Porter Cable 7.1 in. L X 16 in. W Strike and Latch Template 1 pc
Overview
The Porter Cable 7.1 in. x 16 in. Strike and Latch Template is a single-piece routing guide designed to speed and simplify door hardware installation. It lets homeowners, DIYers, and professional carpenters rout accurate mortises for standard latch and strike plates using any 1/4-inch collet router and the included guide bit, eliminating much of the time-consuming chiseling required for recessed plates. The template tacks to the door and jamb with supplied brads and includes clear plate-location markings so you can repeat the same cut across multiple doors. For square-cornered plates you will still square the corners with a chisel, but the template handles depth, alignment, and consistency for most residential knob and latch jobs.
Key Features
- Overall dimensions: 7.1 in. (L) x 16 in. (W), large enough for door-edge and jamb layout
- Works with any router using a 1/4-inch collet; guide includes a matching router bit so no separate bit purchase is needed
- Includes tacking brads to fasten the template to the door or jamb for stable routing
- Clearly marked plate locations to transfer latch and strike positions accurately before routing
- Repeatable template routing eliminates most mortise chiseling and produces consistent depth and alignment for standard residential hardware
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Speeds installation by routing accurate mortises quickly vs. chiseling by hand
- Includes a router guide bit and tacking brads so you have what you need to start
- Designed to work with any 1/4-inch collet router for broad compatibility
- Fixed template size and markings ensure repeatable, consistent alignment across multiple doors
- Reduces risk of overcutting or misaligned strike and latch recesses, improving finish quality
Cons
- Template leaves square corners uncut — chisel work still required for square-cornered plates
- Single-piece template is sized for standard latch/strike positions and may not suit nonstandard hardware
- Requires a 1/4-inch collet router; not compatible with routers that only accept larger collets without an adapter
- Does not specify compatible door thicknesses on the template itself — you must confirm fit for very thin or very thick doors
Recommendations
- DIY homeowners replacing or installing standard door knobs and latches who want faster, neater results than chiseling
- Handymen and contractors who need a repeatable method for installing multiple locks across a jobsite
- Renovation projects where matching existing hardware locations is important — template helps maintain consistent placement
- Anyone converting from surface-mounted to recessed strike or latch plates and wanting to minimize material waste and repair
Price Comparison & Trends
The Porter Cable 7.1 in. L x 16 in. W Strike and Latch Template has recently gained traction among DIY enthusiasts, as evidenced by its addition to 1 wishlist on LMK.today. Over the past 30 days, the price for this template has varied significantly, with Walmart offering it at the lowest price of $31.99, while Ace Hardware lists it at a higher price of $41.99. This creates a potential savings of $10.00 for those willing to shop around. As its popularity continues to grow, it’s wise to keep an eye on price fluctuations, as demand may drive prices higher in the coming weeks. Given the current competitive pricing, now is an ideal time to purchase if you're interested in this tool, especially before any price hikes occur.
Buy now to take advantage of the lowest price available before potential increases.
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