Cheap Tool Blues - Hinge Cutter

The CMT one is OK and Trend has one as well. I have one of each in different sizes.

These are specifically designed for the job and the locating spike will not penetrate to the other side for standard door and hinge depth. Forstner bits may be deper and have longer spikes.

Tried the silverline - same problem with the spike, much too big. I only needed two holes, so started them both and drilled to half depth, removed the spike on the bench grinder, and completed the holes! (threw the bit in the bin after that).

I have the Screwfix TCT, it has done 80+ hinges (40+ doors) in MDF without any appreciable blunting. The tip is a reasonable size, and doesn't penetrate 18mm doors.

R.

Thanks all. It is nice to know I am not the only one seeing this problem. Sounds like they are not application-specific bits.

Given convenience and postage charges/order size factors (i.e. Screwfix just a few hundred yards up the road), that wins.

Varies a lot Silverline stuff. I've had a lot of grief with some - basin wrench that just didnt work, hinge templates that were so badly made as to be unusable etc, but been very pleased with other things - deck board installtion tool, olive puller, guide clamp.

Toolstation & Silverline seem connected in some way. Same bloke behind both companies?

I bought one from B&Q about 5 years ago. It was quite expensive (around £25 IIRC) but seems to be a high quality one. I don't have it here to look at so I can't tell you the make. It's probably done 8 - 10 doors, without noticably going blunt. The centre point is very small.