Lubricate Door Hinges and Locks
Why It Matters
Squeaky hinges and stiff locks wear out prematurely. A minute of lubrication prevents hardware replacement.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: Silicone spray or graphite lubricant.
- 2
Perform the lubricate door hinges and locks
Apply lubricant to all interior door hinges, deadbolts, and sliding door tracks.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Materials
- Silicone spray or graphite lubricant
Community Tips
Graphite lubricant outperforms silicone spray on locks because it doesn't attract dust and grime that can jam mechanisms over time. Mobil SHC 629 ($12-18) is engineered specifically for precision lock work and won't leave sticky residue that accumulates debris.
A precision applicator bottle like those included with Tri-Flow TF-20 ($8-12) allows controlled application directly into hinge pins and lock cylinders without overspreading, which prevents slippery door handles and keeps lubricant where it's needed most.
Never mix graphite lubricant with silicone spray on the same hinge or lock, as the combination creates a paste that hardens and locks mechanisms solid. Test any new lubricant on a rarely-used interior door first before applying to high-traffic entry locks. ---