Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 59381 Hinge Butt Template Kit

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently took delivery of this hinge template and am very happy with it's performance. I couldn't decide which template to buy - this one or the Bosch - and went with this one when I found out that Bosch won't work with other brand routers.

Set-up of this template is very easy once you become familar with the components. I have been struggling with the ABS Porter Cable hinge template (around $20). This works fine for the occasional door, but this template is a huge timesaver. First, it allows you to cut all hinge mortises with one set-up - no more moving the template for each hinge, measuring and re-measuring etc. Secondly, the template transfers directly from door to jamb and vice-versa, meaning a perfect match every time.

The only weak points are that the included but is high-speed steel rather that carbide tipped, and that the included guide bushing will cut mortises for 1/4" radius hinges only. Other radii require an additional guide bushing and bit. It would also be helpful if the thickness (height) of this template was the same as the ABS Porter Cable latch mortise template so that you could use both templates without changing your router set-up.

Overall, I definitely recommend this tool for anyone hanging more than an occasional door.

I've owned this same template for 20 yrs and can put it together and rout butts with my eyes closed if I had to ... I wore out 3 skill Butt Templates prior to that (still have one of those) and finally bought this one to last a lifetime ... I know nothing about the Bosch and do not need to as long as I have this Porter Cable Butt Template .

Everything is solid as you would expect, but plan on buying extra router bits, collars, and jamb gauges depending on the size of hinges and the corner radius of the hinges.

I purchased this tool for a job where I had to hang 12 doors, all flush solid core stain grade maple, valued at $350.00 each. Throw in the cost of the custom made maple jambs, mistakes were just not an option on the hinge mortises. This tool disappointed me right away. Once you've interpreted and applied the somewhat vague instructions, set-up is relatively simple. The problem I had was that the template sections moved when I transfered the jig from the door to the jamb. Most times, the sections moved only slightly so it wasn't noticeable until after the mortises were routed and the door was getting hung. By then, too late, break out the maple colored putty and stand by for customer complaints. Hand tightening the supplied thumbscrews would not hold the sections reliably, and when I applied slightly more than hand tight pressure with a pair of channel locks, the bolts stripped and broke every time. I finally bored out the threaded holes and replaced the thumb screw set-up with 1/4" machine bolts with a nut and washer. This modification makes for a very time consuming set-up, but at least it would hold the sections tight. All in all, Porter Cable has a ways to go on this tool to make it an every day reliable jig for use by a professional installer. It could be improved upon considerably. I'll keep it for occasional cautious use, but it's not really worth the price I paid.

I purchased one of these 20 years ago and can't imagine how to get a better one. As a finish sub-contractor I have a need for another and haven't seen a better one. I ordered another! The tool is bullet proof unless you get careless and lift the router and let the bit cut the guides.(it happened?) I'll use the shiney new one and the hired help can use the old one. It can intimidate some on the set-up and use. Don't be scared there are pictures on the carry case! As in most Porter-Cable tools it will last a long time.

I've used this product for about a year now from hanging single doors slabs which only require a hinge mortise (replacement doors) to hanging door slabs in new openings which require hinge mortise's on the door and jamb. It's worked very well and the results have been perfect. The doors have fit exactly in the openings and for replacement doors (trying to match new hinge location on the door with old hinge location on the jamb) the hinges have always lined up. The hinges fit perfectly in the mortise and have that quality, factory installed look to them. The reason I didn't give it five stars is that the depth of the hinge always seems too shallow when mortising for replacement doors. This is overcome by using one of the extra metal flanges as a spacer when aligning the template. Then it work's great. A good tool to use when you have one or a few doors to hang, a great tool if you have more than a few. Speeds up installation time considerably.

This device was clearly designed by engineers who not only know how to build a tool but who also understand the needs of the craftsman who will use that tool.

The PC 59381 is versatile, heavy-duty, and -- once the instructions are thoroughly read while examining the kit's pieces -- it is easy to use. In my work, it is unlikely that I will encounter a door hanging job to which this product cannot adapt.

Casual users would be advised to purchase another product -- I've used PC's plastic template quite happily for years, and it would still be my choice for one or two doors. For multi-door projects, this is the tool to use.

I bought this unit because of the great reputation Porter Cable has and was not disapointed. It is dead on accurate and well made, should last a lifetime. The only fault I could find with it was the manual, somewhat vaguely written. I used common sense and past experience and had no problems, though a beginner may have to read thru a couple of times.

I own two to these kits. I am able to move and set this jig to match any exsitstent hinge mortise with great accuracy. I have even had to bore my own holes on the bars just to match a certain postsition. Have been in the business for 30 odd years. If you are a good craftsman this is a good templet. Bought a second just so I could hang ten foot doors. I am yet to have a problem. If you can read, then read the directions, and there is no flip floping of the jig. If you think you can hand chisle faster than this jig, and hang more than one a day being nice and clean I will sharpen my chisles more. For those who think this is a bad jig has not worked on a door over 6'8". And for those who like pre hungs, well I think it speaks for itself. My only complant with the jig is, are the pins that hold the jig away the correct distance from the jamb. They will loose their correct position after awhile. That could be improved to be more ridged. Well thats my two cents.

My only gripe with this otherwise excellent template is the availability of the various sized jamb gauges that are necessary to transfer hinge locations from already prepared jamb to door, or vice-versa. I would think they would be included with the tool, but instead I've been having to literally hunt them down. The 4" gauge is not even available, that I can find. In fact, if anyone has a set (3) of the 4" gauge, let me know!
Otherwise, the Hinge Butt Template Kit is an excellent tool to have for anyone involved in the task of reto-fitting and hanging new doors. It has proved to be extremely useful to me.