What's actually causing this
Door hinges squeak when metal-on-metal friction occurs between the hinge pin and the barrel. This happens when the lubricant dries out, when the pin corrodes, or when the hinge is misaligned.
What you'll need
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Step-by-step fix
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1
Identify the squeaky hinge
Open and close the door slowly while watching each hinge. The squeaky one will show visible friction or movement.
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2
Lubricate the hinge
Apply petroleum jelly, WD-40, or olive oil (in a pinch) to the hinge pin and along the barrel. Move the door back and forth to work it in.
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3
Remove and clean the pin if squeaking persists
Tap the hinge pin upward from the bottom with a nail and hammer to remove it. Clean off rust with steel wool. Apply fresh lubricant before reinserting.
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4
Replace a bent pin
A bent hinge pin will squeak no matter how much lubricant you use. Buy a matching replacement pin ($1–3) and tap it into place.
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5
Check hinge screws
Loose hinge screws cause friction in addition to squeaking. Tighten all screws. If a screw hole is stripped, fill it with a wooden toothpick and wood glue before re-driving the screw.
Door and window contractors in Seattle typically charge $95–160/hr. Window replacement averages $300–800 per window, while entry doors run $800–2,500 installed.
Permits and inspections requirements vary by Seattle. Check with your local building department before starting.
Stucco, cedar siding, and vinyl are common. Cedar requires regular staining/sealing due to moisture. Asphalt shingle roofs need moss treatment due to dampness. Gutters require frequent cleaning.
Standard door and window maintenance applies in Seattle's climate.
DIY in Seattle: Seattle's moderate licensing and environmental focus create a fairly DIY-friendly environment for homeowners. Many people handle minor plumbing and electrical work. Moisture management, mold prevention, and basement waterproofing are common DIY focuses.
- The door frame itself has shifted — this may indicate settling or structural movement.
- Multiple doors in the house squeak simultaneously — humidity expansion may be the cause.
- The door won't close at all — this is a framing issue, not a hinge issue.
Let Uncle AI diagnose it first.
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