ᐅ What to do about squeaky hinges on a Billy bookshelf?

Created on: 16 Aug 2021 10:03
M
Merle
Hello everyone,

I have noticed squeaking hinges on my Billy shelf and wanted to ask how to best fix this issue. The noises occur mainly when opening and closing the doors. I suspect it might be due to friction or lack of lubrication, but I am not sure if there could be another cause for this on an affordable piece of furniture like the Billy.

Has anyone experienced this problem and can offer practical advice on which materials and methods work best to make the hinges quiet again permanently? Is there anything specific to watch out for to avoid damaging the functionality or the material?

Thanks in advance for your help!
A
AMELIE
17 Aug 2021 08:55
cassandra schrieb:
Checking and regular maintenance of hinges help prevent dust and dirt buildup.

I find this advice very important because grinding particles easily accumulate on frequently opened doors, and they are often overlooked.
roryvin schrieb:
Food-grade silicone sprays or Teflon sprays are recommended since they repel dust.

I would add that with frequent use, a multipurpose grease can be more beneficial over time due to its better adhesion, even though it requires a bit more effort to apply.

Does anyone have experience with how often this maintenance should be repeated? Personally, I do it about once every six months and it works well for me.
R
REOHEINRIC
17 Aug 2021 10:02
Regarding the frequency of maintenance:

This largely depends on usage and the environment. In dry air with little dust, applying lubricant every 6-12 months may be sufficient. In more humid or dusty conditions, shorter intervals are recommended, for example every 3-4 months.
AMELIE schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with how often this kind of maintenance should be repeated?

Most recently, in my open-plan office where the Billy rack is used multiple times daily, I lubricated the hinges every 4 months. This ensures quiet operation over time.

Also important: after applying the lubricant, move the hinge thoroughly; otherwise, the lubricant won’t spread properly and the squeaking may return.
O
olivernu
17 Aug 2021 12:47
One point I would like to add is the use of Teflon coating as an alternative to liquid lubrication.

Teflon tapes or sprays are dry and do not attract dust. This is ideal for table or furniture hinges, as they significantly reduce friction.

A few months ago, I used a spray Teflon on my Billy shelf. The squeaking stopped immediately after application. The advantage is that there is no mess, and the effect lasts longer than with basic oils.

However, you should be careful with screws and fasteners, as the lubricant can cause them to slip. It’s better to tighten all screws first.
J
Joshbe
18 Aug 2021 09:33
I would like to give one last technical tip:

Sometimes the squeaking is not only caused by a lack of lubrication but also by incorrect hinge positioning or slight tension in the structure.

Therefore, I also recommend carefully aligning the doors so that they do not stick or hang twisted on the hinges. This can be done by slightly loosening and readjusting the screws.
Merle schrieb:
The noises occur when opening and closing.

This indicates that the range of movement should be inspected closely. Using a proper lubricant and ensuring optimal alignment can make a big difference.

I hope this helps you.