How to Fix a Squeaky Door
Posted on March 9th, 2009 by Carmelia
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Squeaky doors are not just an annoyance, but they could also be a sign of trouble for your doors. Squeaky doors can be caused by rusty or poorly-oiled hinges, or maybe even a change in your door’s positioning. Here are some steps you can take to fix that squeaky door and get rid of that noise.
Method 1: Lubricate
Tools
- Lubricant spray
- Gloves
- Rag or cloth
- Screwdriver
Procedure
- Open and close your door repeatedly to trace where the squeaking sound on the hinges are originating.
- Once you’ve determined the problematic hinge (or hinges), open the door wide. Spray lubricant directly and generously on the hinge to make sure that it gets in all the nooks and crannies.
- Close the door and spray lubricant again to make sure you’ve gotten to all the hidden areas.
- Swing the door back and forth to make sure that the lubricant has gotten in.
- Use a cloth to wipe the excess lubricant off.
- If there is still a squeak, use a screwdriver to re-tighten the hinges. Swing the door back and forth again to check if the squeak is still present.
Method 2: Taking Out the Pins
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Powdered lubricant
- Screwdriver gloves
Procedure
- Put on your screwdriver gloves. Using a screwdriver and a hammer, lightly tap the hinge’s pins out.
- Cover the pin entirely with powdered lubricant.
- Work the pins back into their hinges.
- Re-tighten the hinges if necessary.
Method 3: Re-Hanging the Door
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Screwdriver gloves
- Lubricant
- Cloth or rag
Procedure
- Doors are subject to aging, warping and natural occurrences like small earthquakes and the like. A squeaky door may result from any of these, because the door falls out of its proper alignment. Keep in mind that re-hanging the door will typically need a helping hand (doors are heavy!) for your own safety.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the hinges from the wall or the door frame. Once this is done, have your hinges completely oiled or lubricated using a cloth.
- Remove and realign the hinges from the door, if necessary.
- Remount the door in its proper alignment, or realign if necessary. Move the hinges if they cause pressure to relieve the door and stop the squeaky noise.
- Remount the door in such a way that hinges are not torqued or twisted.
Ask a question
on July 5th, 2009 at 7:30 am
I just finished fixing three hinges on three separate doors. They had been torqued a bit when originally hanged three years ago — by a real professional, of course. Now they were singing like birds! I removed the hinge pins and found them already coated with graphite, so I used good old-fashioned Vasoline — and it worked beautifully! If I have to do it again, so what? For the time being, I’m please with my results, even if somewhat unorthodox.
on March 12th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Thank you!