Hinges are an important part of any door. You can see the hinges when you open the door, and they hold it up while you use it. This means that if your hinges are not properly fitted to your door, then opening and closing it will be difficult or lead to damage. To avoid this, you need to make sure that your door hinges are properly installed.
And for installation, you will need a wood router to cut the door hinges slot. So, what is the best router for door hinges? There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the wood router for door hinges, such as size, power, variable speed controls, compatibility with certain materials and more.
It is important that you know what features you want in your router, and how much money you can spend on it before you start shopping around. In this blog post, we will explore all of these factors to help you make an informed decision on which router would be best for your needs!
Top 5 Wood Router for Door Hinges Comparison Table
Product Name | Image | Types | Speeds (RPM) | Price |
Ridgid R86044B Cordless Compact Router |   | Cordless | 31,000 RPM | |
PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 Trim Router for Door Hinges |   | Corded-electric | 31,000 RPM | |
Makita XTR01T7 Cordless Router kit |   | Cordless | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM | |
Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed Base Router |   | Corded-electric | 8,000 to 25,000 RPM | |
Ryobi P601 One+ Fixed Base Trim Router |   | Cordless | 29,000 RPM |
7 Best Router for Door Hinges Reviews
There are many different brands out there, so it can take some time to figure out which one is right for you!
We have done the research and brought together a list of the top 7 wood routers available on the market today. These are all high-quality models that will last longer and help you get your door hinges cut just right every time!
1. Ridgid R86044B Cordless Compact Router
We’ve talked a lot about routers so far, and while we’ve come to expect the best from well-known brands like Dewalt, Makita, and maybe BOSCH (on their better days anyway), this Ridgid R86044B 18V Router managed to shock us.
That is, in a good sense. It doesn’t electrocute you.
A phenomenal fit is the first thing you’re going to notice here. The router’s grip is just perfect for all sizes of hands, big or small, and from what we saw, it’s pretty non-slip, too, both of which are lifesavers when it comes to making complex objects like hinges.
As for features, it’s not lacking there either. The R86044B’s motor has a soft start feature to eliminate workplace accidents, and it also comes with variable speed settings adjustable anywhere from 17,000-RPM to 25,000-RPM.
We noticed that, like some of Dewalt’s better routers, the Ridgid R86044B had LED lighting. They activate when the tool is turned on. This feature is really helpful when wood carpenters try to cut door hinges and latches.
Its brushless performance is excellent, and the clear groove the router provides is perfect for working on everything from thin planks of OSB plywood to stain grade wood trim (for the newbies, that’s high-grade wood like oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany).
Pros:
- Comfortable, non-slip router grip
- Brushless construction means it won’t overheat from long periods of use
- Clear dust redirection guide for better visibility of the workpiece
- The package includes a circular base for versatility.
- It comes with LEDs for illuminating your project.
Cons:
- We did notice many people received second-hand or used products.
- The Ridgid R86044B also doesn’t come with a battery, so you’ll have to spend a little extra for that.
2. PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 Trim Router for Door Hinges
The Porter Cable PCE6430 is a compact router like the Ridgid R86044B, but it’s much more powerful, with a 4.5-amp motor providing a constant speed of 31,000 RPM.
The router comes with a high-quality precision-machined fixed base made of cast aluminum, along with extra-large locking clips that let you quickly release the motor and make depth adjustments in a few seconds.
The Porter-Cable PCE6430 also has some quality-of-life features, like lightweight construction and internal LEDs that illuminate the workpiece. We did think the LED was a little dim, but it’s an improvement over just workplace lighting in most cases.
We thought the best part was that even though it’s a compact laminate trimmer-router, it can cut through thin sheets of aluminum. You’ll need the right bit (preferably a ⅜” mill bit), but it cuts through it like butter.
It’s also very, very quiet and one of the cheapest routers we considered for this list: All-in-all, the perfect investment for anybody doing light to medium trimming and routing.
You do need to look out for one thing, though. The Allen head screw in the clasp is sometimes supplied a little loose, so check it for the proper tightness before using the router, or you could have an embarrassing accident.
Pros:
- Perfect for routing door hinges and milling aluminum lowers
- Strong performance but doesn’t shake around much
- Firm depth adjustment and locking mechanism
- Easily held and maneuvered during edge routing
- Long power cord so you can move away from the wall socket
Cons:
- The locking mechanism can sometimes slip because it isn’t very tight.
- It ejects chips and debris out the front, so be a little careful when you’re using it.
3. Makita XTR01T7 Cordless Router kit
The Makita XTR01T7 Compact Router Kit stands out as one of the best routers we’ve reviewed yet. Like the Ridgid R86044B, it features a powerful 18-V motor suitable for everything from light routing to cutting through thin metal sheets.
In addition to being a brushless router that won’t be overheating on you every five minutes, the Makita XTR01T7 router maintains constant speed even after hours of use. That’s a lifesaver because you don’t want your router fluctuating on you.
Talking of speed, the versatility this router offers through its adjustable speed settings is one of the best things about it. You can adjust the speed from 10,000 RPM (suitable for light milling and routing) to 30,000 RPM (it probably doesn’t get any more heavy-duty than that).
Besides its motor and RPM, there’s also a couple of great things about the Makita XTR01T7.
The grip is non-slip and ergonomically designed. If you’re using a genuine Makita charger and batteries (which come included in the kit), it has high above-average battery life. It also comes with an optional dust collection instrument. We liked that.
Despite all of that, we did notice some clunks and drawbacks. Like most Makita products, this router is insanely expensive, and it has a clunky depth-adjustment mechanism.
If you’re looking for something on the cheaper end, maybe go for a Ridgid.
Pros:
- Above-average battery life for continuous, smooth performance
- Well designed ergonomic handles for a tight and non-slip grip
- Wide RPM range of 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
- The kit comes with a charger, batteries, a case, a straight edge guide, two spanner wrenches, and a ¼” collet.
- Separate lock/unlock and power buttons ensure you won’t accidentally power the unit on.
Cons:
- Very costly when compared to some of the routers on this list.
- Clunky depth adjustment mechanism.
4. Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed Base Router
The first BOSCH product we’ll be looking at is the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router, a highly functional, durable router that impressed us with many things. If we had to pick one, well, it would be how easy the product is to use, along with its constant-speed, robust motor.
It’s among the best wood router for door hinges, with a powerful 2.25 horsepower motor providing adjustable speed settings between 8,000 to 25,000 RPM. What’s better is that, like the Ridgid, the router maintains consistent speed for hours of performance.
Great ergonomics is another much-appreciated feature of the Bosch 1617EVSPK. The router has rounded hardwood handles to maximize control for small and large hand sizes, and from what customers say, it’s very comfortable.
One of the best things about this router was its durability, which comes from a base with solid aluminum construction. The router can take a few knocks and comes with dust-sealed switches to prevent dust ingestion.
There are a couple of other good things about this router. You can make adjustments quickly and easily, and with its durable, rugged construction, the router should provide top-of-the-line performance for at least a couple of years.
Pros:
- The kit comes with both a plunge base and a fixed base.
- Rugged aluminum construction for long-lasting tool life
- Versatile RPM range of 8,000 to 25,000 makes the router great for trimming, slot cutting, dovetailing, and bit plunging
- Hardwood handles for tighter and more comfortable grip
- It comes with a large plastic case for storing the kit’s contents.
Cons:
- It uses a non-standard baseplate, so you’ll have to purchase a separate adapter if you want to use bushings.
- A lot of the delivered products didn’t include the ¼” collets, which we thought was a bit strange.
5. Ryobi P601 One+ Fixed Base Trim Router
Ryobi’s known more for their range of routers that get the job done than for quality or any durability, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t love the Ryobi P601 One+ Fixed Base Trim Router.
Ryobi did the best thing they could with the P601 Trim Router: they picked up several good ideas from the host already available. You’ll find twin LEDs installed on this unit for illuminating your project, along with a robust 18-V motor capable of actual heavy-duty performance.
The P601 is designed for easy usability, with a weight of 1.9 pounds and a compact design. Because of that, it’s also easy to store it in an average-sized tool chest or hang it up if you have the proper rack.
Instead of using tools for depth adjustment, this router allows you to micro-fine adjustments using the onboard knob, making for a whole new level of usability. It’s also battery-powered instead of corded, so you don’t need to stay rooted to the wall (we hate that, ugh).
We kept the best part for the ending, though: this router performs at a whopping 29,000 RPM. Keep in mind, though, that this router doesn’t have adjustable speed settings. So if you’re looking for something to use on the weekends, the Ryobi P601 is the best choice. Isn’t it!
Pros:
- Extremely cheap and affordable product with decent performance
- LED lights to illuminate your workpiece
- Rubberized handles for a firm grip
- Easy to use depth adjustment knob and rough settings
- One of the cheapest but most functional cordless routers we checked out
- Compatible with most One+ Ryobi 18V batteries
Cons:
- From what we see, this router’s somewhat loud.
- It doesn’t have a vacuum attachment port.
- There’s also no way to attach this to a router table.
6. Bosch GKF125CEN Palm Router for Door Hinges
Looking for the perfect handheld router that’s not too heavy to hold but comes with a good motor that doesn’t compromise in performance? You’ve got a couple of choices, but only a few will beat the Bosch GKF125CEN Colt 1.25 HP Palm Router.
What makes this router great isn’t a single thing. Instead, BOSCH went over the top and packed the GKF125CEN with everything they could think of.
Just for a taste, consider this. In addition to a high-quality 1.25 horsepower, 7-amp motor, this small, handheld router has a speed settings variable between 16,000 RPM and a heavy-duty 35,000 RPM.
The depth adjustment is precise and easy, and you can change out bases instantly. A side advantage of this product is that it’s pretty cheap and perfect for hobbyists and weekend DIY enthusiasts who don’t need too powerful a router.
It’s effortless to hold, with a palm-grip design grip that even has finger support pockets. The GKF125CEN Palm Router isn’t just comfortable to hold and comes with exceptional control to let you do the work you need to.
Be warned, though, that the GKF125CEN has a lot of kickback even with its soft start feature. It can get a little fatiguing to use for first-time users.
Pros:
- Wide range on the speed dial increases the router’s versatility
- Affordable product compared to Ridgid or Makita routers
- A soft start feature eliminates jerkiness during startup.
- Excellent performance, especially when being used upside-down
- The router’s perfectly balanced and not too heavy
Cons:
- The locking button is hard to hold because it’s sleek and not rubberized.
- It does have a fair amount of kickback.
- The router also tends to heat up if you use it for more than an hour. If you’re planning to use it for a while, we’d advise some gloves
7. DEWALT Variable Speed Router (DWP611)
We couldn’t finish this off without a Dewalt. Our pick for this list was the Dewalt DWP611, a product we’ve seen before. And honestly? We don’t have to think about it. We love it!
You’ll find several great features on the DWP611, but the one we wanted to point out was its capacity to perform for hours in a row. Forget what you’re used to. This router can go up to five hours without heating up and even maintains the same speed so you can work in peace.
Its motor doesn’t disappoint as well: the Dewalt DWP611 comes with a 7-amp motor. You also get variable speed settings that go from a base of 16,000 RPM to 27,000 RPM.
We’ll be honest with you. It does have one drawback: bit tightness is a problem with the DWP611. If you go for this one, be sure to check the bit isn’t loose frequently.
If you’re willing to put up with that, you’ll get a solid product with very few issues, suitable for milling everything from AR15 lowers to high-grade cherry wood.
Pros:
- Probably the cheapest decent Dewalt router you’re going to find.
- Clear sub-base and twin LEDs ensure maximum visibility.
- 1.5 horsepower motor with no kickback
- Good dust collection so you don’t get debris flying up into your eyes.
- Depth adjustment is precise and works beautifully.
Cons:
- The LEDs on this router are somewhat low quality and tend to stop working after a year or two.
- Bit tightness is an issue, so check the bit frequently to avoid accidents
How to mortise a door hinge with a router?
Related Questions:
Can you cut door hinges with a router?
Yes! Door hinges can easily be cut with a router. In fact, there are a few different ways to do it.
One way is to use a straight bit and simply run the router along the edge of the hinge. This will create a clean cut that’s perfect for most applications. You can also use a template guide to help you make more precise cuts. This method is especially helpful if you need to cut several hinges at the same time.
Finally, you can use a chamfer bit to create a beveled edge on your hinge. This will give it a more finished look and make it easier to open and close the door. Whichever method you choose, make sure you take your time and practice beforehand so that you can get your hinge cut right the first time.
Can you use a router with door hinges jig?
Yes of course you can, I know a lot of people that have a router setup just for doing door hinges. The router is one of the best tools to use in conjunction with the door hinges jig because it allows you to make precise, smooth cuts. You can do this by using a straight or planing router bit.
What kind of router for door hinges?
The best router for installing hinges would be the kind of router that’s easy to take on and off without damaging the door hinge slot. It should have a low profile and variable speed control so that you can adjust the speed depending on the material you’re working with. And it needs to have a soft start feature that prevents the router from jerking awake when you turn it on.
Can you use a trim router for door hinges?
Yes, you can use a trim router for door hinges. The trim router is perfect for making the grooves in the door hinge. When using a trim router for door hinges, you will need to use a template guide bushing. This will help keep the routing bit square to the edge of the hinge.
You can also use a plunge router for door hinges. The plunge router is great for creating the mortise in the door. Both routers are great options for door hinges, but I prefer the trim router because it is smaller and easier to use. It is also less expensive than a plunge router.
How to use a trim router for door hinges?
When routing door hinges with a trim router, you will need to use a straight bit and a guide. First, you will need to mark the location of the hinge on the door with a pencil. Next, you will need to clamp a straight edge to the door so that it is in line with the hinge marks.
Finally, you will need to use a router to remove the wood from around the hinge. You can use a door hinge jig to ensure that the router bit remains in line with the marks on the door.
Final Verdict
Handheld routers need to be lightweight and stable to be used properly. Because of this, however, you’ll see models losing out on torque and power. That’s why this time, we didn’t have to think about what would make a winner: a handheld router that provided stable, heavy-duty performance while still having the torque needed for routing, milling, or dovetailing.
That’s also why we didn’t have a hard time picking the winner:
The PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 Single Speed 1/4-Inch Trim Router for Door Hinges!
This router came with a powerful 4.5-amp motor that provided a constant speed of 31,000 RPM for hours without overheating and rugged construction that made us pretty sure it would last you a while.
Surprisingly, it’s also one of the cheapest routers on this list. Who’d have figured?
