ppkk I use a small reamer mounted in my drill. I ream just 1/8 or so into both surfaces. Allows the square part to have room and gives a nice tight hinge line. Make sure not too tight so you bind the surfaces. If the wood is soft I have also just pushed the hinge into the wood and let the square part make it's own area. I use Zap hinge glue and wet a Qtip with water and wet the area before added the glue, allows the glue better penetration. Good luck.