How to Fix a Squeaky Door Hinge Without Removing the Pin

A squeaky door hinge is one of those minor annoyances that can drive you crazy, especially in the middle of the night. The good news is that most squeaky hinges can be fixed in under five minutes using items you probably already have at home — and you often don't even need to remove the hinge pin.

What Causes Door Hinges to Squeak

Door hinges squeak when metal rubs against metal without adequate lubrication. Over time, the factory lubricant wears away, and friction between the pin and the hinge knuckles creates that distinctive squealing sound. Other contributing factors include:

• Dust and dirt buildup inside the hinge knuckle, which acts as an abrasive
• Rust and corrosion, especially in humid environments like bathrooms and coastal areas
• Misalignment from a settling house, causing the pin to bear unevenly against the knuckle
• Paint inside the hinge from careless painting that creates friction

Quick Fix Methods (No Pin Removal)

Petroleum Jelly Method

This is the simplest and most effective quick fix. Open the door halfway so the hinge is accessible. Using your finger or a small brush, work a generous dab of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) into the top of each hinge knuckle. Open and close the door 10–15 times to work the lubricant down into the joint. Wipe away any excess. Petroleum jelly is thick enough to stay in place and won't drip onto your floor.

Cooking Oil or Olive Oil

In a pinch, a few drops of any cooking oil applied to the top of the hinge knuckle will silence a squeak. Use a cotton swab or folded paper towel to apply the oil precisely. Work the door back and forth. The downside of cooking oils is that they can eventually become rancid and may attract dust, so this is better as a temporary fix. Olive oil and coconut oil work equally well.

WD-40 and Silicone Spray

WD-40 is perhaps the most popular go-to for squeaky hinges, and it does work — but with caveats. WD-40 is primarily a solvent and water displacer, not a long-term lubricant. It will stop the squeak immediately but may dry out within a few weeks. For a longer-lasting fix, use a silicone-based lubricant like WD-40 Specialist Silicone or 3-IN-ONE oil. Apply the spray using the included straw for precision, and hold a rag behind the hinge to catch overspray.

Paraffin Wax Method

Rub a candle or bar of paraffin wax along the hinge pin area. The wax provides a dry lubricant that won't attract dust or drip. This method works best as a supplement — use it after applying liquid lubricant for extra longevity. You can also melt paraffin and drip it into the hinge joint for better penetration.

When You Should Remove the Pin

If the quick methods above provide only temporary relief, the hinge likely needs a more thorough treatment. Signs you need to pull the pin include:

• The squeak returns within a week despite lubrication
• You can see rust or corrosion on the pin or knuckles
• The pin is visibly bent or worn
• There's significant play (wobble) in the hinge

How to Properly Lubricate a Door Hinge Pin

1. Support the door. Wedge a book or shim under the door to prevent it from sagging when you remove the pin.
2. Remove the pin. Place a nail or thin punch against the bottom of the pin and tap upward with a hammer. Most pins will slide out easily. If the pin is stuck, use a pin punch and apply more force, or spray penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes.
3. Clean the pin and knuckles. Wipe the pin with steel wool or fine sandpaper to remove rust and old lubricant. Use a pipe cleaner or twisted paper towel to clean inside the knuckles.
4. Apply lubricant. Coat the pin thoroughly with white lithium grease, silicone grease, or 3-IN-ONE oil. These are long-lasting lubricants designed for metal-on-metal contact.
5. Reinsert the pin. Slide the pin back in from the top and tap it home with a hammer. Open and close the door to distribute the lubricant.

Long-Term Prevention Tips

• Lubricate annually. Add a drop of silicone lubricant or 3-IN-ONE oil to each hinge once a year, especially before winter when homes tend to be drier.
• Control humidity. In bathrooms and kitchens, use exhaust fans to reduce moisture that causes corrosion.
• Use quality hinges. When replacing hinges, choose ball-bearing hinges for frequently used doors. The sealed bearings eliminate metal-on-metal contact and virtually never squeak.
• Don't paint hinges. Remove hinges before painting a door or door frame. Paint inside the knuckle joint is a guaranteed future squeak.

When to Replace Hinges Entirely

If a hinge is severely corroded, the knuckle is worn egg-shaped, or the pin wobbles excessively, no amount of lubrication will provide a lasting fix. Replacement hinges for interior doors cost $3–$8 each and are simple to swap. Match the size (most interior doors use 3.5-inch hinges), corner radius (square or 1/4-inch radius), and finish of your existing hinges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WD-40 good for door hinges? WD-40 works as a quick temporary fix but isn't a true lubricant. For lasting results, use silicone spray, white lithium grease, or 3-IN-ONE oil. WD-40 Specialist Silicone is a better choice from the WD-40 product line.

Why do my door hinges squeak after painting? Paint that gets into the hinge knuckle creates friction. Remove the pin, scrape out the paint with a wire brush, and lubricate thoroughly. In the future, remove hinges before painting.

Can I use cooking spray on door hinges? Cooking spray (like PAM) works temporarily but becomes sticky and attracts dirt. Use a proper lubricant for longer-lasting results.

My hinge pin won't come out. What do I do? Apply penetrating oil (PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench) and wait 15–30 minutes. Then use a nail set and hammer from the bottom. If the pin is painted over, score around it with a utility knife first. For severely stuck pins, apply heat with a hair dryer to expand the metal slightly.