide, steel drill bushings and a lower price. Winner, Winner!
Buying Guide
As a woodworking enthusiast, I know how important it is to have the right tools for the job, especially when it comes to Jigs for concealed hinges. In this buying guide, I will share some tips to help you choose the best products for your needs and what features you should pay attention to.
Types of Concealed Hinges
First, it’s crucial to make sure you’re selecting the appropriate type of concealed hinge for your project. Some common types include:
- Full overlay
- Half overlay
- Inset
Consider the style of your cabinetry to determine which type would work best for you.
Adjustability Features
The best concealed hinge jigs offer adjustability features for seamless and precise installation. Some hinge jigs have three-way adjustability, allowing you to control the door’s height, depth, and side-to-side positioning.
Installation Accessories
Be sure to check if the hinge jig includes essential installation accessories. It’s helpful to have all the required drills and accessories to avoid buying those separately.
Price
Lastly, consider the price, but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for products within your budget that maintain the quality and features you need.
