October 11, 2008
Stop Doors From Squeaking
Q. I want to know how I can stop a door from squeaking. All the doors in our house, from the front entrance doors to the interior doors, squeak. Please help. It drives me up a wall. -J. McDonald, Moriches
A. It's all in the hinges. If your hinges have been painted over or are old and filled with dust and grime, try removing the pins and cleaning them.
Personally, if I had any painted interior door hinges, I'd replace them. If they were older and I wasn't able to replace them, I'd use paint remover, clean them and reinstall them.
To remove the pins, place the edge of a utility chisel or an old standard flathead screwdriver near the head of the pin. Tap lightly with a hammer to loosen the pin from hinge, then pull it free.
To clean these hinge pins, try using some steel wool and a lubricating oil. Avoid using the penetrating oils that come in aerosol cans to lubricate door hinges and locks. These products are better when used as solvents and to loosen bolts.
Once you have cleaned the pins, oil them every couple of months or so. Again, be sure to use a lubricating oil.
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Products for you and your home that support the cause.
Popular stories
- Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner opens up about split with 'Girls Next Door' co-star Holly Madison
- Dow down again, caps off worst week since 1914
- Board won't stop Suffolk deputies from highway patrol
- Alaska inquiry finds Palin abused power for personal gain in seeking the firing of ex-relative
- Amtrak: It's no Orient Express -- but it's not a bad way to travel
Home & Gardens blog updates
The Great Long Island Tomato Challenge 2008
Photos from this year's event, hosted by Newsday's Garden Detective, Jessica Damiano.
Video coverage