Squeaky Door

Squeaky doors are perfect for a haunted house atmosphere, but for most people they’re obnoxious. While WD-40 may seem like the best solution for stopping squeaks, it tends to wear off. It can solve squeaks temporarily, but eventually they come back. This is because WD-40 contains liquid oil lubricants that eventually wear off.

Grease

The best solution is grease, usually lithium or silicone. Grease is designed to stick in place and continually provide lubrication without wearing out. To use grease, remove the door from the hinge pin by using a punch or a screwdriver, and tapping the pin out from the bottom of the hinge. It may be necessary to have someone help you, especially if the door is a fire door which can be heavy. Once removed, grease the hinge pin with your grease of choice, then reinstall the hinge pin.

No-Removal Solutions

Another solution for lubricating a door is a spray-on dry lubricant, which doesn’t require taking the door off the hinges. Molybdenum disulfide is an excellent lubricant exhibiting superlubricity, and comes in spray cans and other forms. It dries once sprayed on, leaving the molybdenum behind. However, with great power comes great responsibility, as molybdenum can make a huge mess, and moly stains don’t come out easily. Other solutions exist, such as graphite and Teflon. Graphite comes in several forms, such as spray-on and dry powder. Like moly, graphite will make a mess, however, unlike moly, graphite is essentially pencil lead and can be cleaned up eventually. It can also be used in locks if they stick or are hard to turn. Teflon is the same as what makes pans nonstick, and like graphite, it comes in a spray or liquid form. The advantage of Teflon is Teflon is milky white, and generally isn’t visible, unlike graphite or moly. However, growing concern in regards to health concerns with PTFEs may steer you away from using these. To apply these products, spray or drip them onto the hinge, then work the door to get the lubricant into the hinge mechanism. Repeat if it doesn’t solve the issue. If you’re using a messy lubricant, you can use some painter’s tape around the hinge to catch any overspray. Unlike greases, however, they may wear out, and require re-application later on.

Final Notes

Squeaky doors are most frequent in older homes where the hinge has seen some use, but not always. Banish squeaky hinges for good by using the right lubricant, whether by removing the hinge and greasing it or by applying a lubricant that will stay. Be careful when removing a door from its hinges, especially if it’s a fire door as these doors can be heavy. When in doubt, a no-removal solution can solve this issue without needing to dismantle the door.