The garage door will get squeaky over time and the best lubricants are needed to keep it smooth and easy to open.
Here you will be updated on the best lubricants available on the market. And how to lubricate the garage door. For a hassle-free opening and to make sure the door lasts for a long time
How to Lubricate Garage Door
In just 15 to 20 minutes, you can get your squeaky garage door moving smoothly as silk. Here’s What you need
- Garage door lubricant
- Ladder
- Cloth
- Garage door toolset
- Vacuum cleaner
Step 1- Shut the garage door
This will give you sufficient operating space and free up more components to be lubricated.
Step 2- Disconnect the power supply
this is done to prevent electrocution when you come into contact with electrical parts
Step3- Inspect mechanical components.
Using the toolset find and tighten any loose component. which may be contributing to the noise of the garage door. The chain, roller, and hinges are some of the components you should be looking at.
Step 4- Clean the tracks
Use a vacuum to remove any dust and debris on the door tracks. To reduce friction. use the wet cloth to wipe off any remaining dirt that doesn’t come off from the vacuuming.
step 5- Lubricate the door hinges and tracks.
lift the door and as it bends and moves along the tracks lubricate these parts. This will also make the lubricant spread out more evenly on these surfaces.
step 6- Lubricate springs and bearing plates
The bearing plates are the two circular metal pieces located on each side of the spring. use a ladder to reach if these are located at the top.
Step 7-Lubricate the top rail
This is the part parallel with the ceiling that the chain runs along as it goes to the motor. Unless you are 8’ tall you’ll definitely need a ladder to work on this part properly.
Step 8- Use the damp rag to wipe out any excess lubricant
Best Garage Door Lubricants-Top Picks
1) WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant
if you are looking for a formula trusted by experts, then look no further. the WD-40 silicone-based lubricant provides professional protection on all surfaces.
Some unique attractive features of this formulation are; it forms a protective film that prevents it from attracting dust and gives adequate protection from all the natural elements.
Features
- Spray application
- 11 oz. quantity
- Silicone base
- Includes a straw
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Dust resistant * Quick dry * Withstands extreme temperatures -100° F to 500° F * Recommended by experts * Lasts longer than most competition | * The straw puts out excess lubricant, which often results in overspray |
2) 3-IN-ONE – 100581 Professional Garage Door Lubricant
If you need something easy to use, then this makes the top cut. It comes with a permanently attached hinged straw that gives a precise stream. Minimizing any overspray and a messy application
The lubricant doesn’t slack when it comes to protection. It protects against both rust and friction. To make your garage door operate smoothly, and silently.
Features
- spray application
- 11 oz. quantity
- Silicone base
- Includes a permanently attached straw
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Easy to apply * Thick formulation than most competitors * Quick dry | * Doesn’t last long and requires constant application |
3) Gasoila – RE01 Free All Rust Eater Deep Penetrating Oil
If you are looking for an oil-based formula not based on either silicone or lithium then this is the best there is. It’s environmentally friendly and can be used in enclosed spaces.
The formulation penetrates rust, tar grease, and corrosion. At the same time offers lubrication, although minimal, to your garage door.
Features
- Oil base
- spray application
- 11 oz. quantity
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Eats away rust and corrosion * Environmentally friendly * Different sizes available | * Gives only short-term lubrication |
4) Blaster Chemical Company Garage Door Lubricant
This is a lubricant designed with the garage door in mind. it features a Teflon silicon-based formula to give it a greasy application and superb reduction of friction and wear.
The greasy characteristics makes it able to withstand high pressure. And a suitable replacement for grease lubricants.
Features
- Silicone-based
- Spray application
- 9.3 oz. quantity
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Dust resistant * Easy to apply * Provides adequate protection | * Expensive considering the 9.3 oz. quantity. |
5) DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Lubricant
If you want to smoothen out the operation of the chain, then you’ll be glad to know that this formulation has been specifically optimized to work on chains. It features a proprietary self-cleaning wax that prevents the build-up of dirt and grime.
For lubrication, the lubricant contains molybdenum and Teflon fluoropolymer, for enhanced wear protection. It’s also water resistant and doesn’t stain.
Features
- Wax-based
- Spray application
- 11 oz. quantity
- Made in the USA
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Will not fling off even with fast movements * Reduces chain stretching * waterproof * Withstands up to 300 Degree F * Gives a clean application | * Only optimized for chains |
Best Garage Door Lubricants- Buying Guide
1. Lubricant Base
Different lubricants are ideal for various components, and materials. Depending on the base to which, the lubricant is formulated. We have two common bases
- Lithium-suitable for tough metal surfaces like; rails, rollers, and hinges. It is weather resistant and has the ability to withstand harsh usage. Using the lithium-based lube on soft components will eat up the parts because of its harshness. Resulting in early wear and tear.
- Silicone– suitable for all surfaces including the soft components on the garage door. This includes parts made using plastics, rubber, or vinyl. It’s also waterproof and has the ability to penetrate into difficult-to-reach areas.
2. Method of application
We have 2 most common application methods when it comes to garage door lubricants
- Grease– requires you to physically smear it onto the surface using your hand. It is a rather cumbersome method for difficult-to-reach areas inside the garage door components.
- Spray– this is the best alternative to reach the tiny crevices where the hand may not have access. The extra reach it provides has made this the preferred type of application method by most people.
3. Intended use
As we have seen that lubricants have different types of base ideal for different surfaces. And also, different application methods suitable for either open surfaces or crevices and hard to reach areas.
It’s therefore important to decide where the lubricant will be used. To give you an idea of the type of lubricant to get for your job.
Final Verdict
Proper and repeated application of lubricant on the garage door is key. To get adequate protection and smooth functioning of the garage door.
It’s advised that application be done on a regular basis even before the squeaking starts. The specific design of the garage door will also decide how well the lubrication will last.
Using any of the products that we have listed you can be assured of proper service and satisfaction.