Fix a squeaky door hinge
That squeak usually means a dry hinge is letting metal rub against metal every time you open the door. A quick spray may help for a few days, but greasing the hinge pin gives you a longer-lasting fix. Set aside about ten minutes.
Spray or grease?
The squeak comes from the hinge pin, the rod that runs down through the middle of each hinge. Spray aimed at the hinge rarely reaches the whole pin, and it wears off. Pulling the pin, cleaning it and greasing it takes a little longer and lasts much longer.
Where the squeak comes from
The pin that holds the hinge together rubs as the door swings.
Grit gets into the hinge and turns into a grinding paste.
Hinges painted over along with the trim can bind and squeak.
If the door rubs on the frame too, the noise might not be the hinge at all.
| Lubricant | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| White lithium grease | Months to years. Our pick. |
| Silicone spray | A few months, and it doesn't collect much dust. |
| Petroleum jelly | A decent fix in a pinch. |
| WD-40 | Days or weeks. It cleans, but doesn't stay. |
Quiet the hinge
- Close the doorA closed door holds itself in place, so you can pull pins without it sagging.
- Tap the pin upPut a nail against the bottom of the hinge pin and tap upward with a hammer until you can pull it out by hand. Only do one hinge at a time.
- Clean itWipe off old gunk and rust with a paper towel. A little steel wool helps if it's crusty.
- Grease and reinsertCoat the pin with a thin layer of lithium grease and tap it back in. Wipe off any extra.
- Repeat and swing itDo the other hinges, then open and close the door several times to spread the grease.
If one hinge keeps squeaking
Hold each hinge while someone swings the door. The one you can feel squeaking is the one that needs more grease, and it's often just one.
If the pin is badly rusted, replacing the hinge costs a few dollars and takes minutes.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A handyman might charge $75–$150, but this is one of the easiest DIY jobs in the house.
Other door problems
Squeaky door questions
Why not just use WD-40?
It works for a short time, but it's thin and evaporates. A grease coats the pin longer.
Should I remove the door to do this?
No. Keep it closed and work one hinge at a time so the door stays supported.
Why does my door still squeak after oiling it?
Oil sprays often don't reach the whole pin and wear off. Remove the pin, clean it, and coat it with grease.
Can bar soap fix a squeaky door?
Rubbing bar soap on the pin works briefly, but grease lasts much longer and doesn't leave residue on the hinge.
Will grease stain the door or floor?
Not if you wipe off the extra. Use a thin coat, and keep a paper towel under the hinge while you tap the pin back in.
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