November Home Maintenance To-Do: Fix that Squeaky, Sticky Door Already!

The holidays are around the corner.  You’ve got a lot of family coming, and going, and coming, and using that front door constantly.  Is it squeaky? Sticky?  Have you been struggling getting your key to turn in the lock?  Fix it already!

Lubricating Door Locks.

When you’re busy and on the go during the holidays, sticky door locks can really slow you down. Fortunately, the solution is quick and easy.  Pick up a small tube or bottle of graphite at your home center or hardware store, making sure to choose one with a narrow tip for easy application. Graphite is a dry powder, which makes it the perfect lubricant for door locks, since it doesn’t attract dust or dirt. Put down a piece of newspaper or plastic to protect the floor under the door lock, and squirt a small amount of powdered graphite into the keyhole. Insert the key and turn it a few times to distribute the lubricant throughout the lock mechanism, and you’re done!  So easy, and here you’ve been wrestling with that lock for months!

Squeaky Door Hinges.

While you’re at it, give some attention to those squeaky door hinges as well. It won’t be long before Christmas is here, and you wouldn’t want a squeaky hinge calling attention to any sneaky elves! You can use the same powdered graphite you used on that door lock for door hinges, but the black powder can sift down and stain your floors. For better results, pick up a small container of white lithium grease or machine oil.

To Lubricate Door Hinges:

• Close and latch the door.
• Use a hammer and nail, or a nail set, to tap out the hinge pin.
• Coat the hinge pin with a small amount of white lithium grease or machine oil. A little goes a long way!
• Tap the hinge pin back in the hinge.
• Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricate.
• Use a rag to wipe up any extra grease or oil that squeezes out of the hinge.

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Photo Credit: Photo Credit: NagornyiSergiy / Shutterstock.com