When lubricating the garage door the best option is to use a garage door lubricant.
Garage door maintenance wd40.
Twice a year apply a high quality spray lubricant such as white lithium grease which is available in a spray can on the rollers and hinges then wipe off any excess.
Light duty lubricants such as wd 40 are only suitable for cleaning the tracks of an automatic garage door.
Once you ve lubricated the hinges and rollers spray the springs and bearing plates which can usually be found at the top of your door.
This especially works well for the parts of garage door such as the chain rail metal rollers ball bearings hinges stems nubs lock and the arm bar.
Because an overhead garage door opener has a heavy workload a sturdier lubricant than wd 40 such as silicon spray or motor oil is required to keep it operating smoothly and quietly.
People often mistake this product which contains anti rust and degreasing properties with a lubricant because the bottle states it helps parts move more smoothly.
While wd 40 is designed to loosen up nuts bolts screws and other parts using it on a garage door is not recommended.
But wd 40 is a cleaning solvent not a lubricant.
To keep your garage door operating smoothly for decades to come it s very important that you take the time to perform regular preventive care and maintenance.
Wd 40 is a degreaser which is the opposite of what you want for most of your garage door maintenance.
If any rollers or hinges seem stuck spray them with a penetrating solution like wd 40 then wipe them clean and apply grease.
You can use wd 40 multi use product as a garage door lubricant.
Avoid using wd40 or oil since these aren t as effective.
Always avoid spraying wd 40 on any part of your garage door.
While wd40 would seem like the most logical choice for lubrication purposes we recommend a lithium or a silicone spray when lubricating garage door parts like the top part of the chain rail hinges metal rollers stems nubs the arm bar and the lock.
Your garage door is the largest moving part in your entire home and is used multiple times per day at any hour and in all seasons.
Here are 10 things that all homeowners can do.
Wd 40 will only be needed in certain areas such as the garage door tracks if they are particularly gritty.
Instead use grease like crc s white lithium grease or du pont s silicone lubricant.