A squeaky door is one of those small annoyances that can drive you crazy — especially at night when everyone is sleeping. The good news is it takes less than 5 minutes to fix.
What Causes a Squeaky Door?
Squeaky doors are almost always caused by friction between the hinge pins and the hinge barrel. When the metal dries out or rusts slightly, it creates that familiar squeak every time the door moves.
What You’ll Need
A lubricant — WD-40, petroleum jelly, or a dedicated hinge lubricant. A hammer and a screwdriver to remove the hinge pin if needed.
Step 1: Find the Squeaky Hinge
Open and close the door slowly while watching the hinges. You’ll usually be able to identify exactly which hinge is causing the noise.
Step 2: Lubricate the Hinge
Spray WD-40 directly onto the hinge pin while opening and closing the door to work it in. If the squeak persists, remove the hinge pin completely by tapping it upward with a screwdriver and hammer. Apply petroleum jelly or hinge lubricant directly to the pin before reinserting.
Step 3: Reinsert the Pin and Test
Tap the pin back into place and open and close the door several times. The squeak should be completely gone.
Still Squeaking?
If lubrication doesn’t fix it, the hinges may be loose. Tighten the screws on each hinge. If the screw holes are stripped, fill them with wooden toothpicks and wood glue before reinserting the screws.