How to Lubricate a Door Hinge for Best Results

Got a squeaky door that’s driving you crazy every time someone opens or closes it? By applying some specially made lubricant for door hinges, you remove the squeaky noise and ensure the door swings smoothly between an open and shut position.

Before you start using oil for greasing door hinge oil though, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:

• Keep a rag handy for clean-ups
• Be careful with how much spray or door hinge oil you apply – you don’t need a lot – more is not better in this situation
• Immediately wipe up any excess door hinge lube with the rag quickly before it runs

Greasing door hinges

When lubricating a door hinge, it’s best to remove the pin first (unless they are high-end ball-bearing hinges like our Embassy solid brass hinges, in which case do NOT remove the pin) – you can use a small screwdriver and a hammer to tap the pin out from the bottom of the hinge. With the door closed, address one hinge at a time so the door will stay supported.

Spray some silicone spray on the joints in the two hinge leaves where they meet. Spray a coating onto the pin and tap it back into the door hinge. Add a little more of the solution when you are about halfway through the process. Finish tapping the pin into place, and then repeat this process for the other hinges on the door.

The procedure with door hinge oil is similar. Simply coat the pin with a thin layer of door hinge oil. Put a small dab of grease on the end and tap the pin back into place. When you have addressed all the hinges, open the door and move it back and forth several times to work the door hinge oil in. Repeat the process if the squeak persists.

Using door hinge oil

For door hinge oil, your best option is to use silicone spray or white lithium grease. Silicone is the easiest, but it does not last as long as the grease. When used properly, the mess is minimal.

Remove the hinge pins from the hinge one at a time. Apply the lubricant and replace the pin. When the hinges are lubricated, again work the door back and forth to work the lubricant in. Repeat if the squeaks remain.

Lubricating a rusty door hinge

Lubricating a rusty door hinge is a good choice when the hinge is still working – door hinge oil will loosen it and quiet it down with a little effort. When a rusty hinge has deeper rust, you may want to start by soaking the hinge with good quality penetrating oil.

Apply the oil liberally, and keep a rag handy to wipe up any excess. Allow the oil to soak in before you try working the hinge. You may want to repeat this step a few times with a badly damaged hinge.

After the penetrating oil has freed up the hinge, you can lubricate it using a silicone spray or white lithium grease. Keep in mind that an old badly rusted hinge may need additional treatments.

Lubricating a rusty door hinge with grease is easier when you remove the pin. Not all pins are removable, especially on older doors. When this happens, use spray silicone or spray penetrating oil and try to get it in every opening of the hinge. Work the door back and forth to work the lubricant down into the hinge.

It might be worth investing in new door hinges

Another option is to fit the door for a newer style hinge. This will require some carpentry skills, because you need to take the door off and change out the mortises in the door and frame.