ᐅ Why do hinges sometimes start squeaking only after several months?
Created on: 12 Dec 2022 08:37
G
GlabaHello everyone,
I have noticed that some of my door hinges only started squeaking after several months. At first, they were completely silent, even though the doors were used daily. My question to the community is: Why do hinges sometimes start squeaking only after months of use, even though they worked smoothly at the beginning? I would like to understand which physical, mechanical, or material-related processes might be responsible. Is it due to wear, dryness, or perhaps the gradual distribution of lubricants over time? Thanks for your explanations!
I have noticed that some of my door hinges only started squeaking after several months. At first, they were completely silent, even though the doors were used daily. My question to the community is: Why do hinges sometimes start squeaking only after months of use, even though they worked smoothly at the beginning? I would like to understand which physical, mechanical, or material-related processes might be responsible. Is it due to wear, dryness, or perhaps the gradual distribution of lubricants over time? Thanks for your explanations!
Hello Glaba,
I find your question really interesting! I've experienced this issue quite often myself, usually only after some time when you think everything is stable.
Maybe it’s because there is initially a protective layer of grease or oil that gradually shifts or wears off. Then metal rubs against metal and slowly works its way through the lubricant film – which causes the squeaking.
I always find it a bit annoying, but it’s interesting to see how things suddenly start to fail like that. Thanks for the intriguing thread, I’ll be following along!
I find your question really interesting! I've experienced this issue quite often myself, usually only after some time when you think everything is stable.
Maybe it’s because there is initially a protective layer of grease or oil that gradually shifts or wears off. Then metal rubs against metal and slowly works its way through the lubricant film – which causes the squeaking.
I always find it a bit annoying, but it’s interesting to see how things suddenly start to fail like that. Thanks for the intriguing thread, I’ll be following along!
Hey everyone!!!
This is great, such an interesting question :-) I think it largely depends on the material and how the hinges are used! If the hinges are new, they might still have factory grease on them, which will wear off over time.
Additionally, changes in humidity or temperature often cause slight changes in shape, which can lead to friction and squeaking.
It’s definitely fascinating how dynamic even seemingly simple components like hinges can be. Thanks for starting the discussion!
This is great, such an interesting question :-) I think it largely depends on the material and how the hinges are used! If the hinges are new, they might still have factory grease on them, which will wear off over time.
Additionally, changes in humidity or temperature often cause slight changes in shape, which can lead to friction and squeaking.
It’s definitely fascinating how dynamic even seemingly simple components like hinges can be. Thanks for starting the discussion!
P
PeoDaniel12 Dec 2022 10:27Hello everyone,
to provide a well-founded answer to Glaba’s question, we should first clarify how a hinge works. A hinge basically consists of two metal parts connected by a pin that allows them to move against each other.
Initially, hinges are often lubricated with grease or oil, which may be applied at the factory or added later. Over time, however, these lubricants can evaporate, wear off, or become contaminated with dust and dirt. When this happens, friction between the metal surfaces increases, causing the squeaking noise.
Additionally, mechanical changes due to material fatigue can create slight gaps that further contribute to the noise.
In short: The squeaking usually occurs when the original lubricating film wears away and friction develops.
to provide a well-founded answer to Glaba’s question, we should first clarify how a hinge works. A hinge basically consists of two metal parts connected by a pin that allows them to move against each other.
Initially, hinges are often lubricated with grease or oil, which may be applied at the factory or added later. Over time, however, these lubricants can evaporate, wear off, or become contaminated with dust and dirt. When this happens, friction between the metal surfaces increases, causing the squeaking noise.
Additionally, mechanical changes due to material fatigue can create slight gaps that further contribute to the noise.
In short: The squeaking usually occurs when the original lubricating film wears away and friction develops.
Great topic, thanks for sharing! 🙂
I always find it amusing how such small parts can create such a big noise. For me, the doors were often completely quiet, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, an annoying squeaking concert would start.
Maybe it’s just the "breaking-in pain" of the hinges, which need to get used to the daily movements—just like our joints do after getting up :-)
A drop of oil usually solves it quickly – a little everyday hero!
I always find it amusing how such small parts can create such a big noise. For me, the doors were often completely quiet, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, an annoying squeaking concert would start.
Maybe it’s just the "breaking-in pain" of the hinges, which need to get used to the daily movements—just like our joints do after getting up :-)
A drop of oil usually solves it quickly – a little everyday hero!
Additional information: The time delay in the occurrence of squeaking noises in hinges can be specifically attributed to changes in the lubrication film.
Factory-applied lubricants can oxidize or harden over time, causing the protective film to lose its properties. This results in increased metal-to-metal contact.
Furthermore, the accumulation of dust, debris, or other contaminants plays a role in further reducing smooth movement.
Regular lubrication is therefore advisable to minimize friction and prevent squeaking.
Factory-applied lubricants can oxidize or harden over time, causing the protective film to lose its properties. This results in increased metal-to-metal contact.
Furthermore, the accumulation of dust, debris, or other contaminants plays a role in further reducing smooth movement.
Regular lubrication is therefore advisable to minimize friction and prevent squeaking.
Similar topics