Quieten a squeaky hinge by tightening loose screws, fixing worn holes, and lubricating the hinge pins.
DH-01Work out which hinge is squeakingOpen and close the door slowly and listen for which hinge makes the noise. Check whether it's a dry pin, a loose screw, or the door rubbing on the frame. Lift the door gently on its hinges — if it moves or sags, a screw is likely loose or worn.
DH-02Set up before you startLay a dust sheet under the door to catch drips and dust. Wedge the door open with a doorstop so it stays still while you work. Get a screwdriver that matches the hinge screw heads.
DH-03Tighten every hinge screwTurn each screw on every hinge fully clockwise, working through top, middle and bottom hinges. Do this even on hinges that aren't squeaking, as a loose one elsewhere can still cause movement. If a screw spins without tightening, the hole is worn — move to the next step rather than forcing it.
DH-04Fix a worn or stripped screw holeTake the loose screw out. Dip a wooden matchstick or cocktail stick in wood glue and push two or three into the hole, then snap them flush with the surface. Leave to dry for about 30 minutes, then re-drive the original screw — it will now bite into fresh wood. For a bigger or more worn hole, pack it with interior wood filler instead and let it cure fully before re-screwing.
DH-05Lubricate the hinge pinsIf the hinge pin lifts out, remove it; if not, just open the door fully to expose the knuckle. Apply a few drops of household oil, or a smear of petroleum jelly, along the pin and into the hinge joint. Work the door back and forth several times to spread the lubricant through the hinge.
DH-06Wipe off and testWipe away any excess oil or jelly from the door, frame and floor with a cloth so nothing stains the paintwork or carpet. Open and close the door several times to check the squeak has gone. If it's still noisy, repeat the lubrication step.
DH-07Tidy upPack away your tools and remove the dust sheet. Bin any wood filler scraps or matchstick packaging. Check the floor and skirting near the door for oil marks and wipe them clean.
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