Fixing Squeaky Doors

If you've a cabinet door or room door that squeaks each time its opened, chances are the hinges are the culprits of the squeak. Friction causes hinges to squeak when they are out of alignment, or the hinge pin rubs. While your first instinct may be to run to the hardware store to find replacement hinges, there is an easier solution that will allow you to keep your original hinges. Spray the hinges with a lubricant, such as WD-40, and then move the door back and forth several times to allow the lubricant to penetrate the entire hinge pin area. If lubricating the hinges with the door in place doesn't stop the squeak, follow these steps to remove the door form the hinges and stop the squeak:

• Remove the hinge pins and then remove the door. If you have trouble removing the hinge pins, use a large nail and hammer to remove them. Place the nail on the bottom of the hinge pin, and then hit it with the hammer to partially move the hinge pin up. Then, take a pair of pliers and pull the hinge pin out the rest of the way. Set the door aside.
• Remove the hinges from the door facing and then use steel wool to clean both the hinges and the hinge pins. Remove all debris by scouring the metal pieces.
• Use your lubricant (such as WD-40) to lubricate all of the metal parts. You can also use petroleum jelly to lubricate the parts, but make sure to wipe away the excess.
• Reinstall the hinges into their original holes and then replace the door and hinge pins.

Chances are you will have fixed the squeaky door by lubricating the hinges and hinge pins. If you still hear squeaks, then the problem lies in a misalignment.

If you find that you need to realign your door to get rid of the squeak, start by removing the door form the hinges, and then tap the hinge leaf up or down. Re-hang the door and keep adjusting the door hinge leaf until it stops squeaking when the door is in place.

If the squeak persists even after you've tapped the hinge to realign, then you may need to drill new holes for the hinge. Doing so involves using wood filler to patch the existing hinge holes. If you have the time and energy, you can perform the job yourself by researching how to use wood filler. Or, you can hire a carpenter to perform the job professionally. It may cost you more money in the long run to hire a carpenter, but he can guarantee that you will be rid of the squeaky door after the job is complete. If you don't know much about how to complete the job, you may cause more problems than a simple squeak.