How to fix a squeaky door

MitchellMc

Difficulty: Beginner

Dirty, rusty or ungreased hinges often lead to squeaky doors. Lubricating and cleaning them reduces friction and prevents the door from squeaking.

Here is a simple guide on how to fix a squeaky door hinge using a silicone lubricant. Please follow all usage and safety instructions on the product label.

Steps

Step 1

Lubricate the door hinge.

Examine the door hinge and locate any loose screws. Tighten them using a screwdriver to ensure a secure fit.

Now apply a small amount of silicone spray to both sides of the hinge. You can place a clean cloth underneath the hinge to catch any excess lubricant. Lubricating the hinge reduces friction and prevents the door from squeaking.

Move the door back and forth to check whether it is still squeaking. If you don’t hear any noise, you have successfully fixed your door and can stop here.

Step 1.1 Tightening screws.png Step 1.2 Lubricating hinge.png Step 1.3 Lubricating hinge on other side.png

Step 2

Remove the door hinge.

If your door is still squeaking, place a doorstop or wedge at the bottom of the door. This will prevent the door from falling once you have removed the hinge.

Carefully uninstall the hinge from the door frame by removing the screws.

If your hinge screws have been painted over, scrape the paint out. This gives the screwdriver more grip to turn the screws. Use the pointy tip of the screwdriver and scrape the paint out of the screw head.

Step 2.1 Inserting door wedge.png Step 2.2 Removing screws and hinge from door.png

Step 3

Remove rust or dirt.

Inspect the hinge for any rust or buildup of dirt.

Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to remove these deposits gently. Be thorough in your approach, ensuring the hinge plate and pin are clean. A cleaner hinge reduces friction and functions better, preventing squeaking.

Some hinge types also allow the hinge pin to be removed. Remove the pin if you can and clean it thoroughly before reinstalling.

Step 3.1 Removing dirt and corrosion.png

Step 4

Clean the door hinge.

Place the removed hinge in a small container.

Now thoroughly coat the hinge with the silicone spray, allowing any excess liquid to drip into the container.

Move the hinge back and forth within the container to work the lubricant into the various components, effectively removing any remaining dirt or debris. This will help ensure the hinge functions smoothly.

Wipe off any excess lubricant on the hinge using a paper towel.

Step 4.1 Spraying lubricant into mechanism.png Step 4.2 Moving hinge back.png Step 4.3 Moving hinge forth.png Step 4.4 Removing excess lubricant.png

Step 5

Reinstall the door hinge.

Carefully reinstall the hinge in its original position on the door frame. Align the screw holes and use a screwdriver to fasten the screws back in place securely.

Open and close the door several times to ensure that the hinge is properly installed and the door swings smoothly without squeaking.

You have now successfully fixed your squeaky door.

Step 5.1 Re-installing hinge.png Step 5.2 Hinge installed.png

Materials

Silicone spray
240-grit sandpaper
Clean cloth
Paper towel.

Tools

Screwdriver
Doorstop or wedge
Small container.

Images

Step 1.1 Tightening screws.png Step 1.2 Lubricating hinge.png Step 1.3 Lubricating hinge on other side.png Step 2.1 Inserting door wedge.png Step 2.2 Removing screws and hinge from door.png Step 3.1 Removing dirt and corrosion.png Step 4.1 Spraying lubricant into mechanism.png Step 4.2 Moving hinge back.png Step 4.3 Moving hinge forth.png Step 4.4 Removing excess lubricant.png Step 5.1 Re-installing hinge.png Step 5.2 Hinge installed.png