Remove and Clean the Hinge Pin

When lubrication alone does not stop the squeak, the hinge pin likely has rust, grime, or paint buildup that needs to be removed. This is the most thorough fix and addresses the root cause.

Steps

1. Close the door and wedge a book or shim under it for support
2. Place a nail or thin punch under the hinge pin head and tap upward with a hammer until the pin loosens
3. Pull the pin out completely
4. Scrub the pin with steel wool or fine sandpaper to remove rust and buildup
5. Clean inside the hinge knuckles with a pipe cleaner or rolled-up sandpaper
6. Apply your preferred lubricant (petroleum jelly, silicone spray, or white lithium grease) to the pin
7. Reinsert the pin and tap it back into place

Tips

• Work on one hinge at a time so the door stays supported
• If the pin is badly corroded or bent, replace it -- hardware stores sell standard hinge pins
• This method provides the longest-lasting fix because it eliminates the friction source rather than just masking it