Nuances of choosing closers for kitchen cabinets, installation and adjustment

The most expensive thing in furniture is the fittings. Depending on the company and country of production, prices for various cabinet mechanisms can vary tenfold. Let's talk about devices designed to add comfort when using furniture.

Closers for kitchen cabinets are mechanisms that ensure smooth closing of doors. Whether such devices are needed or not, everyone decides for themselves. Closers prevent the appearance of cracks on glass and prevent loud bangs. They will help extend the life of your kitchen set.

Closers for kitchen cabinets

Closers for kitchen furniture are devices that ensure smooth closing of doors on cabinets . They prevent the door from moving too strong and too quickly and block impacts of the facade against the body. Their main function is to ensure the safety of door hinges and protect furniture parts from chips, cracks and scratches.

Operating principle

The devices differ depending on the mechanism of action, but in all cases the general principle applies :

• the door rests on a special rod;
• the resistance of the rod is provided by a spring or capsule filled with oil, gas, polymer;
• when you press the door, it acts on the rod, the spring contracts or the composition is forced out of the capsule;
• the door movement slows down.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of using door closers:

• smooth closing of the doors guarantees careful use of furniture, protection from damage to parts and fittings;
• ensure a tight fit of the door to the body, preventing its spontaneous opening;
• a correctly selected device does not require frequent replacement, maintenance and repair, and is durable;
• liquids and gases used in the design are enclosed in a sealed chamber - they do not harm the surface of the furniture;
• Many structures can be repaired if they break down; removable parts can be replaced with new ones;
• There is a large selection of devices on sale - it’s not difficult to choose the right one based on type, price and even color;
• installation is accessible to a non-professional with minimal skills in using tools.

Minuses:

• require care and precision during installation and configuration, otherwise their work will be ineffective;
• complex designs look bulky and do not add aesthetics to the appearance of the furniture;
• high-quality fittings are not cheap.

This is interesting: Methods for repairing kitchen furniture with your own hands, common types of breakdowns

How to fix a broken door closer

Small hinge, overhead or mortise mechanisms usually cannot be repaired when broken . They are dismantled and replaced with new devices.

To extend the life of your mechanisms, do the following::

• protect against corrosion if the product is steel (remove rust, treat with an anti-corrosion agent, for example, WD-40);
• If squeaking occurs, lubricate with machine oil or silicone grease;
• check and tighten fasteners.

Lifting mechanisms are more complex and have more parts in their structure . Lifts can be disassembled into spare parts and replacement parts can be selected for them.

Repair is available in the following cases:

1. Oil leak. Locate the leak. If it's a small crack, fill it with caulk. Add leaked oil through the holes for the adjusting bolts. Synthetic motor oil or shock absorber fluid will do.
2. Try to repair detected cracks and breaks by welding. Level the weld seam to the surface by grinding it.
3. If the closer rod is bent, straighten it with a hammer. Try to use moderate force to avoid damaging the part.

What are they?

The main purpose of door closers for kitchen cabinets is to protect door hinges, preserve the integrity of furniture parts, and prevent paint chips, scratches, and cracks. They are mainly necessary for glass facades, for which impacts of any kind are destructive. Thanks to the closers, the doors close softly and silently, without sudden movements and the possibility of the facade hitting the body.

Important advantages of door closers:

• soft closing of the door, preventing defects;
• wide choice of mechanisms;
• the door closes tightly, it never opens on its own;
• quick installation;
• the capsule filler (liquid, gas) is located in a sealed chamber;
• removable elements are quickly replaced with new ones;
• In high-quality products, oil rarely leaks out when it breaks; more often it remains in the capsule.

Like any furniture fittings, door closers also have disadvantages:

• the oil inside the metal capsule thickens at low temperatures in unheated rooms;
• installation of the closer must be carried out taking into account many requirements and instructions;
• Some samples have an unaesthetic appearance.

The closer is designed to protect door hinges

In high-quality products, all elements can be easily changed if necessary.

Kitchen fittings - the best brands

Kitchen fronts, drawers, shelves, removable baskets and hanging accessories - all this moves, hangs, stands and works. Few people are interested in what’s inside and how it all works! That is why most buyers pay so little attention to furniture and designer fittings, and yet they play almost the main role in the beauty, comfort and longevity of furniture.

Operating principle

The door closer operates quite simply, which is due to its standard and simple design. The features of its action include:

• the main mechanism is a special spring located in a metal capsule, and it is filled with a special liquid or oil;
• the product is equipped with special valves that make it possible to adjust the speed of closing the doors;
• due to the closer, pressure is applied to the front of the door, which guarantees its smooth and silent closing under the influence of its own weight;
• this leads to the fact that the door acts on a special stop, which acts as part of the closer;
• the liquid covering the spring is lowered into a special capsule sleeve;
• it is held in the sleeve by a special system of seals;
• the adjusting part of the product ensures a narrowing or expansion of the outflow channel, therefore control and regulation of the door closing speed is ensured;
• in the process of closing the door, it begins to exert a stronger influence on the closer;
• the adjusting part of the product expands quite strongly, so the piston outflow channel decreases;
• this causes the piston to slow down, so the door closes really slowly, without sudden movements, and there are no knocks or other extraneous sounds.

If you choose high-quality hinges and closers, they are guaranteed to protect facades from various damages, and will also be durable and easy to use.

Gas closers are often installed on inexpensive cabinets. They work in such a way that the door closes as quickly as possible until a specific moment, after which it begins to act on the closer, which uses gas located in a special capsule for operation. This principle of operation ensures silent and slow closing of the door at the end, but the product itself is considered quite fragile and short-lived.

Adjustment

A properly installed door closer needs optimal adjustment after installation, otherwise it will be difficult and uncomfortable to use. During regulation, various factors are taken into account:

• the speed at which sliding occurs;
• how tightly the door fits to the cabinet;
• At what speed does the cabinet door close?

Adjustment is considered a simple process, since it is enough to use a special screw located on the body of the product. If you strengthen it, the speed at which the facade closes significantly increases, and if you weaken it, the speed decreases. Adjustment using a screw is ensured by changing the throughput of the equipment outflow channel, so the liquid in the product flows at different speeds through the sleeve, which guarantees control of door movement.

Thus, door closers are often chosen for kitchen cabinets. They are considered comfortable, easy to install, inexpensive and provide reliable protection for various cabinets and other structures from impacts and destruction. They are presented in several types, and their installation is simplified, so you can easily do it yourself. After installation, it is important to carefully adjust the product to ensure soft, slow and quiet closing of the doors.

Lifting mechanisms

Lifting mechanisms are another useful device for kitchen furniture. Typically, wall cabinets have a hinged type of door opening, as a result of which they create a feeling of some bulkiness. An alternative would be doors that hinge upward. It is for such doors that lifting mechanisms are used. Thanks to this opening mechanism, getting items out of the closet becomes very convenient . When using such mechanisms, the facades do not need to be equipped with handles; they open when lightly pressed.

In turn, lifting mechanisms can be divided into the following groups.

• Spring brackets - they are used for inexpensive furniture structures. The disadvantage of this system is the inability to stop the door in the half-open position.
• A gas elevator is an analogue of a spring system that operates from air pressure. The disadvantage of the gas system is that when the cabinets are closed, there is a strong load on the gas brackets, which contributes to rapid wear of parts.
• There are brackets that allow you to leave the door in any position. In addition, it is possible to regulate the door opening up to 107 degrees. This system provides soft and smooth closing of doors and has a beautiful and modern design . These brackets are the most durable.
• The most popular styles currently are electric lifting mechanisms; they are also called “smart kitchens”.
• And another type is a folding system that allows you to fold the facades over the body. With this system, the doors open parallel to the cabinet. Opening is carried out by pressing the facade.

What to look for when choosing a kitchen unit

As a rule, when purchasing kitchen furniture, everyone pays attention to its appearance, although furniture fittings are very important. These are closers and lifting mechanisms. They are what make kitchen furniture more functional and comfortable.

Furniture boxes can be divided into two types: metaboxes and tandemboxes . Metaboxes have the following design: a box with metal walls on retractable rollers, coated with white or metallic enamel. For their production, high-strength steel is used, due to which they can withstand heavy loads. The metabox kit consists of two side walls and two support elements. For such boxes, special elements are provided, with the help of which you can easily increase the height of the box to the size you need. In addition, with the help of separation systems, you can intelligently organize your workspace .

Metaboxes open very smoothly and silently, which is very convenient to use. In addition, their design already includes special closers, thanks to which the drawer automatically returns to its original closed position. To do this, just push it with your hand.

A structure consisting of glass or steel walls and a tubular rail is called tandembox . The guides that tandem boxes are equipped with allow for full drawer extension, which is very convenient. In addition, tandem boxes can withstand heavy loads and are equipped with automatic closers, which allow the box to close smoothly and silently.

If desired, the tandembox can be equipped with an electric drive, thanks to which the box can open independently; to do this, you just need to pull the handle or press the front.

Advantages and disadvantages

Softening fittings have many more advantages than disadvantages. The most notable ones include the following:

• Smooth closing of the door guarantees its safety and long service life. Modern headsets often have glass facades and closers are considered a mandatory attribute;
• Such designs ensure a tight fit of the door to the cabinet body, which prevents spontaneous swinging open;
• Even in the event of a breakdown, modern designs do not harm the furniture, fillers do not leak from the chambers and the doors do not get scratched on such fittings;
• A wide range of models allows you to find a closer for any door;
• There are both expensive, multifunctional designs and budget sector models on the market, so the owner always has a choice;
• Most of the structures have removable working units, so they are easily repaired;

The working unit in the simplest overhead model changes in a couple of minutes.

• Products from well-known, trusted manufacturers last for many years and do not require repairs;
• If a home craftsman is comfortable with a screwdriver and a drill, then installing and setting up the door closer with your own hands will not be difficult.

According to housewives, door closers have only 2 drawbacks - firstly, complex models have a hefty price, and secondly, not everyone likes the appearance of such mechanisms. All these insets and overlays do not look aesthetically pleasing when the doors are open.

Some housewives are biased towards overhead shock absorbers on hinges.

This is interesting: Types of kitchen wall cabinets, installation features

Manufacturers of fittings for kitchen cabinets and bedroom furniture

Expensive oil closers use higher quality and more expensive oil. Let's look at the most popular manufacturers of kitchen furniture fittings:

1. BLUM fittings . Austrian company producing various kitchen accessories. The most popular manufacturer of lifting mechanisms in Russia is bloom. The price of products is very varied (from 140 rubles to 800 rubles).
2. Vauth Sagel . The second most popular manufacturer, popular in Russia. The German company is recognized as the best in the world. The price for closers is from 300 rubles to 1000 rubles.
3. Hettih . German company - manufacturer. The cost of mechanisms and handles for furniture ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.
4. Siro . Austrian company. The price of door closers ranges from 130 rubles to 500 rubles.
5. agoform. The German company is a manufacturer of fittings for kitchen furniture. The cost of the company's products varies from 200 rubles to 900 rubles.

Video presentation of Bloom fittings:

Kitchen cabinets are used daily, which wears out the fittings. It is necessary to timely care for and clean the door closers from dirt.

• When a squeak appears, you need to tighten all the screws on the hinges.
• All fittings and roof rails in the interior are cleaned with a soapy solution and clean napkins.
• The hinges must be lubricated periodically.
• Do not clean the door closer mechanism with soda or other granular cleaning agents.
• You cannot “help” door closers close the doors all the way.

The mechanism of the closers is very simple, so breakdowns with proper operation are practically excluded. If a breakdown does occur, it is better to call a specialist or replace the broken door closer with a new one.

There are many manufacturing companies with different prices for accessories, so it is quite easy to select and install door closers according to your capabilities and needs. Installing the mechanism is also not difficult. The main thing is to follow the instructions exactly. You need to take care of kitchen fittings in the same way as all other household items. Proper installation and maintenance will allow you to enjoy silent closing of kitchen cabinet doors for a long time.

Brief overview of door hinges

First, as usual, a little theory. Doors open and close using hinges or canopies , and it depends on them and special shock absorbers whether your doors will close silently or with a knock.

Information!

The hinges vary depending on the degree of overlap on the side wall of the cabinet body; they are:

Canopies also differ in opening angle; there are many such hinges, but mostly you will come across hinges for false panels with an opening angle of 90 degrees, and hinges for corner cabinets and cabinets with an opening angle of +45 degrees.

In addition, hinges can be for specific purposes, for example, for narrow aluminum doors, for glass doors and cabinets with internal drawers, and so on. Moreover, they, in turn, are divided into invoices, semi-invoices and inlays, not all of them, of course, but in some cases for sure.

Types of closers for the kitchen

Closers for kitchen cabinets differ from each other in several ways .

Mechanism of action

According to the principle of operation, closers are divided into:

• 
  Gas (pictured). The door closes freely until it touches the stem. The rod penetrates the dense gas environment of the sealed chamber, slowing down the movement of the door. Air or nitrogen is used as a filler. The average service life of gas devices is 5 years.

• Polymer . The mechanism of action is similar to the gas version. Instead of gas, a liquid polymer filler based on silicone is used. In terms of durability, they do not exceed gas ones.
• Oily . From the beginning of movement, the door or drawer immediately acts on a spring enclosed in a capsule with oil. The oil slowly flows into the adjacent chamber. The speed slows down and the entire closing cycle occurs smoothly. Oil shock absorbers are more durable, lasting up to 10 years. They are more expensive than gas or polymer ones.

Gas-filled closers are used for folding structures. Oil devices are used for drawers, swing and sliding doors.

Important! When using oil devices in unheated rooms, difficulties may arise in the operation of the closer. Oil becomes thicker at low temperatures.

Mounting type

Based on the mounting method, closers are divided into three types :

• Mortise - a hole is drilled inside the side wall of the cabinet in which the device is placed.
• Cabinet-mounted - fixed to the surface of the kitchen unit parts using self-tapping screws or fastening bolts (pictured).
• Hinge - installed on door hinges in special sockets.

Often there are hinges with an already built-in closer . Check to see if your furniture has this option before installing additional hardware.

Lifting mechanisms

There are four types of kitchen lifting mechanisms:

• Spring . A metal spring helps to pull or push the door. The design of the device is simple and rarely fails. It is not possible to leave a door ajar with a spring shock absorber; it must either be closed or completely open.

• 
  Spring-oil . There is a spring in a sealed chamber filled with oil. By contracting, it overcomes additional resistance and ensures a slow, even opening of the door.

• Pneumatic (gas) . Smooth running is achieved by displacing air from a closed, impenetrable capsule with a special rod. A pressure difference occurs in different parts of it.
• Electrical . Complex programmable mechanisms with electric drive. Allows you to set the opening speed and maximum angle. The doors close automatically after a specified period of time. They open by pressing the facade or touching the handle.

It can be useful:

Selection of kitchen furniture fittings and components

Hinges for kitchen furniture with closer

Mounting options for wall cabinets for the kitchen

How to care for furniture hinges

Of all the listed gaps, the frontal size is considered the most important. If you do not control its size, then, in addition to a poorly opening door, more serious shortcomings may await:

• Premature wear of hinge parts; due to increased force, the rotary axes wear out in literally a year or two, even on expensive branded products;
• On wardrobes, doors become deformed and take on a curved or barrel-shaped shape.

By themselves, metal hinges for kitchen furniture are considered quite reliable, provided that the doors are adjusted correctly. If you adjust and lubricate the rotation axes once a year, the resource will last for at least 10-15 years. The only “enemy” of furniture canopies is a gas stove. When gas burns, a certain amount of very viscous tar-like substances is formed, which are easily deposited on metal surfaces. Therefore, the hinges in a cabinet located close to the hob often get stuck, and, as a result, the doors open with increased force.

Gas lifts - what are they and what are their features?

Gas lift is a shock-absorbing mechanism whose purpose is to open doors and hold them in that position. Thanks to him, this does not require much effort. The design is completely sealed - nitrogen is placed inside during the production of the product, and if it is damaged, it cannot be repaired. The advantages of gas lift include:

• reliable fixation and smooth movement;
• easy opening even in the absence of a handle;
• long service life;
• compatibility with any door material.

They give kitchen cabinets a stylish look, allow them to be used quietly, while maintaining the integrity of the elements and extending the life of the furniture.

How are they installed?

The gas lift is installed in strict accordance with the instructions, which is the key to its uninterrupted operation. It is important to understand:

• each facade will require 2 gas lifts, which avoids its distortion;
• the 100N marking indicates the need to mount the cabinet to the wall and is used only for heavy and massive doors;
• installation of products is carried out at the very end, when other fittings are already installed.

The installation process is very simple - you need to fix the fasteners for the gas lift, then put the product on them and press until it clicks.

Adjustment is necessary for comfortable and proper operation of the door, as well as to avoid it touching the ceiling when opening upward. For this purpose, a special screw is located on the gas lift body, which allows you to vary the tightness of the door to the body and its closing by changing the speed of movement of the working material in the sleeve.

Installing door closers and hinges with your own hands is not particularly difficult and only requires compliance with simple rules. Their design is simple and, coupled with patience and accuracy, will quickly achieve the desired result.

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Adjustment of facades on retractable systems, bottle holders.

Kitchen sets are equipped with systems from two companies: Vibo (Italy) and the budget option Caliber (China)

Adjusting the VIBO bottle holder

To adjust the façade vertically, you first need to loosen screw No. 1. Screw No. 2 makes the adjustment itself: turning the screw clockwise raises the façade, unscrewing the screw lowers the façade. After adjustment, tighten screw No. 1 back. Horizontal adjustment is made using screw No. 3. Unscrew the screws and expose the facade. After adjustment, tighten the screws back.

ATTENTION! Adjustment occurs simultaneously at the top and bottom fastenings.

Adjusting the Caliber bottle holder

To adjust the facade vertically, unscrew bolt No. 1 on the upper and lower fastenings. Expose the façade and screw the bolt back. To adjust the façade horizontally or plane to the body, unscrew the bolt No. 1, and use the bolts No. 2 to ensure uniform contact with the body. To adjust horizontally, the façade must be moved by moving it with your hands. After adjustment, tighten bolt No. 1 until it is tightly connected to the mount.

Choosing an installation location

To install door closers on kitchen modules, you may need furniture hinges, self-tapping screws or euroscrews, as well as a screwdriver and instructions for the device. When performing this operation, it is necessary to take into account that:

• When installing large mechanisms for massive doors, the piston must remain on the immovable part of the wooden shelf. Its other side is attached to the cabinet door.
• Compact closers are mounted in the same way on the immovable part of the cabinet.
• Internal gas mechanisms are attached using hinges. In this case, the closer is inserted into a special hole until it clicks.
• Installation of devices on the furniture body must be done using euroscrews or self-tapping screws.

How to choose

In the process of choosing a set for the kitchen, few people pay attention to such elements as door closers. Basically, people think about this at the moment when cabinet doors lose their functional qualities. Therefore, it is important to understand that the safety and service life of furniture depends on the choice of elements.

When purchasing closers, you need to consider the type of kitchen cabinets, their features and size. For large furniture, it is necessary to select high-quality and durable elements that can withstand weight and constant load. Mechanisms that are too weak can lose their functionality quite quickly, so you shouldn’t skimp.

The next point worth paying attention to is the type of placement. Basically, most buyers purchase mechanisms that are attached directly to the door. Their advantage is the absence of complex loops. Such door elements do not require lengthy installation.

An important criterion is the manufacturer of the mechanisms. Many experts recommend purchasing parts from companies that have already proven themselves and shown high quality. Today the best fittings are Blum.

During purchase, the main attention should be paid to adjusting the elements. If you do not want to spend time on this process, you can purchase systems with automatic mode. In this case, the models are regulated independently.

What types of door closers are there?

The mechanisms differ in the location of the structure and the principle of operation. According to the method of fastening they are distinguished:

• Cabinet-mounted – installed on the inner wall of the cabinet.

• Built into hinges.

• Placed between furniture hinges.

According to the principle of operation there are:

• oil (able to close the door smoothly);
• gas (they cost less, but provide slow door movement from the middle of the journey).

Gas closers are recommended for installation on hinged doors (opening downwards), and oil closers are suitable for swing doors.

Lifting mechanisms

Lifts are installed on hinged doors that open up or down. They are attached less frequently to swing doors. Previously, such complex mechanisms could only be found on expensive pieces; now lifting systems are found on any furniture and come in four types:

• spring system is a simple and common design. Springs made of durable metal attract or repel the door. The mechanism is practical and, if used correctly, works properly for a long time. The only disadvantage of the spring system is that the doors cannot be locked in any position. They are either open or closed.
• spring-oil - this model of lift differs from the previous one in the smoothness of movement. This is due to the fact that the spring is placed in a metal capsule filled with polymer or oil. The diagonal lift is the standard version of this model.
• based on the gas principle. The softening factor is air. The mechanism consists of a chamber with a piston. When compressed or stretched, the pressure in the chamber changes. This gives the necessary smoothness. Such lifts break down more often than others, so you should be wary of counterfeit products.
• electrical mechanisms - the newest and most expensive lift systems, respond to the touch of the cabinet door. You can set the opening angle (no more than 107 degrees) and the delay time after which the door will close on its own.

You can read more about kitchen cabinet fittings here.

Gas elevators

Such devices are simpler than lifts. When closing, the closet door presses on the piston. The air in the chamber is compressed, thereby softening the blow. Unlike lifting systems, gas systems are activated at the end of the door stroke.

In modern systems, manufacturers have replaced the air in the chambers with polymer.

The weak point of gas closers is that the closed door constantly puts pressure on the chamber. For this reason, such furniture fittings do not last long - up to 4 years. But it is distinguished by its low price and ease of installation.

Drawer closers

Typically, shock absorbers are placed on metaboxes - furniture boxes with a hard, thick bottom, front and back made of chipboard or MDF, the side walls of which are made of metal. There are guides with built-in closers and separate components that represent a kit for a drawer.

You can also install shock absorbers on ordinary kitchen drawers with fiberboard bottoms, but you need to consider the method of fastening before purchasing. If installation is carried out to the bottom, it will need to be reinforced. If it is on the inner wall of the cabinet, the design of the mechanism will not allow it to be placed on the lowest drawer (there are exceptions that are mounted above the guide).

You can also purchase ball guides with a built-in closer and replace the standard ones. It will be more expensive, but you won’t have to redo the design of the headset.

Closers for furniture hinges

There are three types of hinge door closers:

Standard , built into the shoulder that connects to the bowl. The shoulder has a specific spring shape, by which you can determine the presence of a closer.

Built-in shock absorbers with force adjustment. Depending on the weight and area of ​​the door, reaching the closed state can be slower or faster. Full or partial “damping” of the impact on the body is provided.

Overhead door closers . Can be purchased separately from the awnings and installed later as needed. Each company produces models suitable only for its hinges. On facades with three canopies, one or two shock absorbers can be installed upon request.

Depending on the type of fastening, overhead door closers are also produced in three types:

• Screwed onto the hinge cup (SOFTECH R).

• With snap-on hinge cup (WAVE).

• With snap-on hinge arm (SOFTPLUS).

Dampers

It is also worth mentioning the smallest helpers in the fight against façade noise. Dampers perform the same role as door closers - they dampen the impact when the door is closed. They are installed in addition to the main mechanisms and come in three types:

• Invoices. They are attached inside the cabinet to the side wall.

• Mortise. They cut into the end of the wall or housing cover.

• Silicone. Glued to the end of the cabinet.

How to adjust furniture hinges

To properly set up the operation of the canopy, you first need to check the position of the cabinet itself. Doors on the facade will help sag under their own weight or due to skew of the body. To do this, we check the position of the box with a level and level it either by altering the suspension on the wall, or by trying to adjust the height of the legs.

Any mortise hinge has at least three position adjustment screws. In general, the system allows you to adjust the position of the door, its displacement by 2-4 mm vertically, horizontally and in depth. Since there are usually two loops, the angular deviation can also be corrected. A more detailed description of the screws for adjusting furniture hinges is given in the video:

But you can also use the diagram below.

How to adjust furniture hinges vertically

In all training manuals and manuals, it is usually recommended to begin adjusting the door position by eliminating the most obvious problems with the hinges. If the screws are not screwed deep enough or are loosened at both fastening points, then one half of the facade will simply drop a few millimeters lower relative to the other.

In this case, you will need to unscrew the screws, place a piece of a match or toothpick in the hole and tighten the fasteners.

If the fastening is in order, you can adjust the height of the sash by unscrewing the screw 1-2 turns. Next, we will raise the cabinet door level with the other half, fix it and at the same time raise the “butterfly” hinge to the same height. All that remains is to tighten the fasteners with a screwdriver, use a ruler and a level to check the accuracy of the installation.

How to adjust furniture hinges horizontally

Since when opening a cabinet a person usually grabs the corner of the door with his hand, the main part of the load falls on the nearest hinge. As a result, the door may warp, the upper parts of the two doors will collide head-on, and a huge wedge-shaped gap will form between the doors below.

In this case, you have to adjust the horizontal displacement along the front on one of the hinges, usually the top one. To level the position, you will need to unscrew the adjusting screw, which is located first from the end, as in the diagram.

Before adjusting, you need to loosen the screw, align the door and only then tighten the fastening point

If a cabinet with a skewed door has been in use for a long period of time, then you will probably have to adjust the lower canopy. Using a school wooden ruler, it is convenient to control the size of the gap between the edges of the sashes, so as not to adjust, as they say, “by eye.”

You can configure cabinet doors with four hinges in the same way. Initially, you need to adjust the gap on the top and bottom hinges, then use the screws to level the gap in the middle of the sash. One of the options for adjusting the horizontal reach is shown in the video:

How to properly adjust furniture hinges in depth

Front or depth adjustment makes it possible to adjust the size of the gap between the ends of the side walls of the cabinet and the ends of the door in the open position.

Frontal adjustment is the most important; the durability of the hinge depends on the accuracy of the gap setting.

If the doors do not open completely to an angle of 90°, then most likely there is no working gap at all. To fix the problem, you need to adjust the specified distance at 0.6-3.4 mm. Again, it is very convenient to use a ruler as a gauge.

Adjusting the gap is easy:

• We turn out the screw farthest from the facade;
• Place a ruler on the end of the wall and fix it with your hand;
• Next, you need to adjust the protrusion of the screw with a screwdriver so that the cabinet door leaf opens fully.

It is also not recommended to make the gap too large; in this case, you will have to additionally adjust the position of the horizontal movement with a nearby screw.

Smooth closing of doors using shock absorbers or closers

Smooth closing can be achieved in less progressive ways - this is the use of shock absorption systems. The Blum company calls such systems BLUMOTION .

Shock absorber or closer, which is installed on the hinge arm

This system in the form of an overlay is installed directly on the hinge arm. There are limitations here, such overlays can only be installed on Blum hinges and the design of the hinge must allow this. This information can be obtained from the seller. Let’s say at the moment you don’t have money for hinges with a built-in closer, but you can initially buy simple Blum hinges, and then buy additional hinge closers .

Assortment of closers for metabox drawers

For example, for the Metabox system, the manufacturer Blum offers additional Blumotion door closers. You can buy them at any time. Installing a closer on a drawer is quite simple: just remove the boxes themselves from the runners and secure the closers between the guides. Detailed instructions help to correctly install closers in a drawer, calculating all the necessary distances.

The principle of how to install Blum closers on a drawer is easier to understand from the video.

By the way, virtually any metabox can be equipped with closers . Overhead mechanisms with this function are offered by different manufacturers: Boyard, Amix, FGV, Blum and others. Some of them are quite interchangeable. The main thing is to carefully check the basic technical data before purchasing:

• The design of existing boxes,
• Depth, height of the side walls of the metabox
• The size of the gap between the side wall of the metabox and the body of the cabinet.

If all the calculations for your box coincide with the instructions for calculating the metabox parts of the selected system, then in 99% all additional accessories, including the door closer, will suit you perfectly. You can install the door closer on a drawer using the general diagram of the instructions. It is different for each mechanism and is included in the package. For example, for the SlowMotion Zeta door closer from FGV (Italy) it is like this.

A complete set of fittings (metaboxes + closer) for one drawer looks like this.

IMPORTANT! Since shock absorbers of this type are attached to the bottom of the metaboxes, it should be understood that they do not fit under the bottom drawer of a standard kitchen kitchen.

There is simply not enough space between the bottom of the drawer and the bottom of the cabinet itself to install them. Therefore, the box itself is twisted higher (with a corresponding twist of the facade).

What to do if roller or ball guides are installed on the drawer

It’s easier and faster to change the runners themselves. There is no need to redo the box frame. Ball guides with closers differ from conventional ones only in the presence of a spring mechanism. The fastening of the runners to the drawer itself and the side walls of the cabinet is absolutely the same. You can read more about how to install drawer slides here.

The price, of course, is higher for ball guides with a closer, about 1.5-2 times depending on the manufacturer. But it will not be much more expensive if you compare the installation of individual closers (with modifications to the bottom) and the replacement of the guides themselves.

If you are considering the option of subsequently equipping drawers with closers when you order furniture or do it yourself, then it is better to immediately choose a retractable system that involves such an addition.

Silicone shock absorbers

Silicone shock absorbers are produced on a self-adhesive basis and are used as an addition to the main shock absorption systems. Such a circle is separated from the base and glued to the end of the body or facade.

Some furniture makers limit themselves only to silicone shock absorbers, but they will not ensure smooth closing of doors; they will only muffle the sound of the door when it is closed.

The secret to securely attaching hinges

There is such an important point when using hinges - this is the reliability of fastening the doors. Without reliable fastening, the smooth fastening system will be unnecessary.

Hinge Cup Attachment

You can secure the hinge cup to the door using self-tapping screws, but there is a more reliable method of fastening using special spacer plugs and screws.

To install the plugs, you need to drill two holes with a diameter of 8 mm. Find out if such a service is provided in the place where you order drilling for awnings.

Mounting the strike plate

The strike plate can be secured to the side wall using self-tapping screws, Euroscrews, and the most reliable way is with Euroscrews of smaller diameter through spacer plugs.

The structure of the chipboard is loose and a self-tapping screw or Euroscrew may eventually break out of the chipboard and you won’t be able to screw it back in, you’ll have to glue in the chips, re-drill, and then, it won’t last long, you’ll have to change the side wall. Only a bar for spacer plugs will ensure long-lasting and reliable fastening.

Drilling is done with a drill with a diameter of 5 mm, similar to drilling for Euro screws.

Important points when buying a door closer

When faced with choosing a closer, it is important to know what parameters will affect its performance and durability.

How to choose a door closer

When choosing a closer for a kitchen cabinet, pay attention to the following :

• Weight of the part that will act on the closer. A weak mechanism will not withstand the pressure of a massive door and will quickly fail. The weight of a light facade will not be enough when using a device with high resistance; the sash will not close.
• Method of fastening and location of the mechanism. To install loop closers, there must be special sockets on the hinges of the headset. If there are none, stop at cabinet or mortise ones. If you want to install closers yourself, choose those that will be easier for you to secure.
• If you don’t have time to regulate and configure the closer, pay attention to models that are self-adjustable .

The popularity of the brand and the presence of positive reviews play an important role when choosing furniture fittings. If you want to purchase a high-quality product that will last a long time, it is better to avoid buying door closers from little-known or dubious manufacturers.

The best furniture fittings manufacturers

Among the manufacturers most in demand on the furniture fittings market, the top lines of the ranking belong to foreign companies. Russian importers of Chinese products have also proven themselves well :

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The best manufacturers

Closers are produced by many manufacturing companies; the fittings are available with different characteristics and prices. If you do not want to change door closers in 2-3 years, it is recommended to immediately choose a reliable manufacturer. You can read reviews on different sites and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model. You should not save money on this part of the furniture, because repairing door closers can cost a considerable amount. Most often, foreign fittings are used, but Soviet companies also produce high-quality furniture products.

The highest quality door closer manufacturers:

1. Bloom. The Austrian company has been producing high-quality furniture fittings for more than 70 years. All door closers are manufactured using advanced technologies and are distinguished by their durability. In the catalogs you can find products from different price segments from 150 to 3,000 rubles.
2. Siro. The Italian brand is very popular in Russia due to its reasonable cost and production of high-quality products. Each part goes through several stages of control and verification according to certificates of conformity.
3. Hafele. The main feature of the German company is the production of environmentally friendly furniture fittings.
4. Hettich. Another German manufacturer of fittings, in whose catalogs you can find luxury and economy class door closers. It is possible to place an individual order. The minimum cost of accessories is 300 rubles.
5. Boyard. The country of origin is China, but closers are distinguished by their quality and reasonable cost, and therefore are popular in Russia.

Closers from these manufacturers are of improved quality and are easy to maintain. When breakdowns occur, these mechanisms are rarely repaired; the old closer is often replaced. But to prevent the mechanism from breaking down quickly, it is necessary to regularly care for them, tighten the fastenings and get rid of rust.

Varieties

Accessories for kitchen furniture are classified according to the principle of operation, structure and method of placement. According to the first criterion, closers are divided into the following types:

• Gas. The kitchen cabinet door closes smoothly until it comes into contact with the rod, which enters the gaseous environment of the impenetrable space, thereby slowing down the movement of the door. The approximate period of operation is 5 years. The mechanism does not contain oil; in case of breakdown, the furniture will not be damaged by spilled liquid. Gas closers can be used in rooms with any microclimate.
• Oily. Ensures smooth, complete closing of doors. A high-quality oil-based device operates without repair for up to 10 years.

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Gas

Oil

Gas-filled closers are used for hinged doors, and oil-filled mechanisms are used for sliding and hinged doors, as well as drawers. The former are cheaper, but last much less due to the high pressure inside the devices when the valves are closed.

Types of door closers by type of fastening:

• Loopbacks. Reliable, simple, inexpensive, but not installed on drawers and sliding drawers. Mounted on door hinges.
• Mortise. Located in close proximity to the hinges, they are installed on cabinets using the hidden installation method. They are durable and resistant to external influences.
• Corpus. Products are attached to furniture using self-tapping screws or special bolts. Their advantage is the ability to install on various types of cabinets, but their disadvantage is the complexity of installation. The importance of all operating rules and the absence of distortions are important.

Hinges with closers are quite common, which eliminates the need for additional equipment.

Mortise

BodyLoop

The main elements in the fittings

One of the most important components of cabinets are hinges; they were first invented by Italian furniture maker Salice after World War II. It was an ordinary four-hinged, as it is also called a cup, hinge that opens and closes the door 90 degrees. Today, the furniture hinge has been transformed beyond recognition, becoming a stylish and multifunctional item that you cannot do without in the kitchen.

Door hinges are distinguished:

A hinge mounted in a corner furniture module can open the door at an angle of 30, 45, 95, 120, 135 and 180 degrees; there is also a special type of hinge - a carousel hinge , which opens the cabinet door leaf at 270 degrees .

Quick installation loops have appeared ; they are attached to a special strip and snapped onto the inside of the facade in just one movement. A furniture door with such a hinge becomes very mobile - it can be removed and hung if necessary, without requiring the use of construction tools.

An equally valuable and functional element in a modern kitchen is retractable mechanisms ; the condition of the furniture in the future and the noise level when moving drawers depend on their quality and durability. The latest generation shock-absorbing mechanisms are created taking into account the latest technologies; they begin their work a few seconds before the drawer is completely closed, making this process as smooth, easy and quiet as possible. High-quality roller fittings are designed for 100 thousand cycles or more, while remaining in perfect order.

Many consumers have appreciated the benefits of furniture closers in the kitchen. They softly and smoothly close cabinet doors, and also protect the furniture body from impacts and premature damage. The closer smoothly slows down the movement of the door, adapting to any hand effort, making the contact of the facade with the body absolutely silent and as soft as possible. It is attached to the hinge cup and regulates the load level during operation of the kitchen furniture.

Dampers also serve to ensure maximum smoothness and noiselessness of opening and closing cabinets . Their modern range is quite wide - from the simplest rubber pads to universal miracle mechanisms.

Another fashionable invention is a silicone edge located around the perimeter of doors and drawers. It protects furniture from dust and dirt getting inside, and also works as a shock absorber - it serves as a shock softener during mechanical impacts and contacts.

Furniture drawers are becoming deeper and wider, and along with them, guide systems are also improving, becoming more powerful and more technologically advanced.

Today, roller mechanisms can withstand weights of up to 70-80 kg, while maintaining easy movement and ease of removal of the structure. Fittings manufacturers do not recommend saving on guides and metaboxes, especially if you want to create maximum comfort in the kitchen and significantly extend its service life.

Another type of component that is installed on upper cabinets is gaining popularity - lifting mechanisms . They allow the cabinet to open upward, similar to luggage compartments on airplanes. These furniture lifting devices are divided into spring ones, in the form of brackets and gas elevators. Simple mechanical lifts are reliable and durable, but cannot fix the door in a raised state. And gas lifts and brackets are capable of holding the facade in any intermediate position, but are characterized by a higher cost.

Facade fittings for facades - handles, legs, linings, decor and similar elements - must be resistant to moisture, temperature, dirt, mechanical and chemical influences. The strongest and most durable are metal fittings - zinc casting, stainless steel and aluminum.

Criterias of choice

Before installing a closer on a kitchen cabinet, you need to consider important factors:

• Location area and fastening method. For example, for mounting hinge closers on door hinges, separate sockets are used. If they are not available, it is recommended to choose mortise or case mechanisms.
• Part weight. A weak device will not withstand a heavy door and will soon fail. If a mechanism with strong resistance is used for a facade with light weight, then the sash will not close.

The demand for a brand and the presence of positive reviews are no less important when selecting accessories. If you set a goal to use high-quality, durable products, you should contact trusted manufacturers of furniture closers. It is important to pay attention to the possibility of adjusting the fittings. If you don’t want to waste time on this, you should choose closers with automatic mode.

Why is “silent” furniture so valued?

Constant background noise has a negative impact on the psyche. We may not notice it and not pay attention, getting carried away by some activity or simply “switching off” when resting after a hard day at work. However, the body cannot be deceived: noise contributes to depression of the nervous system and the emergence of a constant state of stress. And this leads to exacerbation of chronic diseases and the emergence of new ones.

Thanks to modern technologies of soundproofing systems, the entry of noise from outside into the house can be reduced to a minimum. The main task remains to maintain healing silence in the room. But how?

• Firstly , purchase household appliances that are certified and recommended for use at home. Something that is used occasionally for up to an hour should not produce more than 75 dB of noise. Those household appliances that operate continuously or continuously should not be louder than 40 dB during the day and 30 dB at night.
• Secondly , minimize other noise in everyday life. In particular, to make the operation of furniture silent. To do this, it is enough to adjust the hinges, change where necessary the fasteners and moving mechanisms. And also equip doors and drawers with furniture closers for cabinets.

Installation Rules

Only specialists undertake the installation of labor-intensive shock-absorbing systems. To learn how to accurately install a door closer on a kitchen cabinet at home, you need to study the relevant master classes. Body overlay models are sometimes equipped with a stopper, which is applied to the edge of the detailed part and attached without preparatory markings. Installation steps for overhead fittings:

• holes are created on the surface for self-tapping screws or fastening bolts;
• the base of the closer is screwed on;
• the headset is placed.

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Installation stages of door closers with gas filler:

• markings are made for mounting fasteners;
• recesses are drilled for fastening bolts;
• fastenings are fixed with self-tapping screws or bolts;
• The closer elements are inserted and clicked into place.

Mortise-type closers are installed in a hole that is drilled in the end of the cabinet body. It must match the dimensions of the fittings. Standard hole dimensions are 50 x 10 mm. Installation is completed by inserting the capsule into the socket. It is worth abandoning glue or sealant for fixation, since these products cause difficulties during dismantling in the event of a malfunction. The door closer in the kitchen will not fall out or move without the use of auxiliary fasteners.

Hinge closers are most easily attached to furniture hinges, but if they do not fit, cabinet and mortise options will do. The bowl or arm of the fittings, as a rule, are equipped with special grooves - thanks to them, the device folds on top and snaps into place. During operation, a tightly fixed closer protects the valves from mechanical stress.

How to install a door closer yourself

Installation of complex, expensive shock absorption systems such as electric lifts should be done by professionals. Any home craftsman can handle the installation of simpler and more common structures.

The easiest way is to attach special loop closers to furniture hinges .

The arm or bowl of the hinge must have special grooves , the closer is placed on top and snaps into place.

If the hinges are not suitable for fastening shock-absorbing devices , use cabinet or mortise closers.

Installation of a cabinet closer

The cabinet closer is installed in close proximity to the furniture hinge . Placement in the middle, between the loops, is allowed.

How to install:

1. For convenience, remove wall cabinets from the wall. Place the piece of furniture on the floor or table.
2. Mark where the device will be fixed, put dots in the places of the proposed holes.
3. Drill holes for the mounting bolts. For self-tapping screws, puncture the surface with an awl.
4. Screw the base of the closer with self-tapping screws or bolts.
5. Check if there is any interference when opening and closing the doors.
6. Hang the cabinet in place.

Surface-mounted body closers can be equipped with a limiter . It is applied to the edge of the part and the device is immediately secured with self-tapping screws without preliminary marking.

Mortise devices

Mortise closers are mounted at the end of the side part of the cabinet opposite the door .
For wall cabinets, choose the top or middle part of the part, for floor cabinets - the bottom. Installation proceeds as follows :

1. Mark the installation point of the closer at the end of the part. Make a small hole with an awl.
2. Using a drill corresponding to the length and thickness of the closer rod, drill a hole to the appropriate depth.
3. Insert the mechanism into the hole.

It is better not to use glue or sealant for fixation . They will create difficulties during dismantling in case of breakdown. The closer will not move or fall out without additional means of fastening.

Gas lift installation

Operating procedure:

1. Mark with a pencil the installation locations for equipment fastenings.
2. Pre-drill holes for mounting bolts. If you use self-tapping screws, you don't need to do this.
3. Having attached the fasteners to the intended places, secure them with screws or bolts.
4. Insert the closer mechanism into the fastening holes and click into place.