Tried to fix a squeaky door with WD-40 and made it 10 times worse

4 comments

4 Comments

Hold up, WD-40 isn't really a lubricant. It's mostly a solvent and water displacer. The squeak probably came back worse because it washed out whatever grease was in there and left nothing behind. You need to use a proper grease or oil like white lithium grease or even just 3-in-1 oil for door hinges. Did you try wiping off all that WD-40 first and then putting on something thicker?

-2

wesley_jones2mo ago

Nah, WD-40 actually does have some light lubricating properties, but you're right it's not great for hinges.

the_diana2mo ago

Right?? I made that same mistake with my kitchen cabinets a few years ago and it was such a pain lol. Sprayed WD-40 on everything and it was quiet for like a day then came back louder than before. Had to go back with some white lithium grease from the auto parts store and it's been silent ever since. Such a common trap people fall into with that stuff.

the_lee1mo ago

Man I gotta disagree with you there... @wesley_jones is actually onto something. WD-40 does have some light lubricating properties, it's not just a solvent. I mean the whole "water displacer" thing is right there in the name but they've been putting it on hinges for decades and it works fine for a lot of people. White lithium grease is definitely better for heavy stuff like garage doors but for kitchen cabinets? That's overkill unless you're slamming them shut every time. I've used WD-40 on my bathroom cabinet hinges and they've been quiet for like two years now without needing a touch up. Not saying it works on everything but saying it "washes out grease" seems like a stretch... the stuff is literally designed to leave a thin film behind.