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DIY guideGarage door

Lubricate the garage door rollers, hinges and track

Close the door, unplug the opener, spray the rollers and hinges with garage door lubricant and wipe the tracks clean. The springs and cables stay a pro's job.

  • 20 to 40 min
  • 6 steps
  • Every step animated
Lubricate the garage door rollers, hinges and track: the animation’s first picture

6 steps

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  1. Close the door all the way, then unplug the opener from its ceiling outlet so nobody can start it.

  2. Wipe the inside of each track with a dry cloth. Tracks stay clean and dry: never grease them.

  3. Spray a little garage door lubricant where each roller's stem meets its wheel. Wipe off drips.

  4. Spray each hinge between the panels where it pivots, and wipe off drips.

  5. Plug the opener back in and run the door up and down twice to spread the lubricant. It should run quieter.

    Keep clear of the door while it moves.
  6. Never touch, spray or adjust the big springs above the door or the cables at its sides: they hold great force. A broken spring, a frayed cable or a door off its track is a garage door pro's job.

What you need

  • Garage door lubricant spray
  • Rags
  • A step stool

Call a pro if

  • A spring is broken or a cable is frayed
  • The door is off its track or hangs crooked
  • It still grinds or shudders

Handyman says: Springs or cables? I'll find a door pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.

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a pro do it?