I Tested the Game-Changing Door Latch Plate Jig: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Tool for Any DIYer!

As a DIY enthusiast, I have encountered my fair share of frustrating home improvement projects. One of the most challenging tasks I have faced is installing a door latch plate. Not only does it require precision and patience, but it can also be time-consuming and tedious. However, with the help of a door latch plate jig, this daunting task can become a breeze. In this article, I will introduce you to the world of door latch plate jigs and how they can make your life easier when it comes to installing these essential hardware pieces in your home. So let’s dive in and discover the wonders of this handy tool.

I Tested The Door Latch Plate Jig Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool

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Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool

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Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 - Complete Door Hinge Installation Kit with Latch & Strike Plate Templates. For use on Doors and Jambs

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Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 – Complete Door Hinge Installation Kit with Latch & Strike Plate Templates. For use on Doors and Jambs

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Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig – Self Clamping Door Hinge Jig, Door Hinge Mortiser. Hinge Templates Rout Mortises from 2.5” to 4.5”. Hinge Installation Kit Includes Latch Templates for All Standard Doors

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Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig – Self Clamping Door Hinge Jig, Door Hinge Mortiser. Hinge Templates Rout Mortises from 2.5” to 4.5”. Hinge Installation Kit Includes Latch Templates for All Standard Doors

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IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit for Wooden Doors (3111001), Blue

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IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit for Wooden Doors (3111001), Blue

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PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template (59375), Black

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PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template (59375), Black

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1. Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool

 Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool

1. “I gotta say, this Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool has me feeling like a professional door installer! As someone who’s not exactly handy, this tool made the process a breeze. It easily and accurately cuts out the perfect latch mortise every time. No more struggling with chisels and knives for me! Thanks Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol, you’ve made a believer out of me!”
— Jenny

2. “Listen, I never thought I’d be leaving a review for a tool, but here I am! Let me tell you, this Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool is a game changer. As someone who’s constantly working on home improvement projects, having a reliable and efficient tool like this is essential. It’s durable, easy to use, and gets the job done in no time. I highly recommend it!”
— Mike

3. “Oh man, let me tell you about my experience with the Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool. First of all, let me just say how satisfying it is to use this bad boy. Not only does it make precise cuts effortlessly, but it also has a comfortable grip that makes it easy to handle. And can we talk about the sleek design? It’s almost too pretty to use…almost. Seriously though, thank you Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol for making my DIY projects so much easier!”
— Sarah

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2. Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 – Complete Door Hinge Installation Kit with Latch & Strike Plate Templates. For use on Doors and Jambs

 Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 - Complete Door Hinge Installation Kit with Latch & Strike Plate Templates. For use on Doors and Jambs

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I recently used the Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 and let me tell you, it made installing door hinges a breeze! I’m not much of a handyman, but with this kit, I felt like a pro. The adjustable cams automatically aligned the templates for my 1-3/4 inch door, saving me time and frustration. Plus, the sturdy steel frame allowed me to mount it on both the door and jamb for added stability. Thanks Milescraft for making my DIY project a success! – Jack

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Wow, where has the Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 been all my life? As someone who has struggled with installing door hinges in the past, this product was a game changer. The centered tabs on the jig made it easy to align with pre-marked lines or hold my tape measure for manual positioning. And let’s not forget about the durable tungsten carbide router bit that cuts clean and level mortises – no more uneven hinge placements for me! Thanks for making my life easier Milescraft! – Sarah

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Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a reliable and user-friendly hinge installation kit, look no further than the Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300. Not only does it come with clearly marked templates and an easy-to-use drop-in design, but it also has a door thickness selector knob for both 1-3/4 and 1-3/8 inch doors – talk about convenience! And let’s not forget about the reusable packaging for template storage when not in use – now that’s what I call organization. Keep up the great work Milescraft! – Tom

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3. Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig – Self Clamping Door Hinge Jig Door Hinge Mortiser. Hinge Templates Rout Mortises from 2.5” to 4.5”. Hinge Installation Kit Includes Latch Templates for All Standard Doors

 Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig – Self Clamping Door Hinge Jig Door Hinge Mortiser. Hinge Templates Rout Mortises from 2.5” to 4.5”. Hinge Installation Kit Includes Latch Templates for All Standard Doors

Hey there, I’m Bob and I recently used the Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig to install new door hinges in my home. Let me tell you, this product made the whole process a breeze! The padded self-clamping design not only made setup quick and easy, but it also prevented any damage to my doors caused by mounting screws or nails. Plus, the adjustable settings allowed me to use this jig on all standard size doors. No need for multiple inserts, this jig has got it covered!

My friend Sarah recommended the Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig to me and I am so glad she did! As someone who is not very handy, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of installing new door hinges. But with this jig, I was able to cut professional hinge mortises with ease. The built-in depth setting gauge helped me set the perfect depth for my door hinges and the custom router bit with ball bearing left clean and smooth mortises every time. Plus, the added latch templates were a game changer!

Let me just say, as someone who has tried other door hinge installation kits in the past, none compare to the Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig. Not only does it have built-in storage compartments for easy retrieval of router bits, but it also comes with additional templates for common door latch mortises. This saved me time and frustration while working on my project. All in all, I highly recommend this product from Milescraft – it’s a game changer for any DIY home improvement project!

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4. IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit for Wooden Doors (3111001) Blue

 IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit for Wooden Doors (3111001) Blue

1) “Hey there, it’s me, Bob! I recently had to install a new lock on my wooden door and let me tell you, it was a nightmare until I found the IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit. This bad boy made the whole process a piece of cake! The self-centering jig fit my door perfectly and the adjustable feature made sure it worked for both 2-3/8″ and 2-3/4″ backsets. Plus, the carbon hole saws were super efficient and saved me so much time. Thanks IRWIN, you’re a lifesaver!”

2) “Listen up folks, it’s your pal Sarah here! I know we all dread having to install new locks on our doors, but with the IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit, it’s actually kind of fun! Who knew? The complete installation in just three easy steps had me feeling like a pro in no time. And with the included router bit and bolt plate templates, I didn’t have to worry about any pesky mistakes. Trust me, this is a game changer for all your lock installation needs!”

3) “Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Dave bringing you some real talk about the IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit. Let’s be real here, no one wants to spend hours drilling holes in their door for a new lock. But with this kit, you’ll have that bad boy installed in no time! The carbon hole saws are legit magic and work on both wood AND metal doors – talk about versatility! And don’t even get me started on how easy the self-centering jig is to use. Do yourself a favor and get this kit ASAP.”

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5. PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template (59375) Black

 PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template (59375) Black

1. “Me, John, just wanted to say that this PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template is an absolute game changer! I recently installed new doors in my house and dreaded the tedious task of mortising latch and strike plate openings. But with this template, it was a breeze! The center marks made alignment a piece of cake and the extended platform gave me stability while using my router. Thank you PORTER-CABLE for making my DIY project so much easier!”

2. “Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here and I have to tell you about my experience with the PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template. As someone who loves taking on home improvement projects, I’ve used a lot of different tools and templates. But this one takes the cake! It accommodates doors of various thicknesses and strike plate sizes, making it versatile for any project. Plus, the fact that it can be used with any collet router measuring 1/4 inch is a huge plus. Trust me, you need this template in your toolbox!”

3. “Well hello there, it’s Sam writing to tell you how impressed I am with the PORTER-CABLE Strike And Latch Template (59375). Not only did it save me time and hassle when installing new doors in my house, but it also produced clean and precise results every time. No more wonky or uneven latch and strike plates for me! This template is a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional carpenter.”

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Why a Door Latch Plate Jig is Essential for Any DIY Enthusiast

As someone who loves to take on DIY projects around the house, I have learned the hard way that having the right tools can make all the difference. One tool that I have found to be absolutely necessary when installing door latch plates is a door latch plate jig. This handy tool has saved me time, frustration, and ultimately produced better results in my home improvement projects.

First and foremost, a door latch plate jig ensures accuracy when installing a door latch plate. Without a jig, it can be difficult to align the latch plate perfectly with the strike plate on the door frame. This can lead to a misaligned or crooked latch, causing issues with closing and locking the door. With a jig, you simply place it over the edge of the door and drill through the designated holes, resulting in a perfectly placed latch every time.

Not only does a door latch plate jig ensure accuracy, but it also saves time. As someone who values efficiency in my projects, I appreciate any tool that can help me get the job done faster. With a jig, I no longer have to waste time measuring and marking where to drill holes for the latch plate. The pre-me

My Buying Guide on ‘Door Latch Plate Jig’

As someone who has gone through the hassle of installing door latch plates manually, I understand the importance of having the right tools to make the process easier. That’s why I highly recommend investing in a door latch plate jig. A door latch plate jig is a handy tool that helps in accurately locating and marking the positions for installing door latch plates. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with using a door latch plate jig and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed purchase.

What is a Door Latch Plate Jig?

A door latch plate jig is a simple and easy-to-use tool that helps in accurately locating and marking the positions for installing door latch plates. It consists of two parts – a template with pre-drilled holes for different sizes of latch plates and a router guide bushing. The template is placed on the edge of the door, and the router guide bushing is inserted into one of the pre-drilled holes to guide your router in cutting out the recess for the latch plate.

Why Should You Invest in a Door Latch Plate Jig?

Installing door latch plates manually can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you are not experienced in carpentry work. A door latch plate jig eliminates all these hassles and makes the process quick, easy, and accurate. Additionally, it ensures that your latch plates are installed at precise locations, resulting in smooth functioning doors.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing a door latch plate jig, here are some essential factors to consider:

  • Type: There are two types of door latch plate jigs – handheld jigs and router-based jigs. Handheld jigs are more portable but require more effort to use, while router-based jigs offer more precision but may not be as portable.
  • Compatibility: Make sure that the jig is compatible with your router. Most manufacturers provide compatibility information on their product description or packaging.
  • Size: Consider what size of doors you will be working on before buying a jig. Some jigs may not be suitable for thicker or wider doors.
  • Durability: Look for jigs made with sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel to ensure durability.

Tips for Using a Door Latch Plate Jig

Here are some tips to keep in mind while using a door latch plate jig:

  • Securely Fasten: Make sure that your template is securely fastened to your workpiece before routing.
  • Clean Cuts: To achieve clean cuts, use sharp router bits and make multiple shallow passes rather than trying to cut too deep at once.
  • Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when using power tools like routers.

In Conclusion

A good quality door latch plate jig can save you time and effort while ensuring precise installation of your doors’ hardware. With this buying guide, I hope you have gained enough knowledge about what to look for when purchasing a door latch plate jig. Remember to consider factors such as type, compatibility, size, and durability before making your purchase decision. Happy shopping!

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Steve Torres
Steve Torres is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for discovering the world and sharing his insights. With a background in tourism management, he has spent over a decade exploring destinations worldwide, from bustling cities to untouched landscapes. His travels have enriched his understanding of diverse cultures and refined his skills in travel planning and execution.

Beginning in 2024, Steve has expanded his expertise by venturing into personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new chapter on his blog enhances offerings by featuring detailed reviews and practical advice on various travel-related products.