Hinge Cutting Bits

About Hinge Cutting Bits

Hinge cutting bits are precision-engineered router accessories designed specifically for creating clean, accurate recesses in door frames and cabinet stiles to accommodate hinges. These specialised cutters eliminate the time-consuming process of chiselling out hinge recesses by hand, delivering professional results in a fraction of the time. Whether you're hanging internal doors, fitting kitchen cabinets, or working on bespoke joinery projects, hinge cutting bits provide consistent depth control and perfectly sized recesses that ensure hinges sit flush and doors hang square.

Our range includes tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) hinge sinking bits, hinge boring bits for drilling the pilot holes, and complete hinge recesser systems suitable for both hand-held routers and router tables. Available in standard 35mm diameters for concealed hinges as well as various sizes for traditional butt hinges, these cutters feature different shank sizes to fit most router collets. Premium options include depth stops for precise control, two-flute designs for cleaner cuts, and quick-change systems that speed up workflow on site or in the workshop.

Leading brands like Trend dominate this category with their CRAFTPRO and professional router bit ranges, offering everything from basic hinge sinkers to sophisticated no-scriber designs that eliminate tear-out. Faithfull also provides reliable TCT options for tradespeople seeking quality tools at competitive prices. These bits work with standard router templates and hinge jigs to deliver repeatable accuracy across multiple installations.

Jargon Buster

TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped)

Cutting edges made from extremely hard tungsten carbide material, providing superior durability and edge retention compared to standard high-speed steel. TCT bits stay sharper for longer when working with MDF, chipboard, hardwoods and abrasive materials.

Hinge Sinking Bit

A flat-bottomed router cutter designed to create the shallow recess (typically 3-4mm deep) that allows a hinge leaf to sit flush with the door or frame surface.

Hinge Boring Bit

A drill-style router bit used to create the deeper mortise or pilot hole required for concealed cup hinges, commonly 35mm in diameter and 10-13mm deep.

Two-Flute Design

Router bits with two cutting edges that provide a balance between cutting speed and surface finish quality, ideal for clean hinge recesses without burning or tear-out.

No-Scriber Design

Advanced hinge bits featuring a bearing guide that eliminates the scribe line typically left by traditional cutters, reducing finishing work and improving appearance on painted or visible surfaces.

Depth Stop

An adjustable collar or bearing mounted on the bit shank that controls the maximum cutting depth, ensuring consistent recess depths across multiple hinge positions.

Who Uses Hinge Cutting Bits?

• Carpenters and joiners – for hanging internal doors on residential and commercial projects
• Kitchen fitters – installing cabinet doors with concealed cup hinges
• Shopfitters – fitting display cabinets, retail units and commercial joinery
• Door installers – specialists focusing on door hanging and hardware fitting
• Cabinet makers – bespoke furniture workshops requiring precision hinge recesses
• General builders – undertaking first and second fix carpentry work
• Maintenance teams – property maintenance and refurbishment contractors
• DIY enthusiasts – homeowners tackling door hanging and cabinet projects
• Shopfitters and commercial joiners – fitting out retail and office spaces

How to Choose the Right Hinge Cutting Bits

Hinge Type and Size: Identify whether you need bits for traditional butt hinges or modern concealed cup hinges. Standard 35mm boring bits suit most concealed hinges, whilst butt hinge cutters come in various widths (typically 16mm to 25mm). Measure your hinges before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

Material Quality: TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) bits are essential for professional use and cost-effective in the long run. They maintain sharpness through hundreds of hinge recesses and handle abrasive materials like MDF and chipboard without dulling. Avoid basic high-speed steel bits for regular use.

Shank Diameter: Check your router's collet size – most accept either 6mm, 8mm or 1/4-inch shanks. Quarter-inch shanks are common on older routers, whilst 8mm is increasingly standard. Ensure compatibility or have appropriate collet reducers available.

Bearing Guides and Depth Stops: Bits with integrated depth stops provide consistent results and prevent overcutting. Bearing-guided cutters follow templates accurately and produce cleaner edges. No-scriber designs with bearings eliminate visible scribe lines on finished work.

Flute Configuration: Two-flute designs offer the best balance for hinge work, providing clean cuts without excessive heat buildup. They're suitable for both hand-held routers and table mounting. Single-flute bits cut faster but may leave a rougher finish.

Application Frequency: For occasional DIY use, mid-range Faithfull or Trend CRAFTPRO bits offer excellent value. Professional tradespeople working daily should invest in premium Trend professional series bits that deliver superior longevity and consistent performance across hundreds of installations.

Popular Accessories

• Hinge jigs and templates – positioning guides for accurate, repeatable hinge placement
• Router collet reducers – adapters to fit different shank sizes in your router
• Router guide bushes – for use with template systems and jigs
• Bit cleaning solutions – removing resin buildup to maintain cutting performance
• Router dust extraction fittings – keeping work areas clean and improving visibility
• Depth gauges and setting tools – precise bit depth adjustment
• Replacement bearings – for bearing-guided cutters showing wear
• Router bit storage cases – protecting cutting edges between uses
• Marking gauges and hinge markers – accurate hinge position layout tools

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate eye protection when operating routers, as the high-speed cutting action can eject chips and dust. Safety glasses or a full face shield are essential, particularly when working with hardwoods or manufactured boards that produce fine dust particles.

Hearing protection is mandatory – routers generate noise levels that can damage hearing with prolonged exposure. Use ear defenders or properly fitted ear plugs rated for workshop use in accordance with HSE guidelines.

Dust control measures: Router operations create substantial amounts of fine dust. Connect your router to appropriate dust extraction equipment where possible. When working with MDF or manufactured boards, be aware of COSHH regulations regarding wood dust exposure limits.

Secure workpieces properly before routing. Use clamps or vices to prevent movement, and never attempt to hold small pieces by hand whilst routing. Ensure adequate support prevents workpiece tipping or shifting during cutting.

Check bit installation: Always ensure router bits are fully inserted into the collet (at least 15mm) and securely tightened before operation. Inspect bits for damage before each use, and never use chipped or cracked cutters. Allow routers to reach full speed before engaging the workpiece, and never adjust depth or change bits whilst the tool is plugged in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a hinge boring bit and a hinge sinking bit?

A hinge boring bit creates the deeper circular recess (typically 10-13mm deep) needed for concealed cup hinges, whilst a hinge sinking bit creates the shallow recess (3-4mm) for the hinge plate itself or traditional butt hinges. For concealed hinges, you'll often need both – first boring the cup hole, then sinking the plate recess.

Can I use hinge cutting bits in a standard power drill?

No, hinge cutting bits are designed exclusively for routers operating at 8,000-24,000 RPM. Using them in a standard drill (which operates at much lower speeds) will produce poor results, potential kickback, and risks damage to both the bit and drill. Always use the correct tool for safety and quality results.

How do I prevent tear-out when routing hinge recesses?

Use sharp TCT bits and ensure your router is running at the correct speed (typically 16,000-20,000 RPM for hinge work). Route in multiple shallow passes rather than one deep cut. Back up the exit edge with scrap material, or use climb cutting technique carefully. No-scriber design bits with bearing guides also significantly reduce tear-out issues.

Why do some hinge bits cost significantly more than others?

Premium bits feature higher-grade tungsten carbide, precision grinding for better balance, anti-kickback design features, and better quality bearings. They maintain sharpness longer, produce cleaner cuts, and are less prone to burning or chattering. For professional daily use, the extra investment pays for itself through reduced downtime and consistent results. DIY users may find mid-range options perfectly adequate for occasional use.

How often should hinge cutting bits be replaced or sharpened?

With proper care, quality TCT hinge bits can cut hundreds of recesses before requiring sharpening. Signs that sharpening or replacement is needed include burning or scorch marks on workpieces, increased effort required to cut, rough or torn surfaces, and chattering during operation. Professional sharpening services can restore cutting edges, though replacement is often more cost-effective for lower-priced bits.