The creaking sound of door hinges can sometimes be so annoying. Over time, dust and dirt will accumulate inside the hinge, wear out the hinge metal and cause it to jam. You only need simple tools and a little time to prevent hinges from creaking or jamming while prolonging their life. Learn what equipment you will need and how to properly care for the hinges.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Lubricating the Hinge
Step 1. Purchase the appropriate lubricant
The lubricant that will be used to lubricate the door hinges must be able to penetrate the layer of dirt that forms and coats the inside of the hinge in order to keep it working effectively. Buy lubricant in a can or container that has a pointed tip (or comes with a tube) so that it can reach all of the hinges. Check with a hardware store near you for an affordable and recommended spray lubricant. The types of lubricants that are good for lubricating hinges include:
- Silicone-based spray lubricants such as Blaster or Tri-Flow. This type of lubricant is the most widely available and the easiest to use for lubricating door hinges.
- Lithium lubricants are also effective and anti-dust. These greases are widely available at most auto parts stores. Its main purpose is to lubricate auto parts, but it can also be used for other similar situations.
- Safe oils such as olive, canola, or coconut oil can also be used temporarily to lubricate the hinges that drag. If the door can still be opened and closed but the hinges creak, use this type of oil as a temporary lubricant. However, this type of oil will make dust and dirt stick, so it is less preferred than other types of lubricants, such as silicone-based lubricants.
Step 2. Find the hinge pin
Most door hinges consist of two hinge wings (a flat plate that attaches to the door and frame) and a pin (cylindrical rod) that holds the two hinge wings together, simultaneously connecting the door to the wall. Look for the cylindrical rod that sits between the two horizontal halves of the hinge. It is this pin that holds the two hinge wings together and needs to be removed to allow the hinge to be thoroughly lubricated.
Step 3. Remove the hinge pins
Widely open the door leaf and pull the pin out of the hinge. With some hinges, you can remove the pins with your fingers, but you'll usually need a small pair of pliers to pull them out. Turn the pin with pliers counterclockwise to remove it. Be careful not to injure your hands.
Sometimes hinge pins can rust or get stuck making them difficult to remove. If you have trouble removing it, use a screwdriver or a liquid such as a PB Blaster to help remove the pins. Read the rest of this article for how to deal with stuck pins
Step 4. Apply lubricant
After successfully removing the hinge pin, apply the lubricant you have prepared on the hinge pin, as well as on the hinge flange, especially on the hinge book part (the hole for inserting the pin), so that the hinge is fully lubricated. Apply a thin layer to the hinge pins and spray or drip on the hinge flange. Add more if necessary.
Step 5. Try the result
Install the hinge pins and try to open and close the door. Try a few times, if the door hinges still creak, remove the hinge pins again and add more grease. Keep doing this until the hinge creaks are completely gone. When you are satisfied with the performance of the door hinges, tighten them and make sure the hinge pins are securely in place.
Step 6. Use a rag or tissue to clean
Clean all dirt, dust and excess lubricant residue from the door hinges and the surrounding area until they are completely clean. Remember that the main causes of hinges creaking or jamming are dust and dirt, so get them cleaned as best you can while you can.
Method 2 of 2: Removing the Jammed Hinge Pin
Step 1. Wet the rusty hinge with a liquid such as a PB Blaster
If you're having trouble removing a stuck hinge pin, wet the hinge with a spray of easy-to-absorb liquid lubricant and let it sit for up to 12 hours before you try to remove it again. WD-40 is another product that is also widely used to solve this kind of problem. Spray a generous amount of liquid on the hinges and let it soak in.
Many people then try to force the hinge pin off by hitting it with a hammer. However, if the hinge is really rusty, using a hammer could actually damage the wood of the door or break the hinge, and cost you an even bigger repair
Step 2. Gently tap the end of the pin with a screwdriver
Once the liquid has soaked in, use the tip of the screwdriver to tap and gently push the pin out of the hinge. This is probably the most effective way to remove the pins from the hinges for lubrication.
Use something thin enough to push the pin out. The tips of small pliers, a ballpoint pen or other thin object may help. Use an object that is approximately the same size as the hinge pin you are trying to remove
Step 3. If necessary, fix the pins
Roll the pin bar on a flat surface to check if it is still straight or bent, as well as for signs of wear. If the pins are too rusty or bent, take the time to straighten and clean them before putting them back together, so you don't have the same creaking problem in the future.
- If the pin is bent, straighten it by placing it on the cement floor and hitting it with a hammer until it comes back straight.
- Use cloth sandpaper to sand the pins and remove the rust. This will help the pins to fit more loosely, reducing drag and less likely to creak.
Tips
- Always apply a small amount of lubricant first, then add more if necessary. It's easier to add grease than it is to clean up excess grease!
- If your skin is sensitive, wear gloves when doing this work.
- Replace hinges that are too rusty, as they will only get worse.
