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.
Garage door maintenance wd40.
While wd 40 is designed to loosen up nuts bolts screws and other parts using it on a garage door is not recommended.
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.
But wd 40 is a cleaning solvent not a lubricant.
Wd 40 is a degreaser which is the opposite of what you want for most of your garage door maintenance.
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.
Here are 10 things that all homeowners can do.
Once your door is clean spray a lithium based grease or garage door lube onto the hinges and rollers.
Always avoid spraying wd 40 on any part of your garage door.
When lubricating the garage door the best option is to use a garage door lubricant.
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.
Wd 40 will only be needed in certain areas such as the garage door tracks if they are particularly gritty.
Light duty lubricants such as wd 40 are only suitable for cleaning the tracks of an automatic garage door.
Due to the heavy load a garage door has to lift wd 40 isn t designed.
It s also important to avoid using grease at all costs.
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.
Instead use grease like crc s white lithium grease or du pont s silicone lubricant.
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.
Avoid using wd40 or oil since these aren t as effective.
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.