Yes, you can convert kitchen drawers to soft close. It involves replacing the standard drawer runners with a full-extension drawer runner that is designed with soft-close technology. Depending on the type of drawer, the tools and parts needed will vary, but some of the items you will likely need are a power drill and screws, full-extension drawer runners, and soft-close dampers.
First, you will need to remove the existing drawer from the cabinet. Then, remove the old runners from the drawer and the cabinet and measure the length of the drawer, so you can purchase the correct size of full-extension drawer runners.
Next, secure the new drawer runners to the cabinet, then attach the soft-close dampers to the top and bottom of the drawer. Finally, place the drawer back into the cabinet and test it to make sure it opens and closes smoothly and quietly.
How do you make a regular drawer soft close?
There are several ways to make a regular drawer soft close.
The first option is to purchase a drawer slide that contains soft-close hardware. These slides often feature a mechanism that will gently slow down the drawer when it’s nearly closed, allowing it to close slower and quieter.
These slides are typically easy to install and can be found at most home improvement stores.
Another option is to purchase and install an aftermarket soft-close device. These devices are often placed on the side of the drawer, with a rod connecting them to the drawer and cabinet frame. This rod will limit the speed at which the drawer can close, allowing it to close quietly and gently.
These are economical options and can be found online.
Finally, you can buy a slow-close drawer damper that fits inside the drawer box. These generally attach to the inside of the drawer with screws, and they work by dampening and slowing the drawer’s movement when it’s being closed.
These are usually the most expensive option and can be harder to find.
No matter which option you choose, making a drawer soft close can greatly improve the look and feel of your space. It can also help to prevent the drawer from slamming shut, thus reducing wear and tear on the drawer and its contents.
How do you install a soft close on an existing drawer?
Installing a soft close on an existing drawer is a fairly straightforward process. The first step is to purchase the required hardware – usually this includes soft close slides, screws, and brackets.
The slides should be chosen in the appropriate length to fit your drawer.
Next, the old drawer slides need to be removed. This can typically be done by unscrewing the screws at the bottom of the drawer, then lifting the drawer off. Once the drawer is removed, unscrew the old slides and set them aside.
Next, the new slides need to be installed. Begin by installing the brackets that came with the soft close slides onto the sides of the frame. Follow the instructions provided with the product to ensure the brackets are securely attached.
Be sure to measure twice before drilling any holes.
Once the brackets are in place, you can attach the new slides. Carefully slide the drawer and slides onto the frame, then hold them in place while you screw them together. Make sure they are securely attached and that they open and close smoothly.
You may need to adjust the screws or brackets to ensure the drawer closes snugly.
Finally, test out the new soft close drawer and enjoy the natural feel of soft closed drawers in your home!
Can you make existing cabinets soft close?
Yes, it is possible to make existing cabinets soft close. Depending on the type of cabinets you have and the age of them, there are several ways to make existing cabinets soft close. If the cabinet doors have hinges, you can look for soft close hinges that fit your existing ones and simply replace the existing hinges with the soft close ones.
If the doors have metal slides instead of hinges, then you can add soft close drawers slides to the metal slides, which will create a soft close effect when the drawer is shut. The same can be done for cabinet doors.
Finally, if your cabinets have solid wood doors, you can add a self-adhesive soft close damper to the inside of the door and the door frame to cushion the closing of your door.
How do you upgrade kitchen drawer slides?
Upgrading kitchen drawer slides is actually a pretty simple project that can make a big difference in the functionality of your kitchen drawers.
To get started, you will need to remove the drawer from the cabinet. This can usually be done by carefully pulling out the drawer and lifting it off the tracks. Next, you will need to measure the current slides so you know what size of replacements to buy.
Depending on the style of slides, the measurements can vary, but most are either three-quarter-inch slides with a standard depth of 22 inches, full-extension slides with a standard depth of 16 inches, or side-mount slides, also with a depth of 16 inches.
Once you have the measurements, you can purchase the new slides from your local hardware store and install them in place of the old slides. Depending on the type of slides you have selected, the installation process can vary slightly.
Full-extension slides will require the removal of the drawer cabinet, while three-quarter-inch slides can be installed without removing the cabinet.
Once the new slides are installed, all you need to do is replace the drawer and ensure that it is properly aligned on the tracks. You may want to secure the drawers with a few reasonably-placed screws, just to make sure they stay secure when opening and closing the drawers.
Once you have finished upgrading your kitchen drawer slides, you should be good to go. Enjoy your new feeling of control and precision when opening and closing your drawers!
How do you retrofit soft close hinges?
Retrofitting soft close hinges is a great way to improve your cabinet doors by allowing them to close more quietly and smoothly when they are releasing. The process of retrofitting your existing hinges with soft-close hinges is relatively simple and can be done with minimal tools.
First, you will need to purchase the appropriate soft-close hinges for your existing cabinet doors. Make sure to read the package directions for best results. Once you have the soft-close hinges, you’ll need to look for the mounting points on the back of your cabinet door and on the frame of the cabinet.
Using a drill with a bit the same size as the screws for the soft-close hinges, you will need to drill two pilot holes before you can screw in the new hinges. Once the soft-close hinges are in place, you’ll need to adjust them with a screwdriver so that the door closes properly and the door line up with the cabinet frame.
The door should close gently and consistently with no sticking or dragging. That’s it! You’ve just retrofitted your cabinet doors with soft-close hinges!.
Is soft close cabinets worth it?
Soft close cabinets can be a great addition to your home and are worth considering. They give your kitchen, bathroom, or other space that luxe feel, and keep those doors and drawers from slamming. With soft close cabinets and drawers you’ll get that satisfying “silent-close” every time instead of the jarring noise of a slamming cabinet or drawer.
Soft close cabinets are also built with a higher quality than regular cabinets, meaning they are likely to last longer and look even better. They also tend to stay cleaner, which is a major plus. They are not overly expensive, so for a relatively small cost you can upgrade the look and feel of your cabinets and drawers.
All these considerations make soft close cabinets an attractive option, and one worth considering.
Can you put hidden hinges on old cabinets?
Yes, you can put hidden hinges on old cabinets. If your cabinets are solid wood, you can purchase hidden hinges designed for mounting into wood cabinetry. In some cases, especially if your cabinets are wooden paneling or older cabinets with particleboard, you will need to make an elongated recess in the side panels before installing the hidden hinges.
For cabinets with thicker sides, like those on modern cabinets, you can purchase mounting plates and screws that will enable the hinges to mount flush with the side panels. As always, make sure to measure accurately before purchasing the hinges and take into account the spacing required for the mounting plates for best results.
You may need to drill pilot holes or make recesses for screws to ensure an optimal fit.
What is the difference between self closing and soft closing drawer slides?
Self closing drawer slides are designed to pull the drawer closed the last few inches when it is almost shut. This is usually accomplished via a spring loaded mechanism. This is beneficial since it will help keep drawers closed.
Soft closing drawer slides, on the other hand, employ a similar mechanism but will gently and slowly close the drawer without slamming it shut. This is popular in kitchens as it helps avoid some of the noise associated with closing a drawer and is seen as a more luxurious option for cabinet builders.
In some cases, the soft close action is adjustable so the speed can be dialed in to the user’s preference. Additionally, this feature ensures that fingers and other objects cannot be pinched between the drawer and the cabinet when the drawer is closing.
Can you adjust the tension on soft close drawers?
Yes, you can adjust the tension on soft close drawers. Most soft close drawers feature an adjustable tension system that allows you to adjust the amount of force needed to close the drawer. The tension can be adjusted using a screw or an adjustable tension knob on the side or back of the drawer.
Many drawer slides feature an adjustable tension system that can be set to your preference. Generally, the adjustable tension system is located on the top of the drawer slide. It can be adjusted manually using a screwdriver or an adjustable tension knob.
The tension should be adjusted so that the drawer closes gently and smoothly without slamming shut. If the tension is too low, the drawer may not stay closed and if it is too high, it may be difficult to open the drawer.
Adjusting the tension is a relatively simple process and most manufacturers provide detailed instructions in their product manuals.
Can I install soft close drawer slides?
Yes, you can install soft close drawer slides. You can find them in a variety of sizes and styles, depending on the type of drawers or cabinets you have and the features you want. They typically include 2 rails that attach to the back of the drawer and a pair of slides that attach to the cabinet.
Installing soft close drawer slides typically requires some basic tools and knowledge of carpentry, but it is a fairly straightforward process. First, measure the length of the drawer and the distance between the two screws that will hold the rails in place.
Then, mark the positions of the rails on the drawer and attach them. Next mount the slides to the cabinet with screws. Finally adjust the screws until the drawer opens and closes smoothly. If you find that the slides aren’t working correctly, you should adjust them until they do.
Once the soft close drawer slides are installed, you’ll be able to open and close the drawer much more smoothly and quietly than if it weren’t equipped with the soft close feature.
