More Boring Home Ownership stuff: Squeaky Door Hinge, Quiet Please

A squeaky door hinge can be annoying, except when you’re trying to tell when your kids are coming and going.  The squeaking sound is cause by friction and is causing premature wear in the hinge pin.  Ignoring a squeaking door for too long can cause excessive wear and make the door difficult to operate.   

The fix is simple….oil.  Some people use WD-40, other use general motor oil (large can).  These oils are good but can make a mess and get every, if you’re not careful.     Best is to purchase oil in a small can, such as. light lubricating oil.  These oils are sometimes called 3 in 1 oil or sewing machine oil, they have a small drip spout. This allows you to apply just a few drops at a time.

Using a small rag or paper towel, place few drops of oil atop the tight horizontal pin joint at the hinge. The oil will be drawn into the joints, and you can catch any excessive oil with the rag by wiping the hinge. Repeat on all hinges.

Open and close the door completely a few times to distribute the oil and take one last wipe at the hinge to ensure that no oil drips on the floor. You should lubricate the hinges about every two years. I like to use the oil in a small can because it’s not messy like a spray lubricant.