Squeaky doors can have various causes, such as dirt, dust, or metal fragments that create friction in the hinge. Fortunately, fixing a squeaky hinge is a straightforward process that involves cleaning or lubricating the affected area. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a squeaky door, as reported by Tom’s Guide.
How to fix a squeaky door
1. The squeaky reason
To effectively fix a squeaky door, it’s crucial to identify the source of the noise and determine the underlying cause. Squeaking doors can have various reasons, and it’s important to pinpoint the specific issue you’re dealing with. It could be due to misalignment, resulting in a grating sound, or caused by deteriorating wood that affects the door’s movement. Loose hinges or swelling due to water or humidity are also potential causes. It’s important to note that simply spraying oil or cleaning won’t solve the problem if the door is structurally compromised.
2. Determine the problem
If the door’s foundation is stable and properly aligned, the culprit behind the squeaking noise could be the hinge itself. Before proceeding with any other steps, it’s important to identify the specific hinge that is causing the noise. Once determined, the next step is to clean the hinge. Check for any signs of rust, dirt, dust, or grime that could be contributing to the noise. You can simply wipe the hinge with a paper towel or apply a spray lubricant to see if this resolves the issue.
3. Remove the pin
If the squeaking persists and is driving you crazy, it’s time to disassemble the hinge. Using a hammer, position a nail at the bottom of the hinge and tap it gently to gradually raise the pin. It’s worth noting that certain hinges have their pins positioned at the bottom, so you may need to reverse the process accordingly. It’s important to avoid removing all the pins simultaneously, as this would leave the door unsupported and cause it to become unstable.
4. Clean your hinges
After removing the pin, thoroughly inspect the hinge and pin for any remaining rust or dirt that may have been overlooked earlier. This is also an opportune moment to eliminate any lingering paint by using an appropriate cleaner. With all the components disassembled, you can employ a diluted household cleaner to eliminate any accumulated rust, dirt, or dust. To clean inside the hinge, utilize a cotton-tipped swab or any small tool that can reach into the crevices.
5. Get the grease
To prevent the recurrence of the squeaking noise, it is advisable to apply a suitable lubricant to ensure the smooth operation of the hinge. Any lubricant such as lithium grease can be used for this purpose. It is worth noting that while WD-40 is often considered as an option, it is more effective for unsticking rather than providing a long-term solution.
It is important to recognize that lubricating the hinge is not a permanent fix, as the grease will eventually wear off over time. Simply applying the lubricant without proper cleaning will only offer a temporary solution, and the squeak will likely return. However, with thorough cleaning and maintenance, your door should be able to remain noise-free for a longer period.
6. Put it all back together
After completing the lubrication and cleaning process, it’s time to reassemble the door. Carefully insert the pin back into the hinge, ensuring that it is aligned in the same direction as when it was removed. You may need to use a gentle tapping motion with a hammer to ensure the hinge is securely in place and won’t come loose.
Then, it’s best to wipe any of the excess greases to make sure that the area is clean and looking nice. Your door should now be squeak-free!
How to stop your door from squeaking in the future
- Clean consistently — If you can clean your door frame and its hinges, the squeaking should disappear.
- Just spray lubricant — If you don’t want to take the whole door apart, you can just spray a lubricant to get your door nice and loose. WD-40 is the most popular option, but you can use any petroleum-based spray. In a pinch, you can even use a spray-on deodorant to get the job done.
- Might be another problem — Your door might be squeaking for reasons outside the hinge. A door made of wood will rot over time, causing it to get loosened and less stable. This could also lead to the door not fitting properly in its frame or swelling and getting stuck.
- Get a new hinge — Your hinge may eventually become too corroded or rusted to be saved. If that happens, you may need to just get a new hinge and install it. That may be annoying, but it’s better than having to listen to a symphony of squeaks for the rest of your life.
- Replace the door — If all else fails, you may just have to get a new door. Fundamental problems may arise that some lubricant and a new hinge won’t fix.
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Source: Tom’s Guide
