Closers for kitchen cabinets
Closers are installed on most modern furniture models. Having the instructions at hand, it will not be difficult to independently install the mechanism on any model of kitchen facades.
The hinges are designed to hold the doors closed. This means that the doors are not protected from sudden closing (strong bang, surface damage). If there is glass inside the door or the door is completely glass, then strong impact on it can lead to cracks.
Operating principle of furniture door closers
The operating process of door closers is simple. The mechanism is a spring, which is securely hidden inside a special metal capsule filled with oil or liquid with silicone. The door closing speed is controlled using special valves.
Pressure is applied to the solid wood facade door, and it begins to close under the influence of its own weight. In turn, the door begins to act more and more strongly on the closer’s emphasis. The liquid that covers the spring flows into the capsule sleeve (its rear part). It is held in the sleeve by a double system of seals. A special adjustment element that narrows and expands the outflow channel allows you to control the speed of closing the doors. This occurs by adjusting the speed of the piston movement with this element.
When closing, the door has a stronger effect on the closer. The adjusting element expands more and more and the piston outflow channel becomes smaller because of this. The piston slows down, allowing the door to close smoothly and quietly.
Gas closers are often installed in cheap kitchens. The principle of their operation is as follows - the door closes at maximum speed until a certain moment. At the end of the closing cycle, the door acts on the closer, which uses the gas contained in the capsule. Thanks to this, the furniture door closes silently and smoothly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros worth knowing:
- Smooth closing of the door, preventing damage.
- The door is completely closed.
- If a significant breakdown of the closer occurs, oil or liquid remains inside the capsule. Liquid does not damage the surface of hanging shelves with drawers.
- Can withstand sufficient load (can be used for massive doors).
- Large selection and varying prices of mechanisms.
- Long term use of door closers.
- Easy installation.
Flaws:
- The installation of the mechanism must be correct (strictly according to the instructions).
- The appearance of the installed door closer is not very aesthetic.
- Oil closers perform worse at low temperatures (increased oil viscosity).
Operating principle
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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.
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.
Closers, like numerous door hinges, are available in several types. According to the mechanism of action, varieties are distinguished:
- gas, which contains a special gas located in a sealed and well-closed capsule;
- oil, and their design may contain not only gas, but also a special other suitable liquid.
Door closers can be installed in different ways, so they are divided into structures that are attached directly to the furniture body or installed on table drawers used in the kitchen. It is allowed to install structures on hinges or between two hinges. Separately, there are special closers designed for installation on drawers or cabinets.
How to install
At any furniture or hardware store you can purchase hinges with a special place for closers. This is a very convenient invention - the mechanism is hidden in furniture hinges.
To install the closer on the modules, you will need special self-tapping screws or furniture euroscrews, a screwdriver and instructions for the mechanism. Installing the finishing element is an easy process, even an inexperienced builder can handle it. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions included with the closers.
When installing large closers for massive doors, the piston always remains on the immovable part of the wooden shelf. The rest of the closer is attached to the cabinet door. Just like large closers, any compact mechanism is installed on a fixed part of the cabinet.
Internal gas closers that are inserted into a hinge are the easiest to install. After fastening the hinges, you need to insert the closer into a special hole in it until it clicks - the mechanism is installed.
The closers are screwed onto the furniture body with euroscrews or self-tapping screws.
How to adjust after installation on the doors
After the mechanism is installed, it must be adjusted. It is worth paying attention to the following factors:
- Sliding speed.
- Closing speed of the base cabinet door.
- Closing tightness (fit).
The mechanism is adjusted using a screw on the body. By tightening the screw, the speed at which the door (or drawer) closes increases.
When weakened, it decreases. This is explained by the capacity of the piston outflow channel. The liquid flows at different speeds through the capsule into the sleeve and back, controlling the movement of the doors.
Correct installation of the closer is a guarantee of its long and trouble-free service.
Review of furniture fittings:
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.
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:
- 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).
- 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.
- Hettih . German company - manufacturer. The cost of mechanisms and handles for furniture ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.
- Siro . Austrian company. The price of door closers ranges from 130 rubles to 500 rubles.
- 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.
How to replace it correctly with your own hands
Correctly replacing a broken furniture hinge consists of the following steps:
- You can replace it if you call a specialist, but in order to save money, you can replace the furniture hinge yourself. In place of the old hinge there are holes from screws or screws. Just take a special glue with the addition of small sawdust and cover the holes with a viscous composition. Wait a couple of hours and tighten the screws again. But we warn you right away, this method is not durable if you screw it in without the glue drying.
- Cover it with the same glue with furniture sawdust, then let it dry. We screw the hinges into the old place, only we choose the depth 3 millimeters deeper, but leave the same diameter. It has been tested more than once and the fasteners last a long time.
- It is necessary to move the bases of the sang and screw them on. Tip: replace the old fastener with a new one, because over time the hinge may become deformed.
- If, due to frequent breakdowns, the place for fastening has turned into a sieve, then you can make a small overlay from any material and screw the hinges back on. Using a special screwdriver, tighten firmly until the end.
How to install a door closer on a kitchen cabinet
Kitchen furniture is subject to daily active use, which requires its serviceability and ease of handling. For these purposes, closers are provided that ensure smooth closing of doors; they help avoid sharp sounds and impacts, thereby extending the service life of the cabinets. In addition, arbitrary opening and distortion of the doors is prevented, and most importantly, the work of installing them can be done independently. How to install a door closer on a kitchen cabinet and what will be needed for this?
Advantages
A securely installed door closer has many benefits that you will be able to appreciate over time:
- a high-quality mechanism is durable, it will not require frequent oil changes or repairs;
- Door breakage is prevented by smooth closing, which is guaranteed by the use of a closer. It seems to bring the sash to complete closure, preventing sudden slamming;
- the liquid that is inside the closer is securely fixed in the capsule, so it does not damage the furniture;
- a properly selected mechanism can withstand even the heaviest doors;
- easy to operate.
By correctly installing the door closer on your cabinet, you will forever forget about the breakage of the doors.
A closer on kitchen cabinets is very convenient
A high-quality closer mechanism guarantees long service life
The closer is a soft and smooth closing of kitchen cabinets
Types of door closers for kitchen furniture
Closers are characterized by high reliability and durability, subject to proper installation and appropriate attitude. There are two types:
- Gas. More affordable, they slow down the closing door at the very end of the stroke. The main advantage is that it is almost impossible to damage such a mechanism.
- Oily. Available in a wide price range and ensure smooth closing of the door.
As for the design of the device, it can be different - from stylish miniature to not very attractive in appearance. Both varieties confidently withstand significant loads without losing their performance characteristics.
How to choose the right option?
When choosing a closer, you should pay attention to the manufacturer of the product, its installation method and type. As for manufacturers, there are a lot of them on the market, but most produce pretty good products, so the choice can be based on personal preferences. More expensive and high-quality products, even if broken, will not release gas or oil and will not cause harm to your furniture. The service life of oil closers is longer, as is their cost. At the same time, given that the viscosity of the oil increases under the influence of low temperatures, they should be given preference only if the room is properly heated.
Choosing furniture hinges
Fasteners should be selected based on the thickness of the doors, their weight, and the material used to make the hinges. The most popular are 4-hinged overhead devices, which are suitable for any furniture with hinged doors. There are several varieties:
- heel;
- invoices;
- gallery;
- semi-overhead;
- piano;
- deposits, etc.
The solution is selected according to the dimensions of the furniture and the material of its manufacture. It would also be advisable to purchase hinges that match the design of the cabinet.
Self-installation of hinges on kitchen cabinets
Before you start working, you should prepare a drill with drills, a screwdriver, a tape measure, a pencil, self-tapping screws and screws (as a rule, they come complete with hinges). Kitchen cabinets should be secured properly. The fixation method is selected based on the door material, as well as their weight - heavy parts or whose height exceeds a meter will require at least 3 hinges, while 2 are usually used. The process is as follows:
- Using a tape measure, a minimum of 10 cm is set aside from the upper and lower edges of the doors, which will prevent the sash from quickly becoming loose.
- The loops are applied to the place of future fixation and markings are applied with a pencil for a more precise connection.
- Holes for the cups are drilled - a depth of 1.2 cm is sufficient, after which they are inserted and screwed with screws. It is important to hold the screwdriver strictly perpendicular to avoid uneven installation.
- The door is hung on the body. It is better to do this on a flat surface, while the side of the furniture on which the hanging bar is fixed should be horizontal.
There is no need to be alarmed if the doors do not move easily when first opened - after some time the hinges will develop, which is also facilitated by lubricating them with machine oil.
Leveling and Adjustment
To complete the installation of the hinges, they should be adjusted in 3 planes:
- horizontally - necessary for the normal movement of the door from right to left or vice versa, so that there are no gaps between it and the furniture body;
- vertically – movement in a vertical position, which is also adjusted during operation, since the doors sag over time;
- relative to depth - required to strengthen or weaken the pressure to the body.
Modern hinges are very easy to adjust - they have oval holes that allow you to easily move the product by slightly loosening the screws with a screwdriver.
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The presence of a closer allows for the most precise adjustment. It is performed in the vertical, frontal and horizontal plane.
Moreover, such hinges save even in situations where the floor itself is uneven. By adjusting, it is possible to compensate for this shortcoming, and as a result, the furniture with doors still looks perfectly level.
What can you say about such hinges with a closer? Share your impressions in the comments.
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Designs with telescopic guides have become the most common solution for furniture, especially kitchen furniture. During operation, sometimes it becomes necessary to completely remove the furniture drawer from the cabinet. But you can’t do it just like that. Telescopic guides are the element that prevents the device from falling out during careless movement. This can be done without damaging the structure, with a minimum of knowledge and tools.
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.
Cabinet closer: do-it-yourself selection and installation
Currently, all furniture is equipped with modern fittings, which increase the usability of cabinets and significantly extend their service life. The main element of the fittings, in addition to handles and hinges, was the cabinet closer. The device facilitates the smooth closing of the cabinet door, which completely eliminates sharp clicks and knocks.
Closer on kitchen cabinet
Choosing a furniture closer
Modern door closers are divided according to several criteria:
- type of installation;
- type of working mechanism.
Types of closers depending on the type of installation
The cabinet door closer can be:
- hull The device is attached directly to the furniture body and cabinet doors. The advantages of such devices are their low cost (from 500 – 600 rubles) and the possibility of installation on various types of cabinets, including sliding wardrobes, but the disadvantage is the complexity of installation, since strict compliance with all installation rules and the absence of distortions is required;
Closer for wardrobe
- loopback. In stores you can find hinges for cabinets with closers or separate devices that are attached directly to the hinges. There is no particular difference between the two presented types. The advantage of this type of furniture closer is the high level of reliability of the device, but a significant disadvantage is the impossibility of installation on sliding and drawers (that is, hinges with closers can only be installed on hinged doors);
Furniture hinge with built-in closer
- self-tapping. Such devices are distinguished by their simplicity of design and low cost (from 150 rubles). Self-tapping or inter-hinge closers are installed in close proximity to the door hinges.
The simplest self-tapping door closer for furniture
Working mechanisms of door closers
Based on the type of working mechanism, door closers for kitchen and other types of cabinets are divided into two groups:
- oil The device is a spiral of a certain size, which is enclosed in a sealed housing filled with oil (or liquid silicone). Such devices are mainly installed on drawers and built into fittings or kitchen facades;
Closer built into drawer fittings
- gas. There are two types: hinge-mounted or gas lifts - separate devices for hinged doors. Inside the gas closer there is a rod, which, when immersed in the working medium (gas), gradually slows down the speed of movement.
Gas closer for cabinets with hinged doors
Rules for choosing door closers
After selecting the type of door closer, it is recommended to additionally pay attention to the following parameters:
- the size of the device, which is selected depending on the size of the cabinet on which additional fittings are supposed to be installed;
- type of fastening. A weak fastening will quickly become loose, which will contribute to the failure of the fittings;
- closer manufacturer. It is more advisable to choose products from well-known companies that guarantee the reliability and durability of the products. The most famous company producing high-quality furniture closers is Blum;
- presence/absence of additional functions. Currently, self-regulating closers have appeared, which do not require additional settings after installing the device.
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 :
- The world-famous Austrian brand Blum (pictured) has conquered markets in more than 20 countries over almost 70 years of existence. The company began its journey from a blacksmith shop that produced horseshoes. In 1958, the first furniture fittings were released. Blum offers high-quality door closers of various types and price categories. It is worth paying attention to the lifting mechanisms and devices for retractable systems offered by the manufacturer.
- German fittings Hafele also occupy a leading position in the world market. The company has been operating since 1923. Eco-friendly, energy-saving production allows us to set reasonable prices for products. Of interest is the line of mortise shock absorbers, spring and gas lifts for facades.
- Hettich fittings are produced in Germany and are deservedly popular among consumers. The assortment includes products from economy to luxury class, a wide selection of furniture hinges with built-in closers. The site has the option of designing a furniture set layout with the selection of the most suitable fittings.
- The Siro brand in Russia sells accessories produced at a factory in Italy. Among the products, numerous groups of mortise closers and compact lifting mechanisms stand out. All products undergo testing and quality control in an international certification concern.
- The manufacturer Vauth-Sagel specializes not only in the manufacture of fittings. At plants in Germany, wire and sheet metal are processed. This ensures high quality material for the production of furniture components.
- The domestic company Boyard (photo on the right) sells products made in China. The assortment includes budget-friendly, high-quality fittings. It is worth studying the representative's proposals if you need hinges with a built-in closer or closers for drawers.
- The TBM company represents Chinese products under the Firmax brand. All products are tested in our own product testing center. In the company's retail outlets and online store, you can safely purchase hinge closers and components for retractable systems at affordable prices.
Door closer installation
How to install a door closer on a cabinet with your own hands? Installation instructions depend on the type of door closer.
To complete the work you will need the following tools:
- tape measure and pencil (marker) to determine the installation location and location of fasteners;
- drill (used to prepare the holes needed for fastening);
- screwdriver or screwdriver (for attaching the door closer);
- a special hex key for adjusting the device (as a rule, supplied with the fittings).
Installation of loop closers
If the user selects hinges for kitchen cabinets with closers, then they are installed in the following way:
- The cabinet doors are removed from their hinges. To do this, you need to disconnect the hinge body from the strike plate;
Removing the door from the furniture body
- old hinges are dismantled;
- if the old fasteners are suitable for the new fittings, then the hinges are fixed to the body and cabinet door in the reverse order. If the old fasteners are not suitable, then holes are drilled in the selected places for a new installation and then the fittings are secured.
- adjusting the hinge and closer.
Fixing and final adjustment of the hinge with the closer
How to replace hinges with fittings equipped with closers, see the video.
Installation of cabinet closers
Installation of cabinet closers is carried out in accordance with the instructions supplied with the device:
- selecting a place to install the fittings;
- holes are prepared for mounting the device;
- the upper and lower fastenings are fixed;
- The closer housing is installed. In most cases, to attach the case, you need to insert the device into the prepared grooves and fix it by pressing (until it clicks);
Attaching the closer to the cabinet
- if necessary, the closer is adjusted (according to the attached diagram, since in different devices the adjustment is made in different ways).
Thus, choosing and installing a furniture closer is not a difficult task that anyone can handle. To extend the service life of the fittings, constant care is required: cleaning, lubrication, and so on.
Installation Rules
Typically, closers are sold complete with all the necessary elements used during installation, so there is no need to purchase any additional accessories. It is best to choose the hinge installation method. How to install the door closer correctly? To do this, follow the following steps:
- special hinges are selected in the store, designed for high-quality fastening of door closers;
- due to the use of hinges, it is possible to hide the entire mechanism in them, so it will not spoil the appearance of the furniture;
- additional tools and materials are prepared that will be used during work, and these include self-tapping screws and special screws for furniture, and the procedure is performed with a screwdriver;
- before direct work, carefully study the instructions attached to any closer;
- Large closers are usually used, and in this case the piston certainly remains on the stationary part of the shelf;
- the rest of the product is fixed directly to the cabinet door;
- if you need to install a small door closer, then it is installed on a stationary part of the furniture;
- if gas closers are used that require internal installation, then they must be correctly and carefully inserted into the loop, after which they are considered correctly installed, so their installation is the simplest and most accessible;
- installation is carried out only after the hinges are securely fastened;
- the closer is inserted into a special hole in the loop, and this must be done until a characteristic click is heard, which indicates reliable and correct fixation of the mechanism;
- The remaining elements of the closer are screwed to the drawer body, for which you can use standard self-tapping screws or special furniture screws.
Before starting work, it is recommended to watch a training video containing the main steps that can be seen visually, and this will allow you to complete the work quickly and without errors. Thus, if you correctly understand the instructions, then installing the door closer correctly yourself will not be difficult. You don't have to use any special fasteners or unusual tools.
Insertion of the closer into the body
Installing a door closer using a holder
Why do you need door closers for kitchen cabinets?
In the process of arranging a kitchen, any housewife tries to choose a beautiful and high-quality set, not forgetting about the functionality of the modules. During operation, each individual kitchen cabinet should provide comfort and convenience. It’s nice to use furniture that is in good working order, where the doors open silently and close quietly and smoothly. And all the credit for this goes to the closers for kitchen cabinets that are equipped with the facades.
Silence is the key to peace of mind and health
Constant noise that haunts almost every person at work, at home and anywhere else has a negative impact on the psyche. In a noisy environment, you will not be able to concentrate, think and fully perform certain types of work. You won’t be able to rest and completely relax either. All this leads to a stressful state. What is an indirect cause of exacerbation of chronic diseases and the emergence of new health problems.
Modern construction and finishing technologies using soundproofing materials help minimize extraneous noise from the outside. But how to maintain this silence in the room to ensure peace and comfort?
- When choosing household appliances, first of all, study the technical passport and hygiene certificate. For equipment that will operate for about 1 hour, the noise characteristics should not exceed 75 dB. For household appliances operating for a longer period of time, or even around the clock, the reproduced noise should be no more than 40 dB during the day, and no more than 30 dB at night.
- Equip each piece of furniture with high-quality fittings that close the doors silently. We are talking about furniture closers for kitchen cabinets, various shock absorbers and dampers that soften the impact when closing.
Advantages of using furniture closers in the kitchen
Cooking involves constant opening and closing of cabinet doors or drawers. Yes, any housewife tries to use furniture as carefully as possible. But at critical moments, when something burns or begins to boil over, it is difficult to be careful. The sudden closing of the door is accompanied by a loud bang. The end of the body, fasteners, and the facade itself suffer from it.
Installing furniture closers in the kitchen will help maintain peace and quiet even if family members have different biorhythms. After midnight or early in the morning, when it is generally very quiet, the accidental impact of the door on the body sounds simply deafeningly loud.
In addition, installing door closers has a positive effect on the durability of furniture:
- The edge of the cabinet body is practically not subject to wear.
- When closing, the facade does not suffer, and thus the appearance does not deteriorate over time.
- Furniture hinges do not experience additional shock loads.
When choosing door closers, it is recommended to pay attention to fittings from well-known and reliable manufacturers
How to remove the drawer completely
This operation may be necessary to service the fittings, but most often due to the fact that some object or rag has fallen inside and is preventing complete closure or extension.
Due to the fact that all telescopic guides are fundamentally similar in their design, there are no particular differences in their removal, regardless of the standard sizes, extension system, or the presence of a closer:
- You need to pull out the drawer completely, as far as the guides will allow.
- In the place where one of the hardware strips fits into the other there will be a plastic lock; you need to press or turn it. Here, the design of the lock may vary, so the method: to press or turn, in one or different directions, will need to be found experimentally.
- Having done this operation on both sides, pull the mechanism and it will easily extend completely.
Important! When operating the plastic latch, do not use excessive force, as the latch may break. You can help with a thin screwdriver, but it’s better to do everything with your fingers. Do not pull the retainer completely out of the guides!
About choosing furniture closers for kitchen cabinets
You can make any cabinet silent, even a ready-made and installed kitchen unit; all you need to do is replace the fittings. But it is, of course, more economical to do this at the stage of designing and ordering furniture.
Hinged doors
To equip swing facades, furniture hinges with built-in closers and shock absorbers are most often used. They can be:
- Mortise, overhead, semi-overhead . That is, depending on the method of opening the facade, the hinge is superimposed, completely recessed into the structure, or installed on the side.
- Angular (degree). Hinges are distinguished by their opening angle; depending on the design, it can range from 30 to 180 degrees.
Some manufacturers offer overhead closers that can be equipped with already installed hinges in the kitchen. But when choosing, you need to take into account the design features - not every hinge can be installed with an overhead closer.
Drawers
The guides can also smoothly “pull” the drawer to the closed position, without annoying knocking. The guide closer can be purchased separately. But mostly furniture fittings manufacturers offer guides with a built-in closer. And here a complete replacement of one type with another will be required. How to choose the right guides with a drawer closer:
- Measure the depth. Mostly in the kitchen, drawers with a depth of 450mm are used. But there are much more options for guides, ranging from 250 mm to 600 mm.
- Determine the type of guides. It depends solely on the design of the box.
If the body of the box itself is made of chipboard, and the bottom is made of fiberboard (rarely chipboard), then ball (telescopic) guides with closers are suitable.
If the sides of the box are metal, and the bottom and back are chipboard, then you should select from metal boxes.
Hinged doors
The horizontal arrangement of the upper kitchen cabinets implies an opening at the top. To fix facades, various lifting mechanisms are used. Their main function is to hold the door in a vertical position. As a rule, with proper adjustment, any lifting mechanism, from a budget gas lift to an expensive electric drive, will ensure a smooth “return” of the facade to the closed position. Installation of hinges with closers on hinged doors is not required. You can get by with shock absorbers and dampers - they will be discussed below.
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If, when purchasing fittings with a door closer, you do not see who exactly made it, I recommend abandoning such hinges. Go to the same Leroy Merlin. Good selection and always available hinges from leading manufacturers.
Also look at the number of cycles that the manufacturer guarantees. It’s good if this parameter is in the range from 60 to 200 thousand.
Budget alternative to door closers
A more affordable and simpler design analogue to furniture hinges with closers is dampers. If the principle of operation of the closer is to gently bring the door to the facade, thereby preventing an impact, then the damper simply softens the impact itself.
Shock absorber. Silicone or oil mechanism for installation on the side of furniture. It has a protruding element in its design that softens the blow.
Bumper . An overhead or mortise silicone gasket installed on the end of the furniture “takes” the blow and muffles the sound.
It is impossible to get used to an unpleasant and annoying sound, so you definitely need to solve this problem. And the use of fittings is the simplest and most affordable option from an economic point of view. It’s doubly nice that furniture closers for kitchen cabinets in most cases do not require any specific knowledge for installation or the presence of special tools. You can install them yourself using a screwdriver, drill and screwdriver.
Leading manufacturers
If you have experience purchasing and installing hinges with special closers from different manufacturers, including those mentioned in this article, be sure to leave feedback. It will be interesting to find out whether these brands are really that good, or whether they also have their drawbacks.
To choose hinges with a closer function, you need to decide the purpose of their use. After all, there are different overlaps, sizes and corresponding configurations. The standard is the popular overhead type hinge with 4 hinges, the mounting holes of which fit a 35 mm bowl. Such hinges are universal and are actively used in the production of all kinds of furniture.
As for filling, gas will be the cheapest option, and silicone and oil fillers are the leaders in terms of reliability.
The following companies are currently considered leading brands:
- Boyard. She's just Boyard. Domestic accessories of high quality with a huge range and reasonable prices. A simple secret to success;
- GTV. Very durable, move smoothly and blend perfectly with different furniture. Adjustment and installation are extremely simple;