FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Squeaking door hinges

Jeff_Clarke | Posted in General Discussion on November 9, 2007 05:16am

May seem like obvious questions:

What makes hinges squeak?

How do you adjust the squeaks out?   (lube vs. bend/align etc.)

Condition is 6′-8″ 2-panel doors with 2 high-quality (Baldwin solid brass) hinges/leaf

 

Jeff

PS – I’m not going to add a third hinge/leaf

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. BungalowJeff | Nov 09, 2007 06:34pm | #1

    I just use a drop or two of some good ol' 3-in-1 oil from a can that has to be 30+ years old.

    ...that's not a mistake, it's rustic

  2. DonCanDo | Nov 09, 2007 08:56pm | #2

    Remove the door and check that the knuckles are aligned.  If they're not, file down the high spots.  The point is that all of the hinge knuckles should carry equal weight.

    Replacing the hinges with brass (or even brass-plated) should also work because brass is softer than steel.

    1. User avater
      Jeff_Clarke | Nov 09, 2007 09:03pm | #3

      They are Baldwin solid brass

      1. doorboy | Nov 10, 2007 12:47am | #4

        Baldwin IS high quality. However, two solid brass hinges on a heavy door may not be enough. A third hinge would balance out the torque and maybe help them last longer, but since that's out of the question, I think I'd go with brass plated steel hinges--maybe even ball-bearing."She wrote a long letter, on a short piece of paper." Traveling Wilburys

        1. Dave45 | Nov 10, 2007 03:53am | #5

          I recently began hearing squeaking on my kitchen cabinet doors - after 10 years of silent operation.  One day, I noticed that my 88 year old MIL was bracing herself on the door when she went into a lower cabinet.

          A quick spritz of WD-40 fixed that. (Although I was tempted, I spritzed the hinges, not my MIL - lol)

        2. User avater
          JDRHI | Nov 10, 2007 03:57am | #6

          Good suggestion....why is it out of the question?

          J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements

           

           

          1. User avater
            Jeff_Clarke | Nov 10, 2007 06:06am | #7

            All the doors in the house have 2 hinges / leaf - I don't want to go changing that for 28 doors.   Besides the door in question is a 2'-4" x 6'-8" 2-panel and not all that heavy.

            Personally, I think that the deal is they came off a couple of times for undercutting/planing and it's very easy to bend the knuckles out of fit when removing the door.   I think that's why it's noisy

            Jeff

            Edited 11/9/2007 10:07 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke

          2. gordsco | Nov 10, 2007 02:17pm | #9

            Pull the pin and smear lightly with white lithium grease.

            Return pin and wipe off any excess.

            Fogetaboudit.

          3. DanH | Nov 10, 2007 03:51pm | #10

            Don't forget to hold the handle in tight until you get the pin back in.
            If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

          4. gordsco | Nov 10, 2007 04:49pm | #11

            I use white lithium grease so when I hold the pin in my teeth, the stains aren't as noticable 

            Gord

                                    

             

             

  3. DanH | Nov 10, 2007 07:04am | #8

    Mice.

    If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
  4. User avater
    IMERC | Nov 18, 2007 06:08am | #12

    dry metal to dry metal...

    use bar soap instead of oil to lube...

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. User avater
      Jeff_Clarke | Nov 18, 2007 06:26am | #13

      How about the paraffin wax block that I use to start screws?Jeff

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Nov 18, 2007 07:51am | #14

        that too.. 

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. DougU | Nov 18, 2007 04:33pm | #15

        How about the paraffin wax block that I use to start screws?

        Thats actually better. Sometimes soap has enough moisture(water) in it to cause rust.

        Doug

        Edited 11/18/2007 8:34 am ET by DougU

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Nov 19, 2007 05:08am | #17

          are you saying those aren't real brass hinges???? 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          1. User avater
            Jeff_Clarke | Nov 19, 2007 05:10am | #18

            If my Baldwin brass hinges start rusting I'll be very surprised ;o)Jeff

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Nov 19, 2007 05:16am | #19

            if they came from china...

            expect them to... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          3. MikeHennessy | Nov 19, 2007 03:22pm | #23

            "if they came from china...

            expect them to..."

            Nah. Lead don't rust.

            Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

          4. DanH | Nov 19, 2007 03:40pm | #24

            Actually, there was a segment on NPR recently about the lead problem in China. They put lead in everything, since it's a cheap, easily-worked "filler" metal. Where others would use zinc, they use lead.Wouldn't be at all surprised if Chinese "brass" hinges are high lead and thus poor quality.
            If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

          5. MikeHennessy | Nov 19, 2007 03:45pm | #25

            Yeah, I first typed that in jest, and then I got to thinkin' . . . .

            Hmm.

            Don't let the kids chew on the hinges!

            Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

          6. User avater
            Jeff_Clarke | Nov 19, 2007 06:51pm | #26

            They are Baldwin, not Bardwin.   

            Jeff

          7. DanH | Nov 19, 2007 06:52pm | #27

            That's how YOU pronounce it.
            If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

          8. User avater
            IMERC | Nov 19, 2007 07:39pm | #29

            no wonder the start sagging so soon... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          9. DougU | Nov 19, 2007 06:09am | #20

            are you saying those aren't real brass hinges????

            Hell I dont know!

            Where you been? I dont think I have seen your name on here in several months

            Doug

          10. User avater
            IMERC | Nov 19, 2007 06:16am | #21

            went fishing...

            trashed the computer...

            went fishing...

            just got a new one...

            celibrated by going fishing...

            stopped in saw G8 up at his mountain place...

            saw he was insulating and hanging rock...

            beat feet and went fishing...

            found a place on the Arkansas...

            the fishing is some of the best I've ever found...

            so I went finshing...

            be back there the rest of the week..

            Heck and G8 are suppose to meet me there later this week..

            so I'll fish till they show up..

            how you been??? 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          11. DougU | Nov 19, 2007 03:08pm | #22

            saw he was insulating and hanging rock...

            beat feet and went fishing...

            Smart man!

            So, got a little fishing in huh

            Everythings been good, no time to fish but then again, if there was I'd probably do something else!

            Working on a lake house and I see fishermen all day long, does  that count? Apparently  the walleye are biting.

            Doug

             

          12. User avater
            IMERC | Nov 19, 2007 07:36pm | #28

            Working on a lake house and I see fishermen all day long, does  that count?

            sure... we can give ya an E fer effort... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  5. DanH | Nov 18, 2007 04:46pm | #16

    If the hinges squeek, the doors are too heavy for the hinges, the hinges are poor quality, or they need a touch of lube.

    Hit them with just a TOUCH of Teflon spray (eg, TriFlow), and if that doesn't do the job well then change out the hinges for ball-bearing ones, or at least ones with separate thrust bushings.

    Another thing you COULD do, if you're a glutton for punishment, is grind down the ears enough to slip a couple of bronze washers into each hinge (DIY thrust bushings), positioned so that the weight bears on the bronze.

    If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • How Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” Will Affect the Inflation Reduction Act
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump
  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data