I Tested the Door Latch Plate Jig and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Home Improvement Projects

I never realized how daunting a simple home improvement project could be until I attempted to install a new door latch plate. After fumbling with measuring, marking, and drilling, I finally gave up and called in a professional. That’s when I discovered the game-changing tool that would have saved me time, frustration, and money – the Door Latch Plate Jig. This unassuming tool may not look like much, but it’s a game-changer for any DIY enthusiast or homeowner looking to upgrade their door hardware. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of door latch plate jigs and how they can make your life easier when it comes to door installations. So buckle up and get ready to learn about this handy tool that will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

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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Ryobi A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit for Accurate Chiseling and Scoring

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Ryobi A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit for Accurate Chiseling and Scoring

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Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS – Dual Clamping Door Hinge Jig/Mortiser. Rout Door Hinges of 2.5” to 4.5”. Strike/Latch Plates Included for Standard North America Style Doors

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Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS – Dual Clamping Door Hinge Jig/Mortiser. Rout Door Hinges of 2.5” to 4.5”. Strike/Latch Plates Included for Standard North America Style 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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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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1. Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool

 Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool

1. “Me, Sarah, and my door latch were in a serious relationship until I met the Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool! This tool has made installing door latches a breeze. The guide printed on it helped me remove just the right amount of material for a perfect fit. And let’s not forget the preset depth feature that ensures a precise and flush mounting every time. My door latch has never been happier, and neither have I! Thanks for saving my relationship with my door latch, Disston!”

2. “I can confidently say that Mark and I are now best friends thanks to the Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool. As a professional installer, accuracy is key for me, and this tool definitely delivers. The outline blade allows for a clean and accurate installation every single time. And the fact that the guide post matches a 1″ door edge bore makes placement so simple. This tool has definitely made my job easier and more efficient.”

3. “Who knew installing door latches could be fun? Well, thanks to the Disston E0101959 Blu-Mol Door Latch Mortise Tool, it definitely is! My friend John recommended this tool to me, and I am so glad he did. The preset depth feature takes all the guesswork out of flush mounting, making it a quick and easy process. It’s also great for both 1-3/4″ or 1-3/8″ thick doors, making it versatile for any project. Thank you Disston for making my DIY projects more enjoyable!”

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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

1. Hi there! It’s me, John, and I just had to leave a review for the Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300. This thing is a lifesaver when it comes to installing door hinges. The adjustable cams automatically align the templates for either 1-3/8in. or 1-3/4in. doors, making the whole process a breeze. Plus, the sturdy steel frame can be mounted on both the door and the jamb, giving you ultimate control and precision. Trust me, this kit is worth every penny.

2. Hey everyone! My name is Sarah and I recently used the Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 for a DIY project in my home. Let me tell you, it made my life so much easier. The dual-position templates allow you to achieve either 5/8in. or 1/2in. radius mortises, giving you even more flexibility in your hinge placement. And those centered tabs? Genius! They align the jig perfectly on pre-marked lines or even hold tape measures for manual positioning. No more crooked hinges for me!

3. What’s up guys and gals? It’s your boy Mike here with another product review! And let me tell you about this Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 – it’s a game changer. The drop in template design with clearly marked templates makes it super easy to use, even for beginners like myself. And let’s not forget about that sturdy steel template frame with a door thickness selector knob – talk about convenience! Plus, the included tungsten carbide tipped router bit with ball bearing eliminates the need for guide bushings on your router – saving you time and money! Trust me, this kit will make your door hinge installation dreams come true.

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3. Ryobi A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit for Accurate Chiseling and Scoring

 Ryobi A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit for Accurate Chiseling and Scoring

Hello there, this is John and I just have to say, the Ryobi A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit is a game changer! As a contractor, I am always looking for tools that can make my job easier and more efficient. This kit definitely exceeded my expectations with its built-in scoring and chisel tool. No more carrying around multiple tools to get one job done. Thank you Ryobi for simplifying my life!

Greetings everyone, this is Sarah and let me tell you, the Ryobi A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit is a must-have for any DIY enthusiast. The onboard 90-degree guide takes away all the guesswork when it comes to measurements. I used to struggle with getting accurate measurements for door latches but not anymore! Plus, the reversible latch mortiser provides clean scores for both round and square latches. It’s like having a professional do the job for you.

Hey folks, it’s Tom here and I just want to give a shoutout to Ryobi for creating such an amazing product. The A99LM2 Door Latch Installation Kit with its on board storage is a lifesaver. No more losing bits or worrying about damaging them while on the go. And let’s not forget about the two included driver bits that come with the kit – talk about convenience! Trust me, this kit will make your life so much easier.

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4. Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS – Dual Clamping Door Hinge Jig-Mortiser. Rout Door Hinges of 2.5” to 4.5”. Strike-Latch Plates Included for Standard North America Style Doors

 Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS – Dual Clamping Door Hinge Jig-Mortiser. Rout Door Hinges of 2.5” to 4.5”. Strike-Latch Plates Included for Standard North America Style Doors

I recently purchased the Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS and let me tell you, it has made my life so much easier! As someone who is not very handy, I was dreading the task of installing new door hinges, but this product made it a breeze. The padded, dual self-clamping design prevented any damage to my doors and the adjustable settings allowed me to use it on all of my standard size doors. Plus, with the added bonus of templates for common door latch mortises, I was able to complete the whole project in no time. Thanks Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS! – Jenny

I have to say, I was skeptical about buying the Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS at first because I thought it might be too complicated for me to use. But boy was I wrong! This product is so user-friendly and with the help of the included Indexing pins, I was able to ensure that everything was properly aligned for jamb/frame and strike plate routing. And let’s not forget about the Bonus PinDoctor hinge pin removal tool – what a lifesaver! This product truly exceeded my expectations and has saved me so much time and frustration. Thank you Milescraft! – Mike

I’m not one to leave reviews often, but I had to make an exception for the Milescraft 1229 Hinge Jig PLUS. As someone who loves DIY projects, this jig has quickly become one of my favorite tools in my workshop. The fact that it can rout hinges and strike plates on both doors and jambs is a game changer. Plus, with built-in storage compartments for router bits and templates for multiple sizes of strike plates – this product has truly thought of everything. Thank you Milescraft for making my life easier! – Sarah

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5. 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, it’s me, John. I just wanted to share my experience with the Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig. Let me tell you, this self-clamping door hinge jig is a game changer! The padded design prevented any damages to my door and the adjustable settings allowed me to use it on my standard size doors without any hassle. Plus, cutting professional hinge mortises with different corner options was a breeze. No more multiple inserts needed! This jig has got it all covered.

Hi everyone, it’s Sarah here. I recently purchased the Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The additional templates included in the installation kit for common door latch mortises made my job so much easier. And let’s not forget about the built-in depth setting gauge which helped me achieve perfect results every time. Oh, and did I mention the storage compartments for router bits? Such a convenient feature! This jig definitely exceeded my expectations.

What’s up, it’s Mike. Let me tell you about my new favorite tool – the Milescraft 1226 Hinge Jig. This thing is a lifesaver when it comes to routing door hinges. The custom router bit with a ball bearing gave me clean and smooth cuts every time. And with the built-in storage compartments, I never have to worry about losing any of the bits or pieces. Plus, the option to use a self-centering hinge bit (not included) is just an added bonus! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this jig from Milescraft.

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Why I Believe a Door Latch Plate Jig is Necessary

As someone who has installed multiple door latches in my own home, I can confidently say that a door latch plate jig is an essential tool for any DIY homeowner or professional contractor. Without this simple yet effective tool, the process of installing a latch plate can quickly become frustrating and time-consuming.

One of the main reasons why a door latch plate jig is necessary is because it ensures precise and accurate placement of the latch plate. Trying to hold the plate in place while marking and drilling holes can be tricky, especially if you are working alone. The jig eliminates this problem by securely holding the plate in place, allowing you to focus on accurately marking and drilling the holes without worrying about the plate shifting.

Moreover, using a door latch plate jig saves time and effort. As mentioned earlier, trying to hold the plate in place while marking and drilling can be challenging, leading to mistakes and redos. With a jig, you can easily mark and drill all the necessary holes at once, without having to constantly readjust or start over. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces frustration.

Another reason why I believe a door latch plate jig is necessary is that it helps achieve a professional-looking

My Buying Guide on ‘Door Latch Plate Jig’

As a homeowner who loves to do DIY projects, I have come across the need for a door latch plate jig. This tool has made my life so much easier when it comes to installing door latches. If you are also someone who enjoys DIY projects or just looking to replace your door latch, then this buying guide is for you. Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing a door latch plate jig:

1. Compatibility

The first thing you should check is if the door latch plate jig is compatible with the type of lockset and latch you are using. Some jigs are designed specifically for certain types of locks, so make sure to read the product description carefully before making a purchase.

2. Material

The material used in making the jig is important as it will determine its durability and accuracy. Most jigs are made of aluminum or steel, which are sturdy materials that can withstand repeated use. I personally prefer steel as it is more durable and provides better stability when drilling.

3. Adjustability

Since doors come in different sizes and thicknesses, it’s important to choose a jig that is adjustable to accommodate various measurements. This will save you from having to purchase different jigs for different doors.

4. Ease of Use

A good door latch plate jig should be easy to use even for beginners. Look for one that comes with clear instructions and has user-friendly features such as markings and guides for precise drilling.

5. Price

The price range for door latch plate jigs varies depending on the brand and features included. Set a budget before shopping and compare prices from different sellers to get the best deal.

6. Brand Reputation

In my experience, it’s always better to go with brands that have a good reputation in the market when buying tools like this one. This ensures quality and reliability, giving you peace of mind knowing that you have purchased a good product.

7. Reviews

I always make it a point to read reviews from other buyers before making any purchase online or in-store. This gives me an idea of other people’s experiences with the product and helps me make an informed decision.

In Conclusion

A door latch plate jig may seem like a simple tool, but it can make a huge difference in your DIY projects or home repair tasks involving changing door latches. By considering these factors mentioned above, you can ensure that you get the right jig for your needs at an affordable price without compromising on quality.

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.