Should you lubricate a door handle?

Squeaking door handle? A little grease can make all the difference! Tips and advice.

Lubrication: a simple gesture to maintain your hardware

Door handles, whether fitted on an entrance door, an interior door, an armoured door or a garage door, are subject to daily friction and wear. Squeaking, resistance when opening the door, play in the lever: these are all signs that lubrication is needed. Yes, you should lubricate an interior or exterior door handle, but with the right lubricants and by following a few simple rules.

Why lubricate a handle?

Lubrication helps to:

  * Reduce friction in the bearings or return spring,

  * Prevent corrosion or rust on metal parts (steel, stainless steel, solid brass, zamak),

  * Improve the lifespan of handles, levers or door knobs,

  * Prevent jamming, especially on exposed models such as entrance doors, French doors, sliding doors or landing doors.

Lubrication is an essential maintenance reflex, especially if your handles are installed in high-traffic areas or exposed to humidity.

Handle or lock: what needs lubricating?

The handle and the lock are often confused, but they do not require the same treatment:

* Lubricating the handle targets the double lever, the spindle, the roses, the spring or the trims. It facilitates mechanical movement.

* Lubricating the lock (or lock cylinder) concerns the bolt, the strike plate, the cylinders, the faceplate, the espagnolette (for sliding doors or bay windows), and sometimes the rollers or wheels of a multipoint system.

** Pro tips **

Avoid using a grease that is too thick on a mortise lock, surface-mounted lock, or shrouded lock. Opt for products suited to locksmithing: oil can, lithium grease, penetrating spray or molybdenum disulphide lubricant.

Which product should you use to lubricate a handle?

For matt stainless steel, anodised aluminium, satin nickel or chrome-plated handles, use a non-corrosive synthetic lubricating oil.

For vachette, forged or bronze handles, opt for white grease or lithium-based lubricant.

In the event of seizing, a multi-purpose penetrating aerosol spray (such as WD-40) is sufficient.

Avoid harsh solvents or unsuitable cutting oil.

How should you go about lubricating handles?

Here are the steps to follow to lubricate your door handles:

• Remove the handle or pull the trims apart using a suitable screwdriver.

• Apply a small amount of lubricant to the visible spindles, bearings or bushings.

• Operate the lever several times to distribute the product.

• Wipe away any excess with a soft cloth to prevent dirt build-up.

** Don't forget the fixing screws, which are often prone to oxidation, as well as the hinges if they squeak or as a preventive measure.

And what about locks?

For an entrance door, landing door, sliding door or armoured door lock, maintenance is even more critical. Use a specialist lock lubricant, sometimes enriched with anti-friction additives, for your multipoint locks, European cylinder, or high-security bolts. Never force a seized barrel: you could risk facilitating a burglary in the event of a low security level.

In summary

Lubricating a door handle is a way to fight rust, improve comfort of use and extend the lifespan of your hardware. It is also a simple means of preventing expenditure on locksmith call-outs, lock replacement or locksmith intervention.

To find out how to lubricate your handles, change a lock or maintain a bolt, consult our professional tips on Milla Poignées and discover our selection of interior door handles, bolts, mortise locks, stainless steel sets, decorative hardware accessories and tools.