Squeaky Garden Gate? Reach For This Household Essential For A Quick Fix

Under normal circumstances, hearing the sway of a garden gate opening and closing can be a welcome sound that reminds you of loved ones coming home. Yet when that sound transforms into a high-pitched squeak, it can quickly grate your nerves. Before it becomes a harrowing screech, you want to get rid of the sound as soon as possible, and luckily, a simple can of WD-40 can restore your gate to a quiet close.

The most common culprit of gate squeaks is hinge issues. If the squeak emanates from the hinge pin, this may indicate a lack of lubrication. On the other hand, the sound could be coming from the hinge itself as a result of rust or built-up debris that is causing friction. Keep in mind there are other moving parts on a gate, such as wheels, tracks, chains, and latches, which can also become dry and need to be lubricated.

When the noise stems from a lack of simple lubrication, use WD-40 Multi-Purpose Product. The straw attachment makes it easy to reach into the various parts of the hinge. Give it a few generous sprays, working the hinge open and closed to distribute the spray. Wipe off any excess with a rag. Your gate should then glide smoothly. In addition to gates, you can also use WD-40 spray on squeaky door hinges.

For tougher cases where you can see visible rust, you may need something stronger. WD-40 Specialist Penetrant Spray can tackle rust and grime, loosening them so you can wipe them away. Spray liberally onto the hinge pin and surrounding areas, then let it work for a few minutes. Next, grab a wire brush or a stiff cloth and gently scrub away the loosened gunk. Finally, apply a generous dose of WD-40 Multi-Purpose Product to keep the hinge lubricated. In a pinch, you can also apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly to the hinge pin, and inside the hinge barrel, it can be a genius trick to prevent metal from rusting. Another tick is to rub a bar of soap on the hinge parts. Open and close the gate several times to spread the lubricant evenly.

Once fixed, to keep your squeaky gate a thing of the past, a little preventative care goes a long way. Give your gate a WD-40 tune-up every few months, especially before and after periods of heavy use or wet weather. It's also worth remembering that a little goes a long way, and over-lubrication can attract dust and dirt, defeating the purpose.

In certain cases, the problem isn't a lack of lubrication but a lack of tightening. Loose screws can cause the hinge to move and squeak, so whenever investigating a squeak, check for loose screws. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver. A loose latch can also cause squeaking, so tighten the latch screws or adjust the latch position if necessary. If the gate is warped or misaligned, it can put pressure on the hinges and cause them to squeak, so you may need to realign the gate by adjusting the hinges or posts. In some cases, worn-out or damaged hinges need to be replaced. If the hinge pin is bent or the hinge barrel is cracked, consider replacing the entire hinge.