Apply Dry Lubricant to Eliminate Squeaks
From Squeaky Stair Repair · Step 5 of 7 · Video by Soundproof Guide
Showing 0:34–0:54 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
If the squeak is caused by floorboards rubbing together (not loose nails), locate the specific grooves between the boards where the noise originates. Carefully sprinkle a small amount of baby powder or dried graphite directly into these grooves. The powder acts as a dry lubricant, reducing friction between the wood pieces. After applying the powder, place a paper towel over the treated area. Then, gently walk around and stomp lightly on the paper towel-covered section of the floor. This action helps to work the fine powder down into the depths of the cracks and gaps, ensuring it reaches the friction points. Continue walking and stomping until the squeak is minimized or completely gone.
Goal: Eliminate squeaks caused by friction between floorboards
What's used
Materials
- Baby Powder Unspecified
- talcum powder
- Dried Graphite Pinewood Derby
- pencil lead shavings
- Paper Towel Unspecified
- tissue paper
About the full video
This project offers a quick and simple DIY solution for quieting squeaky wood floors caused by board friction. By applying a dry lubricant like baby powder or graphite into the floorboard grooves and working it in, the friction causing the squeak can be effectively reduced.
Step 5 of 7: Apply Lubricant or Powder
Carefully puff or sprinkle a dry lubricant such as graphite powder, talcum powder, or a commercial stair squeak product into the gap where the squeak is occurring. Work the tread slightly to distribute the powder, which will reduce friction.
Other videos for this step
Squeaky Stair Repair
This project addresses the common issue of squeaky stairs by identifying the source of the noise and applying targeted fixes to eliminate it. The process involves a systematic approach to diagnose the cause, which can range from loose treads or risers to friction between wood components, and then implementing appropriate solutions such as tightening fasteners, shimming gaps, or applying lubricants.
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