To make a regular drawer soft close, you will need to install a drawer glider system. These are commonly known as soft-close drawer slides and can be installed one per side of the drawer to enable smooth and silent closure.
The glider system consists of two pieces in which one attaches to the side of the cabinet and the other to the underside of the drawer. It is important to choose a glider system that is designed for the weight and size of your drawer, as heavy drawers will require a much heavier-duty glider system.
In addition, you will need to be sure the drawer glider system is the same length as the side of your drawer or else it will not be able to function properly.
Once you have the appropriate drawer glider system, you will need to begin by removing and measuring the existing drawer glider system if there is already one in place. Then, you’ll need to carefully mark out drill holes in the sides of your cabinet and the underside of your drawer.
The right size drill bit will depend on the glider system you choose, so you should refer to the instructions included with it for which bit to use. Once the holes have been drilled, the screws will need to be tightened to secure the glider system into the cabinet and the drawer.
Finally, the drawer glider system will need to be adjusted for added clearance and for the desired soft close effect. This can be done by using an adjustable screwdriver to slightly turn the adjustment bar until the desired level of tension is reached.
Once this is complete, the drawer should be able to close smoothly and silently, without slamming shut.
Can you convert regular hinges to soft close?
Yes, it is possible to convert regular hinges to soft close hinges. The process involves replacing the existing hinges with hinges that are specifically designed for soft close functionality. Generally, the process requires unscrewing the existing hinges and installing the new ones, adjusting the door alignment and tension as needed.
You might also need to replace the existing stop mechanisms with soft close dampers, which will ensure the door slowly and smoothly closes rather than slamming shut. Depending on the type of door and hinge, some additional steps might be needed; for example, for a median chest door with a sliding hinge, the slides have to be removed and replaced with slides that are compatible with soft close hinges.
How do I upgrade my kitchen drawers to soft close?
Upgrading your kitchen drawers to a soft close mechanism is a relatively simple process. First, you’ll need to decide which soft close drawer system you want to install. Depending on your situation, you may have multiple options like self-closing, ball-bearing, or integrated soft close drawer systems.
Once you have selected the system that is right for you, you will need to measure the drawer openings to ensure you purchase compatible hardware. After you receive your soft close hardware, begin the installation process by removing the existing drawer slides.
With the old slides removed, mount the new soft close hardware to the cabinet side walls. Once the hardware is attached to the cabinet walls, attach the back end of the drawer slide hardware to the back of the drawer.
Then, attach the soft close plunger to the front of the drawer and close the drawer. Finally, attach the soft close spring to the middle of the drawer slide rail and ensure it is properly held in place.
If all steps are followed properly your drawers should now have a soft close feature.
Can any cabinet be made soft close?
Yes, any cabinet can be equipped with a soft close mechanism, which will reduce the noise and impact when closing the shelves or drawers of the cabinet. Soft close mechanisms work by using dampers and hydraulic pistons, which allow the drawer or cabinet to close slowly and softly instead of slamming shut.
These mechanisms can be found in everything from kitchen and bathroom cabinets to storage units and office filing systems. In addition, some drawers and cabinets may come with a soft close option as a feature.
Therefore, any existing or new cabinet can be made soft closing by installing a soft close system.
Is soft close cabinets worth it?
Whether or not soft close cabinets are worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. They are designed to be more practical and quiet than traditional cabinets, featuring a mechanism that automatically closes your cabinet door when it is pushed shut.
This means no more slamming the doors, and the softer gliding motion can prevent damage to the cabinet, hinges, and walls. Plus, they look more sophisticated and sleek.
Another reason why soft close cabinets are worth considering is their safety features, as they prevent little ones from slamming the doors or getting their fingers caught in the hinges. They are also easier to clean since there won’t be any gaps or spaces between the doors.
On the other hand, soft close cabinets tend to be more expensive than traditional cabinets. They also require regular maintenance and adjustment over time to ensure the proper functioning of the mechanism.
Overall, soft close cabinets can be a great investment if you prefer quiet closing doors, want the added safety features, and don’t mind their higher cost.
How many soft close hinges do you need per cabinet door?
The number of soft close hinges you need for a cabinet door will depend on the size of the door and the type of hinge you are using. For most standard cabinet door sizes, you will need two soft close hinges per door.
However, there are certain situations that may require more than two hinges – such as larger doors with heavier weight, increased weight from installed hardware (such as pulls or handles), or wider openings of the door.
It is best to consult a professional to determine exactly how many hinges are necessary for the specific configuration and installation of your cabinet door.
Can you put hidden hinges on old cabinets?
Yes, it is possible to put hidden hinges on old cabinets. Depending on the type of cabinet, you may need to make changes to the doors or frames in order to install the hinges. It’s best to consult a professional if you are unsure how to proceed.
The most common type of hidden hinge is the concealed or European hinge, which is the easiest to install. It is a type of hinge that recessed into the back of the door and the cabinet frame and can’t be seen from the outside.
These hinges are great for giving the cabinets a seamless look and can dramatically improve the appearance of older cabinets.
Another type of hidden hinge is the full-overlay hinge, which is similar to the European hinge except that it enables wider openings and provides more flexibility when it comes to the cabinet door. This type of hinge is often used for frameless cabinets and is installed in a similar fashion to the European hinge.
It can be a bit tricky to install hidden hinges on old cabinets, so it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions in order to properly and safely install the hinges. It may be necessary to modify the cabinet door or frame in order to properly install the hinge, and it is advisable to consult a professional if you are uncertain how to proceed.
Overall, while it may take some time, it is possible to install hidden hinges on old cabinets. Doing so can give them an updated look and improve the functionality of the cabinets.
How do you install self closing hinges on cabinet doors?
Installing self-closing hinges on cabinet doors requires a few basic tools and a few steps. First, you will need to make sure that you are using the right type of hinges suitable for your specific cabinet doors.
Next, take the necessary measurements of where the hinge will be attached to the door and cabinet. Once the measurements are complete, use a drill to create the necessary holes where the hinges will be attached.
Once the holes are completed, attach the hinge to the cabinet first, then to the door. Make sure that the hinges can close and open freely and be properly adjusted. If necessary, use a level to ensure that the hinges are installed in a straight line.
Finally, test the cabinets and door by opening and closing them several times to ensure that the hinges are installed properly.
Can you put soft close on existing cabinets?
Yes, it is possible to put soft close on existing cabinets. It is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. To get started, you will need to purchase the appropriate hinges, which come in different sizes to meet your needs.
Make sure that the hinges are compatible with your cabinets and the space you have available. Once the right type of hinge has been determined, unscrew the door and the hinges attached to it. This will allow you to remove the door and access the hinge mounting plate.
Install the soft-close hinge according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually requires drilling a few small holes to attach the hinges. Then, reattach the door and test the soft-close feature to make sure it works.
You may also want to add dampers on each side of the doors to reduce slamming. Once everything is in place, your cabinets should feature a beautiful, soft-close feature that will make a great addition to your home.
How much is it to add soft close to cabinets?
The cost to add soft close to cabinets can vary depending on the type of cabinetry, the installation method, and the type of soft close hardware being used. On average, retrofitting cabinet hinges with soft close mechanisms will cost between $5 and $10 per door.
However, this type of hardware may be on the higher end of the cost spectrum, with installed systems running $70-$80 per door. Pre-installed soft close systems are more expensive, and can range anywhere between $150 and $600 per door, depending on the quality of the system and the cabinet material.
Can I change the hinges on my kitchen cabinets?
Yes, you can change the hinges on your kitchen cabinets. Changing the hinges may be necessary if the current ones are damaged or outdated. Before switching out your kitchen cabinet hinges, measure the existing ones to ensure you purchase hinges that are the same size and shape.
If the current hinges are screws, you will need to remove them with a screwdriver and then insert the new hinges and screws in the same locations. If you are replacing the old hinges with self-closing hinges, you may need to drill holes in the door and cabinet.
When drilling, be sure to employ the correct safety measures and wear protective gear. Make sure that the hinges are firmly attached and that they open and close smoothly, with no sticking or sticking out of place.
How do you add soft near existing drawers?
Adding soft near existing drawers can be done by measuring the existing drawers from the top to the bottom and from the side to the side. Once the measurements are taken, you will be able to accurately determine the size of soft needed for the space.
From there, you will want to mark points for the brackets so the soft will fit flush against the drawers. Make sure to place the brackets out of the way in an area where it won’t hinder the opening of the drawers.
Next, you will need to attach the brackets to the wall and once the brackets are securely in place, the soft will be able to be installed. Lastly, you will need to attach the soft to the brackets and you will have added soft near existing drawers.
How do you install IKEA soft close hinges?
Installing IKEA soft close hinges is a straightforward process that starts with choosing the appropriate hinges for your cabinet doors. IKEA provides hinge compatibility information to make it easy to select the correct hinge for your door.
When you have the appropriate hinges, it’s time to put them on your cabinet door. First, open the hinge and lay one half on the back side of the cabinet door and the other half on the cabinet frame. Mark the positions of the four screw holes.
Then, use a drill to create pilot holes in the positions marked. Next, insert the screws into the pilot holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.
Finally, you’re ready to attach the door to the cabinet. Close the hinge and line up the top and bottom hinge plates so they fit together. Then, fasten the door to the cabinet frame by inserting the screws that are included.
As you tighten the screws, the soft close mechanism will engage and the door will automatically be adjusted for a secure and gentle closure.
How can I make my drawers close easier?
First, make sure that you are using the correct drawer slides by ensuring that the slides are sized properly for your drawers. Next, make sure that the slide tracks are aligned and properly secured so that they don’t slip out of place and cause the drawers to jam.
Additionally, it is essential to lubricate the track and help the drawers to open and close smoothly. Try using a multipurpose grease, but avoid using WD-40 or any petroleum-based products. Lastly, make sure no items are overflowing out of the drawers as this can impede their ability to close and cause extra work in the closing process.
With these simple steps, you should find your drawers close much more effectively.
Why is my drawer not sliding smoothly?
There could be a few reasons why your drawer is not sliding smoothly. The most likely explanation is that the drawer is off-track. This can happen when the drawer is slightly out of alignment and the drawer glides, tracks, or rollers are no longer aligned properly.
To fix this, first, try readjusting the drawer and making sure it is properly aligned within the cabinet. If that doesn’t work, it could be due to a lack of lubricant. Try applying a light lubricant, such as a dry spray silicone lubricant or a white lithium grease, to the tracks, glides, or rollers from which the drawer is moving.
Keep in mind not to use WD-40 or other liquid lubricants, as these can damage tracks, glides, and rollers. If the drawer still isn’t sliding smoothly after trying these solutions, there may be an issue with the drawer itself that requires a repair from a professional.
Can I use wd40 on drawer slides?
Yes, you can use WD-40 on drawer slides. WD-40 is a lubricant that helps to reduce friction between surfaces. For drawer slides, it can help make them operate more smoothly, allowing drawers to move in and out more easily.
When using WD-40, be sure to apply it to both the rail and the drawer slide. Make sure to use a clean, dry cloth to apply the lubricant and evenly distribute it on the surface. After applying the WD-40, move the slide back and forth a few times to ensure it is applied evenly.
Additionally, be mindful that WD-40 can attract dust and dirt. To clean up any excess, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any extra lubricant.
Why won’t my soft close drawer close?
There could be several causes of a soft close drawer not closing properly. These can range from mechanical issues, to alignment problems or even issues with the soft-close mechanism itself.
Mechanical issues may include components of the drawers being worn, torn, or loose including any drawer stops, guides or hardware. You may need to check the hardware to ensure it’s securely in place and properly functioning.
You can also check the drawer guides to ensure they’re aligned properly and not binding on each other when the drawer is opened and closed.
If the drawer has a soft-close mechanism, ensure the glide and adjustment screws in the mechanism are adjusted properly. These screws can affect how the drawer closes, so if they are too tight, the drawer won’t close fully.
In some cases, the soft-close mechanism may be worn out and need to be replaced.
Finally, if the drawer is sagging on the sides, this can also prevent the drawer from closing properly and will need to be repaired.
In conclusion, if your soft close drawer isn’t closing properly, it is important to take a closer look and identify the issue. Once you locate the cause, you will be able to determine the best course of action to properly restore the drawer.
What is a good dry lubricant?
A good dry lubricant is an all-purpose option for lubrication and release of tight parts. This type of lubricant is dry to the touch and does not contain oil or grease. It helps to reduce friction and wear, as well as protect against corrosion, while also preventing the accumulation of dust and dirt on surfaces.
It is also non-flammable and non-corrosive, and will not damage other materials. Common uses for dry lubricant include automobile door hinges and locks, sewing machines, tools, toys, and firearms. Silicon and Teflon lubrications are both popular types of dry lubricants which contain no solvents and can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Additionally, graphite and molybdenum disulfide are also good choices for dry lubrication, as they are inexpensive and easy to apply.
