Most people assume cutting a clean mortise for a door strike plate requires years of carpentry experience, but the right template changes everything. After analyzing the specifications and reading through extensive buyer feedback, I discovered that these metal and plastic guides make precise work surprisingly foolproof. I tested them on paper by comparing every structural claim against actual user reports to see which ones truly deliver. Let me walk you through my ranked comparison so you can skip the guesswork.
| Best For | Product | Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| budget Versatility |  |
Door Latch Jig for Router, 3-in-1 Strike Plate Mortise Tool | 9.8/10 | View on Amazon |
| standard Residential |  |
Door Latch & Strike Plate Mortise Jig for Router, 3-in-1 Door Lock Template | 1"×2-1/4" Latch, 2-3/4"×1-1/8" & 2-1/4"×1-3/4" Strike Plates, Fits 1-3/8" & 1-3/4" Wooden Doors | 9.3/10 | View on Amazon |
| complete Hardware Installation |  |
Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 – Complete Door Hinge Installation Kit with Latch & Strike Plate Templates. For use on Doors and Jambs | 8.8/10 | View on Amazon |
| quick Latch Repairs |  |
Door Latch Mortise Tool for Router 1" x 2-1/4" Door Latch Jig Clamp on Door | 8.2/10 | View on Amazon |
1. Door Latch Jig for Router, 3-in-1 Strike Plate Mortise Tool
This tool earned its ranking purely through its budget versatility, offering multiple template sizes without demanding a steep financial commitment. You get three common mortise dimensions molded into a single plastic body, which keeps your tool bag light and your wallet happy.
And I think this is a clever setup for occasional weekend projects, even if the plastic construction lacks the permanent backbone of solid steel. But you should keep in mind that cheaper templates can flex slightly under heavy router pressure, so patience is your best friend here.
Buyers frequently mention that this tool provides great value for casual DIY projects around the house.
Several reviewers note that the plastic edges require careful handling to avoid accidental nicks from the router bit.
Users appreciate having multiple template sizes combined into one compact piece of hardware.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Door Latch & Strike Plate Mortise Jig for Router, 3-in-1 Door Lock Template | 1"×2-1/4" Latch, 2-3/4"×1-1/8" & 2-1/4"×1-3/4" Strike Plates, Fits 1-3/8" & 1-3/4" Wooden Doors
This model suits the standard residential carpenter who needs reliable sizing for common interior doors without any guesswork. It handles standard 1 inch by 2 and 1 quarter inch latches right alongside standard strike plates, fitting both 1 and 3 eighths inch and 1 and 3 quarter inch wooden doors with ease.
In my view, this is the sweet spot for folks renovating older homes where door hardware sizes vary wildly. But I would advise you to double check your router collar size before starting, because alignment is everything with these templates.
Reviewers often highlight how easily the template clamps onto standard interior doors.
Homeowners state that the sizing matches standard residential door frames almost perfectly.
A few buyers point out that clamping the jig securely takes a bit of practice to prevent shifting.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Milescraft 1213 Hinge Mate 300 – Complete Door Hinge Installation Kit with Latch & Strike Plate Templates. For use on Doors and Jambs
The most surprising feature here is the inclusion of hinge routing templates alongside the standard strike plate guides, making this a genuinely comprehensive door installation kit. Most jigs force you to buy separate tools for your hinges and latches, but this system unifies the whole process under one roof.
I would rank this as my top overall pick because it saves you from juggling multiple independent templates on a single door. And I believe the sturdy construction justifies the slightly higher investment, especially if you plan on hanging more than just one door.
Users consistently praise the sturdy build quality and the convenience of a combined hinge and latch system.
Buyers note that the setup instructions are clear enough for a first time woodworker to follow.
Reviewers love how securely the templates lock onto both doors and jambs during routing.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Door Latch Mortise Tool for Router 1" x 2-1/4" Door Latch Jig Clamp on Door
The most common buyer complaint focuses on its limited single size design, but this restriction actually helps deliver a remarkably rigid and secure clamp. You only get the 1 inch by 2 and 1 quarter inch latch size, which can feel restrictive if you are working on a whole house with mixed hardware.
Yet I find this singular focus appealing for fast repairs where you just need to fix a broken latch quickly. And my view is that simplicity often beats versatility when you are facing a strict deadline on a Sunday afternoon.
Reviewers appreciate the direct clamp-on design that attaches straight to the edge of the door.
Buyers mention that the single size limitation makes it less useful for mixed hardware renovations.
Several users note that the metal clamp holds its position firmly without slipping during use.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Choosing Between Them
When you are ready to upgrade your hardware installation game, matching the right tool to your specific project makes all the difference. My top recommendation is the Milescraft Hinge Mate 300 because it suits the complete hardware installation job by handling both hinges and strike plates seamlessly, though you will need to supply your own router and bit. If you only need to tackle basic interior doors, the standard residential multi-plate jig will serve you well, while budget-conscious fixers can lean on the budget versatility of the generic 3-in-1 model.
And remember that no jig replaces a sharp router bit, so investing in a quality carbide bit is just as important as choosing the right template. Take your time measuring, clamp everything down twice, and your door frames will look like they were hung by a seasoned professional.
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Buyer sentiment reflects aggregate ratings and listed features at the time of writing; prices and availability change.