ᐅ Why do some Billy cabinet doors squeak?

Hello everyone,

I have been using IKEA Billy bookcases for a while now, and I have noticed that some of the doors start squeaking after some time when opened or closed. I’m curious why only certain doors squeak, while others remain completely silent.

Are there specific mechanical reasons? Could it be related to the type of hinges, the material, or perhaps how the doors are adjusted? Maybe environmental factors like humidity or temperature also play a role?

I would like to better understand why this squeaking occurs in order to hopefully prevent or fix it. If anyone has experience with this or can provide a technical explanation, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

Hello Parlis,

The squeaking of Billy doors mainly occurs due to friction between metal parts in the hinge and the often movable plastic or rubber components designed to provide smooth and dampened opening. Often, the lubricant (if applied at all) dries out or becomes contaminated, resulting in metal rubbing on plastic or metal on metal.

Additionally, the hinges may not be optimally adjusted, causing the door to not run exactly parallel to the frame. This increases mechanical stress on the moving parts.

Temperature affects the material behavior, and high humidity can liquefy the lubricant, while dry air breaks it down more quickly.

In conclusion, squeaking is usually a maintenance issue that can be resolved with lubrication and adjustment.

Lorukeo schrieb:

Additionally, it’s possible that the hinges are not properly adjusted, causing the door not to run exactly parallel to the frame.

I agree with that, but I have to be honest: I often consider the squeaking to be a cheap DIY store issue, mainly caused by the materials used and mass production. When you invest much more money, you usually get better quality that simply fits properly and, logically, doesn’t squeak.

So, it’s often also a sign that IKEA furniture is designed as affordable mass-produced goods, where compromises are made on sealing, damping, and hinges to save costs. It’s no surprise that it squeaks more quickly than expensive branded doors.

Hello Parlis,

regarding the causes of squeaking, I would like to add a bit from the maintenance perspective.

These noises often occur due to missing or insufficient lubrication. Especially with Billy-style doors, the hinges are often made of a combination of metal and plastic, as @Lorukeo mentioned. When dust or hair accumulates between the moving parts, this causes additional friction.

Also, the screw fastenings can loosen or shift slightly over time. I recommend as a first step to inspect the hinges, tighten all screws, and then apply a few drops of silicone spray. This effectively reduces friction and usually works immediately.

If no one has tried this yet, I would strongly recommend it.

PeoDaniel schrieb:
Often, these noises are caused by a lack of or insufficient lubrication.

Exactly, I would like to add that you shouldn’t necessarily use oil for this, as it can attract dirt and cause sticking, especially with wood and plastic parts. To prevent squeaking permanently, a dry lubricant such as PTFE spray or graphite powder is more suitable.

It is also important to keep the hinges clean and check that no foreign objects are obstructing movement.

Properly adjusting the doors also helps to avoid unnecessary stress on the hinges.

Hello!

Well, I think the squeaking almost adds to the charm of Billy 😉 But jokes aside, it’s usually just friction causing the noise. I have a little routine: once a year, I spray some silicone lubricant and maintain my doors – then they don’t squeak for a whole year!

And if you don’t want to use tools at all, a bit of patience helps too. Opening and closing the doors more gently puts less strain on the mechanism. This way, the furniture becomes a patient housemate 😉