What lubricant should I use on my garage door?

Garage door hardware needs a lubricant that stays put through heat, cold and constant movement without collecting grit. Silicone-based sprays and white lithium greases labeled for garage doors meet that need, and the door manual is the final word on which product goes where.

Which product for which part

• Silicone-based spray: hinge pivots and serviceable metal roller bearings. Light and clean, but it needs reapplying.
• White lithium grease: metal-to-metal contact such as hinges and springs, where the manual specifies it. It is thicker, so apply sparingly or it holds dust.
• Opener rail, chain or screw: only what the opener manual specifies. Never spray a drive belt.

What not to use

• Heavy oils: they attract dirt and grime that wears parts faster.
• Cooking oil: it cannot handle the heat from operation, dries out fast and leaves a sticky residue that attracts more grime than it prevents.
• General-purpose water-displacing sprays: fine for cleaning, but they evaporate too quickly to protect the door. See whether WD-40 works.

Where not to put it

Skip the track. Rollers should roll on a clean track, and lubricant there collects grit and can make them slide rather than roll. Also skip nylon wheel surfaces, sealed bearings and rubber weather seals, which get cleaned with mild soap and water instead. Apply with the door closed, and do not adjust or loosen any spring or cable hardware while you work. For timing, see how often to lubricate a garage door.

Read more

• Choosing a garage door lubricant
• Garage door lubricant guide
• Noisy garage door fixes

Related questions

• Is WD-40 a good garage door lubricant?
• How often should I lubricate my garage door?
• Should I lubricate the garage door tracks?
• Can I lubricate my garage door myself?
• Does lubrication actually reduce garage door noise?

Have a different question? Call (916) 838-8182 or browse all garage door questions.