Squeaky door hinges are the bane of anyone trying to live a normal life. Long before advanced home security, there was the door hinge that alerted parents when a teen was attempting to sneak out (or in). Sleeping child? Not if the hinge has any say. And no example would be complete without a nod to the horror films, where hinges always squeak at the worst possible moment.
For anyone who wants to put an end to squeaking hinges, the best solution is to invest in some type of lubricant. While there are a number of options available, not all of them do the job. To save you time (and squeaks), here are the 5 best lubricants for door hinges.
| Product Name | Aerosol | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DuPont Teflon White Lithium GreaseEditor's Choice | Yes | 10 oz | |
| WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone LubricantEditor's Choice | Yes | 11 oz | |
| LiquiFix Lubricant 8.5oz | Yes | 8,5 oz | |
| Prolong Super Lubricants PSL40020 | Yes | 12 oz | |
| Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant | No | 8 oz |
When it comes to lubricants, the DuPont brand is a good one to have on hand. One of the best features of this lube is that it comes in two forms: grease or spray. If you are looking to use this for a variety of things, the dual option can be quite useful. Not only is it good for plastic materials, but it also works on metal and machinery including outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, snowblowers, and the ever-noisy garage door.
One of the things to note when considering this product is that the stream (for the spray version) is not well-controlled. It is recommended that you use it in an area where residual splatter won’t harm anything. Furthermore, the consistency is not thin, which could be a good or bad thing depending on how you need to use the lubricant; for the spray version, it comes out closer to foam and dries very quickly.
- Can be used on plastic materials
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Enhanced with teflon for optimal performance
- The spray is difficult to control
- Consistency is not like a liquid
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This silicone based lubricant is produced by a well-known household brand name and for good reasons. WD-40 lubricant is specially produced to repel water and is ideal for use outdoors. This fast-drying spray turns clear once dry and is approved for use on a wide range of materials including metal, rubber, vinyl, and plastics. The design of the spray bottle allows for a stream or fan-shaped spray.
The lubricant is very thin, which is great when you need it to reach a specific area, but it can also be hard to direct at a very specific spot. For those more cautious about indoor use, the composition of the lubricant is VOC compliant in all 50 states, safely allowing you to use this both outdoors and indoors.
Being an oil lubricant, this is an excellent option for surfaces that need to slide or move easily in a short amount of time. While it doesn’t repel dirt or dust, this is a great option for temporary application.
- Repels water once dry
- VOC compliant in all 50 states
- Highly stain resistant
- Dries clear
- Only withstands temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- The spray is very runny
While approved for indoor and outdoor use, this non-toxic lubricant from LiquiFix is one of the best for indoor use. This mineral-based product contains no silicone, emits no VOCs and is H1 food safe.
One of the limitations of this lubricant is that it is only good up to temperatures of 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike other lubes, however, it does withstand freezing temperatures down to -3.2F. A note about the design of the spray bottle: there is no straw as it comes with a built-in nozzle that it can be set to spray or stream. Being both odorless and non-toxic, it is truly one of the best to use inside and in the kitchen – both commercial and residential. When it comes to the question of how well it stands up to door hinges, it does need a few rounds of application in order for things to roll or bend smoothly. However, it holds its own and has many extra benefits that outweigh the potential inconvenience of multiple applications.
- Safe to use around food
- Made with 100% non-toxic materials
- Repels dirt and dust once dry
- Safe to use around fuse boxes
- Bottle design doesn’t have a straw for the spray, only a nozzle
- Is not packaged well to ship
- Requires multiple rounds of the application when used to obtain a smooth glide
- Only works at temperatures not exceeding 275F
While Prolong may not be as well known as other brands, their lubricant rises above many competitors when it comes to functionality with metal. This lube is approved for both indoor and outdoor use and is primarily focused on metal to metal functionality.
Overall, this lubricant is mostly good at one thing: metal to metal lubrication and protection. The excellent thing is that this product isn’t just ‘good’ it is scary good. If you are looking for a more generic lubricant that can handle a variety of projects, this one may not be the best for the job
However, for those that are looking for machinery, heavy-duty tracks or hinges, or pieces at higher risk for corrosion or damage caused by heat and friction, then this should be your go-to product. This stands alone as its own type, the super lubricant has its own makeup that is designed to seep deep into the crevices and tight areas in order to provide smoothness all around. While it isn’t the longest-lasting type, it is surely the better one when it comes to lubricating tight areas.
- Displaces moisture when dry
- Proactively anti-friction and anti-corrosive
- Designed as a super penetrating lubricant
- Not recommended for non-metal surfaces
Another heavy-duty lubricant that works well both inside and outside is the Permatex anti-seize lubricant. Not only does this keep hinges and parts from sticking and seizing up, but it is also designed to reduce wear and keep your machinery and anything else running well for a long time. The composition of this lubricant is made using a blend of aluminum, copper and graphite. This ingredient list lends itself to the overall success of the lubricant. Not only does it lubricate materials, but it also works to prevent galling, corrosion and seizing due to weather or other chemicals. It is salt, moisture and corrosion resistant and is one of the best lubricants for marine use.
If you are looking to apply some lubricant to squeaky screen doors, this may be a little overkill for the job. However, for those that are living near the coast, this lubricant is everything that you want to protect your hinges and equipment from the salty sea air. This grease type of lubricant is best known for its longevity and is sure to be worth the investment wherever used.
- Comes in a multi-pack up to 480 cans
- Comes in 3 different size options
- Works at the most extreme temperature range (-60F to 1,600F / -51C to 871C )
- High concentration of metals in the composition of the lubricant
- The included brush applicator is not a very good quality
BUYER’S GUIDE
There are many places where lubricants can be used in order to help things run smoothly. One of the top needs is nearly always door hinges of some sort. How do you choose the best one for the job? There are three things to consider before you start to pick out the best lubricant for the job.
First, think about the type of work that you want the lubricant to accomplish. Is this for a door that isn’t used too often? Is it the track for your screen door? Are you looking to help one of your pieces of machinery run more smoothly? Knowing what you want to use the lubricant for before you make your purchase will help you pick the best one for the job from the different types that are available. As part of this, you will also want to consider the material that you need the lubricant for. Some types only work for metal and can damage plastic or vinyl. Make sure to read the product specifications carefully before making your purchase.
Second, consider the long-term goal of the lubricant. If you are looking for something that repels dirt, look for a grease lubricant. If you are looking to prevent corrosion and keep things running smoothly for a longer period of time, look for the deep lubricants or the more distinctly-designed ones. Need a fast fix for something that hasn’t been used too recently? An oil lubricant will do the trick.
Third, think about where the lubricant will be used. Many lubricants do not seem to ‘work’ simply because they are not being used as they were intended. If you are looking to use this for a door that tends to squeak when the weather gets cold, make sure you select one that works in the cold. If you are looking to use it inside, consider a lubricant that is not too messy when applied to surfaces. With the wide variety of lubricants available, you will be able to find the best one for your job in no time. To get you started, here are some of the more frequently asked questions to guide you to
What are the different types of Lubricants?
Lubricants typically come in the following types:
- Oil
- Grease
- Penetrating
Oil-based lubricants are the thinnest and are ideal for when you are looking to get into spaces without having to take everything apart. They are a fast fix and provide easy gliding between two materials. They are not recommended for areas that attract dirt easily as the oil tends to retain the dust and dirt.
Grease lubricants are best when you are looking to use it for a surface that tends to attract dust and dirt. They do tend to be messy, but they are thick and are generally the longest-lasting type of lubricant. It is not recommended that you use grease lubricants for tight, small spaces
Penetrating lubricant has a thin consistency, like oil, but is designed to press into the tiniest of cracks and crevices to lubricate the material. The overall composition of this is what sets is into its own category. It is not intended for long-term lubrication, but is an excellent way to get into the crevices of pretty much anything.
Does temperature matter?
Yes! For the typical door hinges either indoors or outdoors, probably not too much, but in general, it is important to pay attention to how much heat (or cold) a lubricant can withstand in order to guarantee that it does the job. If you are looking to use lubricant on a piece of machinery – even if its a common household tool such as a lawnmower – it is recommended that you research approximately how hot the area gets that you want to lubricate and then choose a product that falls into that range.
The risk of using a lubricant that doesn’t stand up to the heat or cold is that the lubricant will fail and the materials won’t be protected. For example, a chemical based lubricant, if applied to an area that is hotter than the lubricant can stand, will evaporate the lubricant itself and leave behind nothing but chemical dust.
Can I use lubricant near electrical outlets, etc?
Generally, lubricants carry some static electricity that can be dangerous when used near electrical outlets or fuse boxes. If you are looking to lubricate something near an electrical power of some sort, it is best to invest in one that is designed for that type of work in order to mitigate the potential risks.
How often do I have to apply the lubricant?
The answer to this depends mainly on two things: what you are applying the lubricant on and the type of lubricant you are using. For smaller, less significant pieces (e.g. a screen door track), there is little need for consistent application of lubricant. Likewise, if you invest in a heavy-duty lubricant designed to prevent corrosion and/or friction, you won’t need to apply it as often because the lubricant itself is working to prevent further friction.
The type of lubricant you have will play a role in how often you will need to apply it. Oil lubricants work quickly but do not have as much stamina built it, and these will generally need consistent applications in order to keep things running smoothly.
What is anti-seize?
Anti-seize is a compound designed to prevent the seizing (catching) of things such as bolts, screws, latches and more. When combined with
What are VOCs and should I have them indoors?
VOC is short for Volatile Organic Compound. These are chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at high temperatures. They generally carry certain odors with them and there are laws in each state that have expectations for how they are used and at what concentration. So long as the product meets the state VOC standard, using lubricants with VOCs is completely fine.
Can I use an outdoor lubricant for something inside?
Generally, the guidelines for indoor vs outdoor are established for safety reasons. Things like VOCs may be damaging to your health when used in smaller spaces such as a home. It is always a good idea to review the product outline before purchasing a lubricant. If you know that your project inside is going to need a good lubricant, look for ones that are either both indoor/outdoor or indoor approved in order to guarantee your health and safety.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to choosing a good lubricant for the job, it is best to know where you are going to apply it, what type of materials you need it for, and the climate and/or location. It is also good to keep in mind the reason for the lubricant. Knowing these things in advance will help you narrow down the type of lubricant you are looking for and ensure you make the best choice for your project.
For those that are looking for the best lubricant for door hinges, the DuPont or WD-40 lubricants are going to be two of the most applicable. While they are not the strongest or longest-lasting, they get the job done and will prevent squeaking for a good amount of time.
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