How to Fix a Squeaky Door

An irritating squeak from your door is usually a sign that the hinges need cleaning and lubrication. However, persistent problems with squeaky hinges can also indicate that the door is not level, which is putting undue stress on the hinges. Don’t ignore these symptoms. Check the door frame to make sure it is square and secure. Otherwise, you could temporarily fix the squeaking noise only to later find out that the problem is due to a misaligned frame or softened, rotted wood causing the door to sag.

Fortunately, if the door and frame are level and secure, a squeaky door is not an adverse problem that needs immediate attention. But it can become a nuisance. Luckily, fixing a squeaky door is relatively easy. It’s also a quick, inexpensive do-it-yourself repair so you don’t have to worry about buying expensive tools or supplies.

Check the hinges for dirt, rust, or paint

Before you fix a squeaky door, you need to inspect the hinges for signs of a contaminating substance that could limit movement. Dirt, dust and grime are common problems that can be eliminated by removing the hinge pins and scrubbing with steel wool before lubricating and reinstalling.

Rust can also prevent hinges from opening and closing properly. Use a lubricating solution like WD-40 and steel wool to remove rust from the door hinges. If the problem is paint, use a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint to loosen the hinges.

Causes of a squeaky door

To better understand how to fix a squeaky door, it’s important to address the source of the problem. Squeaking doors can be a sign that the door is crooked in the frame due to a misaligned frame or even rotted or sodden wood. Spray some lube on the hinges to stop the squeaking, but when the frame falls apart the problem returns. You must repair or replace the frame to permanently solve the problem.

If the frame appears secure and properly aligned, the problem could be caused by the hinges becoming loose over time. Likewise, poorly lubricated hinges or hinges coated in dirt, grime, rust or even paint can result in a squeaky noise when the door is in use. A final avenue to inspect is the door itself. A swollen wood door can cause squeaks as the wood rubs against the wood door frame.

How to fix a squeaky door

An initial inspection of the hinges is a good way to start this repair. Examine the general condition of the hinges to decide if simple spray lubrication will suffice or if the problem requires removing the hinge pins. Follow these steps to learn how to fix a squeaky door.

what you will need

• spray lubricant
• hammer
• nail done
• needle nose pliers
• steel wool
• White lithium grease
• rag or towel

Step 1: Apply spray lubricant to hinges

The first step to solving this problem is to simply treat the hinges with a spray lubricant. Unless the hinges are dirty, rusty, or coated with paint, lubricating spray may be able to get through the gaps to the hinge pin and provide enough lubrication to fix the squeaky door. Many spray lubes come with a small straw or tube that delivers the lube into tiny crevices and cracks, allowing it to better penetrate the interior of the hinge.

Step 2: Remove Hinge Pins

If a spray lubricant doesn’t solve the problem, you need to take the repair one step further. Grab a hammer and a small finishing nail. Align the nail on the underside of a hinge so that it rests against the hinge pin, and then tap the nail lightly to loosen the pin. When you see the pin sticking out of the top of the hinge, use needle nose pliers to pull it out.

Some hinges have a bottom cap that must be removed with pliers before you can access the hinge pin. Firmly grasp both sides of the cap with the pliers and gently wiggle the cap back and forth while pulling down to remove the cap from the hinge. Now you can access the hinge pin with the nail and hammer to remove the pin from the hinge.

Do not remove all hinge pins at once. Take out only one hinge pin at a time and make sure the door stays closed to avoid damage to the hinges, door frame and door.

Step 3: Check and clean the hinge pins

Once the hinge pin is removed, take some time to inspect it and clean it with steel wool to remove any dust, dirt, or other debris. Paint residue can cause the hinges to stick or the hinge pin to not rotate freely. Use a diluted household cleaner to remove stubborn dirt or rust stains.

Step 4: Coat the hinge pins with white lithium grease

Before reinstalling the clean hinge pin, apply white lithium grease to the pin. White lithium grease helps lubricate the pin while preventing rust from forming on the metal. There are DIY alternatives you can use, but white lithium grease will last longer on the hinges without drying out.

Step 5: Reattach the hinge pins

After coating the hinge pin with white lithium grease, slide it back into the hinge and gently tap it in with your hammer. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each additional hinge pin, then open and close the door to ensure the squeak is gone and the door is secure. Don’t forget to reattach any bottom caps that you removed from the hinges.

Step 6: Wipe off excess grease

If the lubricant or grease is not removed, stains may result. So be sure to use a rag or an old towel to wipe any oil or grease off the hinges when the job is done. Also check the door frame, door and floor for grease that may have dripped during work. Clean the work area, put away your tools and supplies, and then wash your hands to remove any oil or grease.

DIY Lubricants

If you can’t stand hearing your door squeak for another day but don’t have spray lube or white lithium grease at home, there are several DIY lubes you can try to fix the squeak. Hairspray is an alternative to a spray lube that can be applied by simply spraying the hinges. The hairspray acts as a lubricant to allow the hinges to move freely around the hinge pin without making any noise.

Some people swear by mayonnaise or cooking oil as a substitute for white lithium fat. Remove the hinge pins and apply mayonnaise or cooking oil to the pin. Reinstall the hinge pins and wipe off excess oil with a damp cloth. Likewise, you can use the petroleum-based wax in unscented paraffin candles. Simply light the candle to melt the wax, then carefully cover the hinge pins with liquid wax. Reinstall the hinge pins once the wax has cooled and test the door for any squeaks. Remember, it’s always better to use real spray grease or white lithium grease to fix a squeaky door.