A squeaky door hinge is the simplest household repair and the one most people get wrong with WD-40. WD-40 isn't a lubricant — it's a water-displacer that evaporates within weeks. The squeak returns. The right fix is a 30-second application of actual lubricant (silicone-based grease or 3-in-1 oil) at the hinge pin.
This guide covers standard butt hinges (the metal hinges on most interior doors) and the related sliding-door bottom rollers. Door knobs and latches are different — covered in their own guides.
Before you start
Two things to know:
1. WD-40 is not the answer. WD-40 evaporates quickly because its primary purpose is moisture displacement, not lubrication. It works for 1-3 weeks then the squeak returns. Use silicone-based grease (Tri-Flow, 3-in-1 oil) or lithium grease for permanent fix.
2. Pin removal vs in-place oiling. For a permanent fix, remove the hinge pin and apply lubricant to the pin shaft. For a temporary fix without disassembly, drip oil at the top of the pin and let gravity pull it down. The disassembled fix lasts decades; the in-place fix lasts months.
What you'll need
Tools
- Hammer and small nail or punch (for tapping out the hinge pin)
- Cleaning rag
- Phillips screwdriver (sometimes needed)
Materials
- Silicone-based grease (Tri-Flow, Super Lube) OR 3-in-1 oil
- Optional: replacement hinge pins if existing are damaged
Skip the WD-40
WD-40 is technically a 'water displacer' (the WD in the name). It evaporates and leaves no protective film. Squeaks return within weeks of application.
Use real lubricant: silicone-based grease lasts decades; 3-in-1 oil lasts a year or two. Both cost about the same as WD-40 at any hardware store.
Step-by-step instructions
Tap out the hinge pin
Open the door. Look at each hinge — find the small pin running vertically through the hinge.
From below, place a small nail or punch against the bottom of the pin. Tap the nail upward with a hammer. The pin slides out the top.
Pull the pin fully out. The door doesn't fall — the other hinges still support it.
Apply lubricant to the pin
Wipe the pin clean with a rag. Apply silicone-based grease or a few drops of 3-in-1 oil along the pin's shaft.
Coat fully — every part of the pin that contacts the hinge knuckles.
Re-insert the pin
Slide the pin back into the hinge from the top. It should drop most of the way in by gravity.
Tap the top of the pin gently with the hammer to seat it fully.
Open and close the door — silent.
Repeat for each hinge
Most doors have 2-3 hinges. All of them might be squeaking. Do each one in turn.
Even non-squeaky hinges benefit from periodic lubrication — extends their life and prevents future squeaks.
For inaccessible pins (sealed hinges)
Some modern hinges have non-removable pins. For those: drip 3-in-1 oil at the top of each hinge knuckle. Gravity carries the oil down between the metal pieces.
Open and close the door 5-10 times to work the oil through the joint.
Common mistakes that cost you
- Using WD-40. Evaporates in 2-3 weeks. Real lubricant is silicone grease or 3-in-1 oil.
- Pin going down instead of up. Hinge pins remove upward (most designs). Tap from below to push out the top.
- Skipping lubrication maintenance. Annual quick lube prevents squeaks before they start. Takes 2 minutes per door.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't WD-40 work?
WD-40 is designed for moisture displacement and quick lubrication that evaporates. It's not formulated for lasting friction reduction.
For permanent lubrication, use silicone-based grease or true oil products.
What if the hinge is damaged or worn?
If the hinge has visible wear, sloppy fit, or cracks, replace it. Replacement hinges are inexpensive and screw to the door/frame with the same hole pattern as the original.
Removing all hinge pins and lubricating doesn't help if the hinge itself is damaged.
When to call us instead
If multiple hinges are sticking, sagging, or not aligning the door properly, the door itself may be warped or the frame may be out of square. Door rehang work is part of broader trim and door-replacement work.
Book a free 60-minute site visit →Related Ottawa services
If multiple doors in your home have alignment issues, our residential renovation team handles door work as part of larger refreshes. Book a free 60-minute consultation.