How to Stop Squeaky Screws

Squeaky screws are easy to fix.

For such a little piece of metal, a squeaky screw can make a lot of noise. Whether it's a squeaky screw in a floorboard, a squeaky screw in your bicycle or a squeaky screw somewhere else entirely, squeaky screws are annoying to you and others around you. There are a variety of lubricants on the market that will quickly and easily take care of the squeaky screw problem.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver that will fit the squeaky screw
• Lubricant (especially silicone-based lubricant sprays---such as 3-in-1 or Tri-Flow drip lubricant)
• Rag

Instructions

1. Locate the squeaky screw. It should be easy to find---just follow the sound of the squeak.

2. Unscrew the squeaky screw with the screwdriver. If you can't determine which screw is the squeaky one, unscrew all the screws in the area causing the squeak. Because of how screws are installed, it should be no more than three or four.

3. Apply the lubricant to the screw.

4. Clean off any excess lubricant from the screws or your hands with the rag.

5. Screw the screw back into where it came from.

Tips & Warnings

• If the squeaking screw is a new screw you are installing, check to make sure you're using the correct size screw, especially if you're installing a screw into a computer. Screws that are too large will squeak.

References

• Lee Moses, Professional Handyman, Logan, Utah
• Tri-Flow: Superior Lubricant Drip Lubricant
• The Natural Handyman: Silicon Spray... It's Like A Banana Peel in a Can!
• 3-in-1: 3-IN-ONE® Professional White Lithium Grease