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Fix a door hinge that squeaks

We'll confirm the squeak is from the hinge, apply lubricant (graphite, silicone, or paraffin wax), and fix loose screws or worn pins—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Graphite powder, silicone spray, or paraffin wax (candle)
  • Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
  • Dry cloth (for cleaning)
  • Replacement hinge pin (if worn)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the squeak is from the hinge, apply lubricant, and fix loose screws or worn pins.

  • Open and close the door slowly. Listen for where the squeak occurs.
  • Good: The squeak happens when the door pivots at the hinge—proceed to Apply lubricant.
  • Bad: The squeak is from the latch or strike plate—different problem; see the relevant guide.

Apply lubricant

Goal: Lubricate the hinge to stop metal-on-metal friction and squeaking.

  • Wipe the hinge knuckles and pin with a dry cloth. Remove dust and old lubricant.
  • Apply graphite powder, silicone spray, or paraffin wax (rub a candle on the hinge knuckles and hinge pin). Avoid oil—it attracts dust and can stain.
  • Work the door open and closed 10–15 times so the lubricant distributes.
  • Good: The squeak is gone or much quieter—you may be done.
  • Bad: Still squeaks—proceed to Check screws and pin.

Check screws and pin

Goal: Fix loose screws or a worn hinge pin that lubricant did not resolve.

  • Tighten all hinge screws with a screwdriver. Use the longest screws that fit without protruding.
  • If the squeak persists, remove the hinge pin by tapping it up from the bottom. Check for rust, bends, or wear.
  • Replace the pin with a matching part from a hardware store if worn. Reinstall and apply lubricant.
  • Good: The door swings quietly after tightening or replacing the pin—done.
  • Bad: Hinge is bent, broken, or severely corroded—call a carpenter or handyman.

When to get help

Call a carpenter or handyman if:

  • The hinge is bent, broken, or severely corroded.
  • Lubricant and tightening did not stop the squeak.
  • The door is heavy commercial-grade or fire-rated.

Confirm you have tried the steps above before calling. For related fixes, see Fix a door that sticks or Fix a door that will not latch.

Verification

  • The door opens and closes quietly without squeaking.
  • Hinge screws are tight and the door does not shift when you lift it.
  • Lubricant is applied to the knuckles and pin; no excess dripping.
  • The door swings freely through its full range.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Confirm the squeak comes from the hinge when the door swings.
  2. Lubricant Clean the hinge and apply graphite, silicone, or paraffin wax.
  3. Tighten screws Tighten loose hinge screws.
  4. Replace hinge pin Remove, inspect, and replace worn or corroded hinge pin.
  5. Call a pro Hinge damaged, or fixes did not work—call a carpenter or handyman.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Which hinge squeaks (top, middle, bottom)
  • Whether lubricant was applied
  • Whether screws are tight
  • Whether hinge pin is worn or corroded
  • Steps already tried

Does the door squeak when you open or close it?

Open and close the door slowly. Listen for where the squeak occurs.

Open and close the door. Yes: Squeak at the hinge when the door pivots—proceed to lubricant. No: If the door is quiet, you are done. If the squeak is from the latch or strike plate, that is a different problem.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did lubricant reduce or eliminate the squeak?

Apply graphite, silicone spray, or paraffin wax to the hinge knuckles and pin. Work the door open and closed.

Clean the hinge. Apply graphite, silicone spray, or paraffin wax (candle) to the hinge knuckles and pin. Avoid oil. Work the door 10–15 times. Yes: Squeak gone—done. No: Still squeaks—proceed to check screws and pin.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Are the hinge screws loose?

Loose hinges can shift and squeak even with lubricant.

Tighten all hinge screws with a screwdriver. Use the longest screws that fit. Loose: Tighten and retest. Tight: Proceed to check the hinge pin.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Tighten screws and retest

Tighten all hinge screws. Apply lubricant if not already done. Work the door open and closed. If the squeak is gone, you are done. If it persists, check the hinge pin.

Done

Is the hinge pin worn or corroded?

Remove the pin by tapping it up from the bottom. Check for rust, bends, or wear.

Remove the hinge pin by tapping it up from the bottom. Inspect for rust, bends, or wear. Worn or corroded: Replace with a matching pin, reinstall, apply lubricant, test. Good: If pin is fine but still squeaks, the hinge may be damaged—call a carpenter.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace hinge pin and test

Replace the hinge pin with a matching part from a hardware store. Reinstall and apply lubricant. Work the door open and closed. The squeak should stop. If it persists, call a carpenter or handyman.

Done

Door swings quietly

The door opens and closes without squeaking. No further action needed.

Done

No action needed or different problem

If the door is quiet, you are done. If the squeak is from the latch or strike plate, that is a different problem—see the relevant guide.

Done

Call a carpenter or handyman

Call a carpenter or handyman if: the hinge is bent, broken, or severely corroded; lubricant and tightening did not stop the squeak; or the door is heavy commercial-grade. Confirm you have tried the steps above before calling.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does a door hinge squeak?
Hinges squeak when metal rubs against metal without lubrication. Dust, wear, or corrosion can remove the original lubricant. Dry hinges are the most common cause; lubricant usually fixes it.
What is the best lubricant for a squeaky door hinge?
Graphite powder, silicone spray, or paraffin wax (rub a candle on the knuckles) work well. Avoid oil—it attracts dust and can drip onto the floor or stain the door. Wipe excess after applying.
When should I call a pro for a squeaky hinge?
Call a carpenter or handyman if the hinge is bent, broken, or corroded beyond cleaning; if lubricant and tightening did not stop the squeak; or if the door is heavy commercial-grade and you are not comfortable working on it.

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