ᐅ Why does my Billy bookcase keep squeaking when I open the doors?
Created on: 6 Jul 2023 18:23
M
mojoleHello everyone,
I have a somewhat unusual question about my Billy bookshelf from IKEA: Why does it keep squeaking every time I open the doors? It’s not just a one-time squeak; the noise happens every single time I open the doors, and it’s quite unpleasant.
The bookshelf is in a rather dry room and is about 3 years old. I’ve already tried lubricating the hinges, but the effect didn’t last long. The doors are quite straight with no noticeable play, and there isn’t much weight on them. I’m surprised that the noise doesn’t only occur at wide opening angles, but every time with the same sound.
Does anyone have an explanation or tips on how I can fix this permanently? Thanks in advance for your help!
I have a somewhat unusual question about my Billy bookshelf from IKEA: Why does it keep squeaking every time I open the doors? It’s not just a one-time squeak; the noise happens every single time I open the doors, and it’s quite unpleasant.
The bookshelf is in a rather dry room and is about 3 years old. I’ve already tried lubricating the hinges, but the effect didn’t last long. The doors are quite straight with no noticeable play, and there isn’t much weight on them. I’m surprised that the noise doesn’t only occur at wide opening angles, but every time with the same sound.
Does anyone have an explanation or tips on how I can fix this permanently? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello mojole,
your issue is actually quite common. The squeaking in Billy shelves usually comes from friction on the hinges, especially when dust and dirt are involved or the lubrication wears off. Although you have already applied oil, it is important to use the right lubricant: furniture oil or a special silicone spray often work better than something like WD-40, which tends to evaporate.
Additionally, it is advisable to check the hinges and possibly the mounting screws. Sometimes these loosen, causing unwanted movement.
So, I would suggest:
1. Thoroughly clean the hinges (with a dry cloth or isopropanol)
2. Apply a thin layer of silicone spray or furniture oil
3. Tighten the screws
This generally helps very well.
your issue is actually quite common. The squeaking in Billy shelves usually comes from friction on the hinges, especially when dust and dirt are involved or the lubrication wears off. Although you have already applied oil, it is important to use the right lubricant: furniture oil or a special silicone spray often work better than something like WD-40, which tends to evaporate.
Additionally, it is advisable to check the hinges and possibly the mounting screws. Sometimes these loosen, causing unwanted movement.
So, I would suggest:
1. Thoroughly clean the hinges (with a dry cloth or isopropanol)
2. Apply a thin layer of silicone spray or furniture oil
3. Tighten the screws
This generally helps very well.
Hello mojole,
Allow me to share a brief guide on how I would understand and possibly fix the issue:
1. First: The squeaking noise is caused by mechanical friction, usually at the hinge. For Billy shelves, these are typically simple metal or plastic hinges.
2. Possible causes include: dry or hardened lubricants, dust particles, or potential material wear.
3. Procedure:
- Carefully loosen the screws on the hinge and remove the hinge.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly remove dust and old lubricant from the hinge parts (preferably using kitchen paper and alcohol).
- Then apply fresh lubricant (recommended: silicone spray, alternatively fine sewing machine oil).
- Reinstall the hinge, making sure the screws are securely tightened.
4. Tip: Also check the door stop and contact surfaces to see if wooden strips or rubber seals are rubbing between the door and the shelving unit.
This should significantly reduce or completely eliminate the noise.
Allow me to share a brief guide on how I would understand and possibly fix the issue:
1. First: The squeaking noise is caused by mechanical friction, usually at the hinge. For Billy shelves, these are typically simple metal or plastic hinges.
2. Possible causes include: dry or hardened lubricants, dust particles, or potential material wear.
3. Procedure:
- Carefully loosen the screws on the hinge and remove the hinge.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly remove dust and old lubricant from the hinge parts (preferably using kitchen paper and alcohol).
- Then apply fresh lubricant (recommended: silicone spray, alternatively fine sewing machine oil).
- Reinstall the hinge, making sure the screws are securely tightened.
4. Tip: Also check the door stop and contact surfaces to see if wooden strips or rubber seals are rubbing between the door and the shelving unit.
This should significantly reduce or completely eliminate the noise.
joro10 schrieb:
Check whether the hinges are made of metal or plastic.Exactly, that’s important. Plastic hinges require a different approach than metal ones. But generally, cleaning and re-lubricating helps both types.
mabla schrieb:
Tighten the screws – that usually helps.Absolutely, sometimes it’s just a slight loosening that causes the squeaking. It’s good that this is emphasized here again.
Similar topics