ᐅ Does oiling help with squeaky cabinet hinges?

Hello everyone,

I have a small issue at home with my Billy shelves from Ikea: the hinges on the doors are increasingly starting to squeak, which is especially annoying when opening them. My question is: Does oiling really help with squeaky Billy hinges, and if so, which type of oil is best suited?

I don’t want to damage the shelf, so I would also appreciate advice on the proper procedure and any possible risks. Are there perhaps alternatives to oil that are effective and safe?

Thanks for your tips!

Squeaking in barrel hinges is usually caused by a lack of lubrication or slight wear of the metal parts. Applying oil definitely helps, as it reduces friction and makes the moving metal parts operate more smoothly.

A stable, low-viscosity lubricant is recommended, such as WD-40 or a special sewing machine oil. It is important that the oil is not too thick to avoid gumming up.

The application is simple: wipe the hinge clean, then apply a drop of oil to the moving parts and open and close the hinge several times to spread the oil. Afterwards, wipe off any excess oil to prevent dirt from sticking.

An alternative is silicone spray, which is often cleaner to apply and non-sticky. Grease, such as multi-purpose grease, is not recommended since it can attract dust and dirt.

Oil definitely helps, preferably sewing machine oil. Spray silicone also works. Grease is rather bad because it attracts dirt.

Additional information: To properly maintain the hinge, first check the screws and tighten them if necessary. Loose screws can also cause squeaking.

Instructions for oiling:
1. Open the hinge.
2. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
3. Apply a drop of light machine oil to the joints.
4. Open and close the hinge several times to distribute the oil.
5. Wipe off any excess oil.

In addition to sewing machine oil, special hinge oils are also suitable.

Do not spray oily sprays on plastic parts, as some plastics may be damaged.

jaanda schrieb:
A stable, thin liquid lubricant is recommended, for example WD-40 or special sewing machine oil.

Thank you for the clear explanation. WD-40 is often mentioned, but is it really just a lubricant? I once read that it is more of a rust remover and that it might dry out the hinges.

So, is sewing machine oil preferable to WD-40? Are there any risks to consider when using WD-40?

Far34 schrieb:
Oil definitely helps, it's best to use sewing machine oil.

So sewing machine oil would be the safest option? Thanks for your opinion.

Usla36 schrieb:
WD-40 is often mentioned, but is it really just a lubricant? I read somewhere that it is mainly a rust remover and might dry out the hinges.

That is correct. WD-40 is primarily a solvent with penetrating properties that loosens dirt and rust, then leaves a thin lubricating film. However, it does not replace a proper, long-lasting lubricant.

Usla36 schrieb:
So, is sewing machine oil preferable to WD-40?

Yes, sewing machine oil is a pure lubricant that provides long-term lubrication without drying out. It is better suited for the permanent protection of hinges.

Usla36 schrieb:
Are there any risks to consider when using WD-40?

Frequent use of WD-40 can create residues that attract dirt. Also, plastics and paints can sometimes react sensitively. Therefore, when using it on furniture with plastic or painted parts near the hinges, apply sparingly or prefer sewing machine oil.