Check and tighten hinge screws.

Loose hinge screws cause the door to shift and create metal-on-metal friction that produces squeaking. Tightening the screws re-seats the hinge and eliminates the movement causing the noise.

Steps

1. Inspect all hinge screws on both the door and the frame
2. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver
3. If a screw spins freely, the hole is stripped

Fixing Stripped Screw Holes

• Remove the screw and insert wooden toothpicks or matchsticks coated with wood glue into the hole
• Let the glue dry completely, then snap off any protruding wood flush with the surface
• Re-drive the original screw or use a slightly longer screw for a tighter grip

When to Use This Fix

This is the right approach when the squeak is accompanied by visible door sag or movement in the hinge plate. Lubrication alone will not fix a squeak caused by loose hardware.