Lubricant for squeaky doors

Question

I'm looking for a long term solution to my squeaky doors. Our home is fitted with brass hinges on all doors and lately they have all been starting to squeak. I've tried several silicone based lubricants but none have solved this issue permanently.

Answer 1

Properly lubricating the hinges should stop the squeaks. In short, you remove the hinges from the door, lubricate them, and put them back.

You'll want to use white lithium grease. It works very well for metal on metal contact.

I'm assuming simple door hinges here, like these

You'll want to do each door one at time.

Long Process

• Have someone support the door while you knock the hinge pins up and out from the bottom of each hinge.
• Lean the door up against the wall and unscrew the hinges from the door and the jamb.
• Lay out the hinges on newspaper and use the lithium grease to lubricate the pins and the inside of the barrel. The barrel is the tube that the hinge pin passes through,
• Usually, you let the lithium grease dry before reassembly. Follow the directions on the grease.
• Finally, re-attach the hinge wings to the door and jamb.
• With someone holding the door, re-insert the pins from the top.
• Enjoy the silence.

Short Process

• Have someone support the door while you knock the hinge pins up and out from the bottom of each hinge.
• Lay the hinge pin on newspaper and use the lithium grease to lubricate it.
• Usually, you let the lithium grease dry before reassembly. Follow the directions on the grease.
• With someone holding the door, re-insert the pins from the top.
• Enjoy the silence.

Do one door first, and give it few days to make sure the squeak is gone.

Answer 2

The underlying problem may be that the hinges are not perfectly aligned.

Answer 3

Motor cycle chain lubricant or a 3-in-one oil works well. Motorcycle chain lubricant is designed to penetrate and provide lasting protection, though as with any lubricant, it does need to be re-applied occasionally.

Lithium grease is a better option for sure, I just am putting this out there because it can be applied without taking the hinges apart, and works reasonably well. If the hinge is REALLY bad, you'll need to take it apart though.

Answer 4

Use WD-40. Works everytime.

Answer 5

I like graphite-based lubricants (like you'll see for loosening a frozen car door lock). Lithium grease is an excellent option, though, too.

Answer 6

Jigaloo is an amazing lube. If you don't go nuts with it, it dries really quickly. It smells nice, waterproofs, and generally works really well. But, it causes cancer, so don't spray the kids or their toys.

I use it on squeeky things, my leathers, my bike, and my rubik's cube.

Answer 7

As others have said, WD-40 is not a "permanent" lubricant, but the spray can is damn convenient. So, what I would use is Spray silicone. You can find it in white and clear varieties. You probably want clear.

(Spray silicone is what my car manufacturer reccomends for lubricating the door hinges.)

My next choice would be 3-in-1 oil. It is a little more runny though.

No matter what you pick, don't overdo it. Spray a tiny bit and open/shut the door to let it work in.