Hinges start squeaking for many reasons. There may not be enough space between the door and the door jamb, causing wood to rub against wood. Hinges might also start squeaking simply due to wear or settling. Squeaky hinges are enough to send some homeowners over the edge. Thankfully, this guide provides both basic and unusual ways to silence those hinges once and for all.
How to Avoid Squeaky Hinges
- Try lubricating the hinge pin without removing it entirely. You may be able to spray enough oil into the hinge pin without needing to remove the door from the frame, which requires more time and effort. We recommend using a silicone-based blaster spray. Silicone sprays are commonly used by boat owners to help inhibit the development of rust on exposed metals. Coat the hinge as best you can to see if this solves the squeaking issue.
- Try loosening each hinge pin on the squeaky door by tapping from underneath with a hammer or mallet. You can use an 8d nail or a similarly sized nail if the hinge pin is stuck or particularly difficult to tap loose. Once the hinge pin is loose, pull it up and out of the hinge. Lift up the door handle to relieve any pressure if the pin should happen to bind. Keep the door closed and work on one hinge at a time. If the door has three hinges, leave the middle hinge pin for last. You should try to do this with the help of a second person or you can wedge a piece of wood under the door to support its weight and keep the door level. Once the hinge pin is loose, you should clean it using a solvent and a toothbrush. Allow the hinge pin to dry before polishing it with very fine sandpaper. Then lightly coat the hinge pin with a lubricant. Reinsert the hinge pin, reassemble the hinges, and reinstall the door to its position.
Although you can always reach for a spray lubricant, there are a variety of household items you can use to keep those hinges from squeaking once the pins are reinstalled. You can rub bar soap on the hinges until they are completely coated or you can use a cotton swab to apply a little olive oil to the top of the hinges. If you ended up removing the hinges, you can also rub hot wax from a paraffin candle onto the hinge before reinstalling them. White grease is also an option, as it provides long-term protection for many kinds of hardware. Petroleum jelly can also be used in lieu of using a spray lubricant. Unlike WD-40 and other spray lubricants, petroleum jelly does not run and make a mess. Once you remove the pin, simply cover it in petroleum jelly before reinstalling it. Keep a spare rag within reach for cleaning up.
When you have tried everything and your hinges still squeak, they may be trying to tell you that it’s time for a replacement. By replacing the old with the new, you will not only improve the functionality of your door but also add beauty and consistency to your home. There are a wide variety of hardware finishes to choose from, which gives you the freedom to experiment until your vision has turned into a reality. In fact, HardwareSource offers a wide selection of hinges and finishes, including brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, pewter, stainless steel, and zinc. With over 4,000 hinges in stock and ready to ship, finding the right solution for your home improvement project. Please feel free to contact us today!