If your old house is like my old house then it squeaks and sticks in places not even Shurlock Homes would be able to find. It is important to use the right lube for the job. Using the wrong lube can be very irritating because it will not last and in some cases will not work for your problem. I have 50 year old hinges in the house that squeak within a week of an application of the wrong lubricant (I think they were made with a hammer and anvil). Here are some of the lubricants that I use around my house:

Lithium Grease – This is made for mechanical joints (metal on metal), it is usually used in areas that see frequent use because it is very thick (this helps it stay in place for a long time). I use this on door hinges, Squeaky Oven Hinges, Any sort of metal rubbing on metal, etc…

Paraffin Wax – This is a great lubricant for wood on wood or metal on wood applications. I use this on wooden furniture, kitchen cabinets, dinner tables.

Paste Wax – This is for buffing and cleaning metal tables. I use this on my table saw to help the wood to slide easier.

WD-40 – This is my magic spray. I use this for all kinds of things, cleans, lubricates, penetrates, protects, etc. I use this to clean tar from my hands, remove rust with a wire brush, loosen screws, quick lubes. *3 in 1 oil is a sort of little brother to wd-40, I use it in about the same way…if I have a door hinge that is squeaking and needs to be fixed in a hurry this is what I use (grease takes time because you have to remove the hinge pin).

Spray Silicon – This spray can be used on plastic, metal, & wood. I use this lubricant when I want to lubricate something that has a tendency to get dusty, or when I have something plastic needs to be lubricated.

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