ᐅ Why do some BILLY hinges squeak under heavy load?

Hello everyone, I have a question that’s been on my mind for a while regarding my IKEA Billy bookshelf: Why do some BILLY hinges squeak, especially when they are under heavy load? I’ve noticed that the noise usually occurs when the shelf is heavily loaded or when the door is opened and closed multiple times. I suspect it has to do with the stress on the hinges, but what exactly causes the squeaking? Could it be due to material fatigue, lack of lubrication, or perhaps uneven load distribution? I’m looking forward to your insights or experiences so I can better understand or even fix the problem.

The squeaking usually comes from a lack of lubrication. It often helps to treat the hinges with some oil or silicone spray. Simple and effective.

ralfsau schrieb:
The squeaking usually comes from a lack of lubrication.

That might be a common assumption, but I wonder if mechanical wear on the metal or the spring also plays a role. Especially under high stress, micro-movements can occur that cause the noise. Has anyone noticed whether only used hinges or also new ones squeak? Additionally, an uneven distribution of the load could put extra strain on the hinges, which is probably not just a lubrication issue.

Basically, BILLY hinges are sturdy, but they are designed for a specific load capacity. If the door or shelf is overloaded, greater forces act on the hinges, which can cause them to start squeaking. The squeaking is caused by friction between metal parts, which is usually reduced by lubrication. However, dust, dirt, or lack of maintenance can also contribute to the noise. Especially with older hinges, seals or plastic components may wear out, causing the metal parts to rub directly against each other. My advice: regular cleaning, lubrication, and avoiding overloading will help keep the hinges quiet. If the load is consistently high, it might be worth considering a different hinge solution.

BLAKEO schrieb:
Has anyone noticed whether only used hinges squeak or if new ones do as well?

That’s a good question. I have both new and relatively old shelves where the squeaking occurs, mostly on the doors under heavier load. So it seems that even new hinges can squeak under stress. In my opinion, material fatigue in a short time is unlikely; it’s more probably a combination of load, lack of lubrication, and possibly a design flaw.

Marlenepa schrieb:
Especially with older hinges, the seals or plastic parts wear down, causing the metal components to rub directly against each other.

What exactly do you mean by seals or plastic parts? I thought hinges were mainly made of metal. Does anyone have details about their construction?

I’m happy to explain briefly: The BILLY hinges usually consist of several components – a metal base plate, hinge arm, and spring mechanism, but small plastic or rubber parts are also included, for example as dampers or spacers. These help ensure that the hinge operates more quietly and smoothly when opening and closing. If these plastic parts are worn out or missing, metal-on-metal contact occurs, causing squeaking noises. Under heavy load, this wear can increase because the parts move more intensely against each other. Therefore, not only lubrication is important, but also the condition of the plastic elements.