How To Grease Garage Door Openers By Yourself

If you hear a squeaky sound every time you will open and close the garage door, take it as a cue that its parts are either worn out or needed grease. You have to replace the part if it is worn out to avoid more serious damage. But usually, lubricating and tightening the hinges and nuts of the garage door will solve the problem. You can follow a few simple steps on how to grease garage door openers. 

Steps on How to Grease Garage Door Openers

Step 1: Check the Garage Door

Identify the source of the squeaking sound by running a simple test of opening and closing the garage door. Inspect the parts like the hinges, the opening mechanism, door tracks, and the garage door’s wheels. Ensure the wheels are not wobbling when opening and closing the door.

If you noticed a broken wheel or any piece that is worn out, you might consider replacing them. If the steel rollers are rusted or damaged, a nylon roller can be an alternative replacement, although it might be a little bit pricey. But nylon makes less noise than the steel roller and does not require regular greasing or lubrication.

So even if you pay more, you still get the value, since it is more convenient to use. Also, check the upper parts of the door by using a ladder. The accumulation of dust and debris might also cause noise, so wiping the hinges and corners with a damp cloth would help to get the dirt off.

Step 2: Tighten Hinges

Sometimes the squeaky noise comes from the loose nuts. You can use a socket wrench to tighten the nuts and hinges. Make sure the tightness is just enough and in balance. You should consider replacing the hinges bracket if ever they are too rusted or damaged.

Step 3: Clean the Steel Parts

There are ways to clean the steel parts of the garage door. One is using white vinegar into a spray bottle and coat the rusted areas with the vinegar. Scrub the areas with steel wool, spraying more vinegar as needed until you’ve removed all the rust.

Another way is by using a spray solvent to clean steel moving parts. They might be rusty or corroded. A good spray solvent has anti-corrosive properties which prevent the steel from rusting. It depends on which one you find more effective.

Step 4:  Lubricate Metal Parts

Lubricate the moving metal parts of the garage door. Don’t forget to use a lubricant on the track, the hinges, the roller bearings, the springs, and the opening mechanism. If your garage door has a chain, lubricate it thoroughly. Manually lift your garage door and grease each hinge as it meets the end of the track. In doing this, it will lubricate the other moving part and will make the garage door opens and closes smoothly. Use garage door grease or silicone spray lubricant.

Knowing how to grease garage door openers is important. You also have to make sure that the kind of lubricant is designed for outdoor use. That way, it has extra protection from humidity and temperature changes. It will protect your garage door in the future.

Step 5: Inspect the Doors

Open and close the garage doors several times to allow the grease to go between the steel parts. Doing so will also allow you to check whether the squeaking persists. If you still hear the noise, you can apply more lubricant. It is recommended that you lubricate your garage door every six months. That way, you make sure that it is properly maintained. 

Step 6: Wipe-Off Excess Lubricant

Clean the excess lubricant using clean rags or old towels. By regularly maintaining and keeping it clean will prevent the accumulation of debris over time.

As a homeowner, knowing how to grease garage door openers is as important as knowing the best lubricant to use. Spray lubricants attract dust and contain solvents that break down grease on the rail. Excessive grease on the rail builds up in the trolley and can drip on a car and the garage floor.

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You can install this type of home safe into wooden floorboards but, it is advised to fit them into concrete floors.