ᐅ Why do some Billy bookcase doors only start squeaking after extended use?

Created on: 10 Jul 2023 09:23
Q
quinn46
Hello everyone,

I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: Why do some doors of the Billy-style shelving unit only start squeaking after extended use, rather than immediately after assembly? I have noticed that this sound typically appears after a few weeks or months, even though the doors were completely silent at first.

I am particularly interested in the physical and mechanical reasons behind this delayed squeaking. Is it caused by the material, deformation, moisture, or perhaps the coating on the hinges and the door itself?

I look forward to factual and well-founded answers that also explain why the squeaking develops over time and is not present from the start.
A
andre3
12 Jul 2023 08:12
The causes of a delayed onset of squeaking noises in Billy doors are well documented: a combination of decreasing lubrication, material wear, and environmental factors such as humidity play a role.
tyson51 schrieb:
Clearances in the hinges from years of use... increase the friction

That is correct; even slight movements in the wood due to expansion and contraction processes contribute to altered stress on the hinges. To prevent this, regular maintenance is recommended: clean the hinges, apply light oil, and check the screws. This significantly extends the lifespan of the door mechanism.