Upgrading your drawers to soft-close is actually a pretty simple process. The first step is to purchase new soft-close drawer slides. You can find these at most hardware stores or online. Make sure to get slides that will fit your drawer size and configuration.
Next, you’ll need to remove the existing slides from the drawer and drawer box. To do this, remove the screws from the bottom of the drawer, then gently remove the slides from the sides and back of the drawer.
After you have them removed, set them aside.
Now you can attach the new soft-close slides. The process is the same as when you removed the original slides. Start by aligning the new slides with the holes in the side and back of the drawer, then securely attach them with the screws.
After the slides are in place, you’ll need to attach the drawer runners to the drawer box. Again, make sure the slides are aligned and secure the screws.
The last step is to install the drawer guides. These are the adjustable brackets that help keep the drawer from sliding too far out when it’s opened. Attach these to the rails on the drawer box, making sure to adjust them until the drawer opens and closes smoothly.
Now your drawer should have a smooth, soft-close action. Repeat this process on all the drawers you want to upgrade, and you’re all done!
Can I replace drawer slides with soft close?
Yes, you can replace drawer slides with soft-close models. Soft close slides are designed to operate with the same mounting hardware used for regular slides and can easily replace them in most cases.
The soft-close mechanism allows the drawer to close slowly and gently, helping to prevent slamming and damage to the drawer or other items inside. It is important to select the correct size and style of soft close slides and to check that they are compatible with your drawer type.
When installing the new slides, pay special attention to the instructions to ensure they are correctly mounted, and use the recommended screws and anchors.
Can you install soft close drawers?
Yes, you can install soft close drawers. Soft close drawers are a great way to improve the functionality and usability of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. They use a special mechanism which helps to keep the drawers closed, preventing injuries from slamming and allowing for quieter operation.
To install soft close drawers, you will need a few basic tools such as a drill, screws, and drawer slides or screws. Depending on the type of cabinet and hardware you use, you may also need to purchase and install a specific soft close hardware for the drawer.
Once you have purchased the hardware and have your tools, start by removing the existing drawer hardware and slides. Measure the inside of the cabinet and cut any needed spacers for the new drawer hardware.
Then attach the drawer slides to the drawer, the hardware to the cabinet, and the cabinet brackets to the wall. Finally, attach the soft close hardware to the drawer face and connect it to the slides.
Now your drawer can close softly and quietly.
Can you convert regular hinges to soft close?
Yes, you can convert regular hinges to soft close. The process is fairly simple and can usually be completed with just a few tools and supplies. The first step is to purchase the correct components. You will need soft close adapters, which typically screw into the hinge cup and replace the old standard spring.
Depending on the type of hinges you are using, these adapters may be included in the same packaging as the hinges themselves. Once you have the correct components, you will need to remove the existing hinges and spring and then install the soft close adapter.
Depending on the type of hinges and cabinets you are working with, this may be as simple as unscrewing the old hinges and replacing them with the new soft close hinges, or it may require cutting a new hole into the cabinet or door to fit the new soft close adapter.
When installation is complete, you should test the hinges to ensure that they are correctly adjusted and that they are working properly.
How do you install drawer slides in an existing cabinet?
Installing drawer slides in an existing cabinet requires some specialized tools and a bit of know-how. The most important step is to accurately measure the inside of your cabinet and the slides you plan to use to ensure a good fit.
Once you have this information, the actual installation process can be done in 8 steps:
1. Remove the existing drawer from the cabinet.
2. Measure and mark the horizontal centerline where you will install the slides.
3. Line up the slide tracks with the horizontal centerline.
4. Mark the mounting holes for the slides on the sides of the cabinet.
5. Pre-drill the mounting holes for the slides.
6. Attach the slides to the cabinet with screws.
7. Mount the drawers onto the slides.
8. Secure the drawers with the mounting clips provided with the slides.
Once you have installed the slides, you should test the drawers to ensure they open and close properly. Making sure to use the right tools, as well as take appropriate measurements before you start installing, will help ensure that you successfully install drawer slides into your existing cabinet.
What is the difference between self closing and soft closing drawer slides?
Self closing drawer slides are a type of drawer slide that utilizes a built-in mechanism to automatically close a drawer once opened. Most self closing drawer slides use a mechanism consisting of a spring, slide latch, and damper.
Once the drawer is pulled open, the spring is pulled and the latch engages, locking the drawer open. When the drawer is released, the force of the spring closes the drawer slowly until fully closed.
Soft closing drawer slides are another type of drawer slide that use a soft action to close the drawer. Soft closing drawer slides have a mechanism consisting of a slide latch and dampener. The dampener is designed to cushion the drawer when its closing, slowing its momentum and preventing it from slamming shut.
The dampener also helps reduce the noise of closing drawers. Soft close drawer slides are designed to pull the drawer in the last few inches of travel, creating a slow, smoother closing motion.
Can you upgrade drawer slides?
Yes, you can upgrade drawer slides. Improving the slide finish, and/or upgrading the self-closing feature. Generally, the drawer has runners that attach to the sides of the cabinet, and the slides that run on these runners.
A higher-grade of slide material consists of thicker gauge steel and zinc plated for corrosion resistance. For an improved slide finish, look for slides with a powder-coated or ball-bearing finish which creates a smoother, quieter, and more durable slide.
Finally, you can upgrade to self-closing drawer slides that are designed with a built-in soft-close feature which ensures your drawers will stay closed. Upgrading drawer slides is an effective way to improve the quality, function, and life expectancy of your cabinet drawers.
How much more are soft close drawers?
Soft close drawers are typically more expensive than regular drawers, meaning the cost of the actual drawer is higher. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $100 more for a soft close drawer compared to a regular drawer.
This is because soft close drawers require a special hardware built into the drawer box and also require a special mechanism built into the tracks of the drawer slides. This additional hardware and mechanisms cost more than a standard drawer.
Additionally, the installation of soft close drawers requires special attention to detail and more time than a regular drawer, which will add on to the total cost of the drawers.
What are self closing drawers called?
Self-closing drawers, also known as self-closing slides, are drawers with a mechanism to enable them to close automatically without any additional force or effort. Self-closing drawers are typically found on kitchen cabinets and other furniture, as well as on select pieces of medical equipment.
The slides typically come in two parts: the top rail that is attached to the cabinet, and the bottom rail that is attached to the drawer. The slides have a dampener that acts as a spring, allowing the drawer to move closed slowly and securely.
This helps prevent it from slamming shut, while also providing the user with convenience and ease. Self-closing slides are also beneficial in preventing drawers from slamming closed when they are full, since they can absorb the extra pressure caused when heavier objects are placed in the drawer.
Self-closing slides can be very convenient, and are becoming increasingly popular as a result.
What are the types of drawer?
Drawers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs for a variety of different uses. Generally, drawers are organized into three main categories: roll-out drawers, center-mount drawers, and concealed-hinge drawers.
Roll-out drawers are typically side-mounted and are designed to roll out from the cabinet when opened. They are typically used for storing heavier items or bulk items such as pots, pans, and baking supplies.
Center-mount drawers attach to the bottom of a cabinet and pull out straight when opened. They are best used for larger items that can fit on a single shelf in the drawer.
Concealed-hinge drawers are similar to center-mount drawers but feature hidden hinges that allow them to fold out and down. These drawers take up minimal space when closed, and they are generally used for items such as spices, canned goods, and non-perishable items.
Other types of drawers include drawers with adjustable shelves, drawers with divider systems, and drawers with trays. Adjustable shelves allow for different sizes of items to be stored in the drawer, while divider systems provide organized storage for matching sets of items such as Tupperware.
Trays are typically used for storing smaller items or items that need to be easily accessible.
Is self-closing hinge the same as soft close?
No, self-closing hinge is not the same as soft close. Self-closing hinges are designed to ensure that a cabinet door or lid comes to a full, controlled close every time they are opened. A soft close hinge works similarly, however, there is an additional feature, which is a dampening mechanism.
A spring-mounted damper in the hinge absorbs the kinetic energy from the door or lid as it is closed, providing a smooth, gentle closure.
What is a self-closing cabinet hinge?
A self-closing cabinet hinge is a hinge that automatically closes a cabinet door or lid after it has been opened and released. These hinges are often used in kitchen and bathroom cabinetry to keep the doors and lids securely closed and to provide extra convenience for the user.
Typically, self closing cabinet hinges utilize a spring mechanism or gas strut to apply a gradual and uniform amount of pressure to the cabinet door or lid as it closes. Common types of self closing cabinet hinges include concealed hinges, butterfly hinges, spring-loaded hinges and European hinges.
Self closing cabinet hinges may also be referred to as “automatic hinges” or “soft close hinges,” and they come in a variety of sizes, designs and finishes. Additionally, they are often sold in pairs to ensure that all doors and lids are properly secured.
How do anti slam drawers work?
Anti-slam drawers work to prevent drawers from slamming shut. When the drawer is opened, a cushion is activated within the drawer that provides a soft touch closing so that the drawer shuts at a slower speed.
Depending on the type of anti-slam mechanism, the drawer may include a spring operated system with dampers, a soft-close dampening system, or an adjustable magnetic system. The spring operated system uses tension springs and dampers to control the speed of the drawer’s closure.
The soft close dampening system is designed with a hydraulic cylinder that releases hydraulic fluid to slow the drawer’s motion. The adjustable magnetic system utilizes a built-in magnet and adjustable brake to slow the drawer’s speed.
All of these mechanisms work together to provide a more controlled closure and reduce noise when closing.
How do you fix a self-closing drawer?
Fixing a self-closing drawer can be a simple process, depending on the cause of the issue. The first step is to check for any obstructions in the rail grooves or drawer slides that may be preventing it from closing properly.
If something is blocking the path of the drawer, it must be removed.
Next, check that the drawer is not warped or too heavy. If it is, the slide will not be able to close the drawer properly. A lighter drawer can be re-positioned so that it centers over the slides. If it is too heavy, try removing some items from the drawer and see if that solves the issue.
If neither of these issues appear to be the cause, then the pieces may need to be adjusted. For side-mounted slides, the bracket arms may need to be moved in toward the side of the cabinet. If they’re adjusted too far out, they can interfere with the motion of the slides and prevent the drawer from closing.
Mid-mounted slides may need to be adjusted with a screwdriver in order to lower the drawer into position.
Finally, check that the drawer is sitting level. If it is not, it could be hitting the slides and preventing them from closing. Make sure the drawer glides smoothly and no extra force is required to shut them.
If it still doesn’t close, try resetting the drawer and adjusting it slightly.
If you try all these steps and the issue still isn’t resolved, then it may be time to consider replacing the slides. It’s also possible that more than one issue may be contributing to the problem.
What is a full extension drawer slide?
A full extension drawer slide is a type of hardware that allows a drawer to slide out all the way so that its contents can be easily accessed. This type of slide is popular for both kitchen cabinets and furniture drawers because its design allows the user to access the back part of the drawer without having to pull the drawer out of the cabinet or furniture entirely.
The full extension drawer slide consists of two pieces—the top or back side of the drawer that connects to the cabinet or furniture and the lower or front side of the drawer that connects to the back side of the drawer.
The top and bottom pieces contain ball bearings that enable the drawer to fully extend outward when pulled. Additionally, the bearings allow the drawer to glide smoothly as opposed to bouncing against the rails upon opening.
Full extension drawer slides can come with a variety of locking mechanisms that help ensure safety and prevent the drawer from unintentionally sliding out.
How do you make drawers open further?
Making drawers open further is relatively easy, and can be done by following these steps:
1. Remove the drawers from the cabinet, usually done by taking out the screws that hold them in place.
2. Disassemble the drawer and take out the tracks.
3. Check the tracks to ensure that they are not broken, bent, or twisted, and adjust them as necessary.
4. Sand any raised edges on the tracks to make sure they move freely when the drawer is inserted.
5. Reassemble the drawer with the tracks and ensure that the screws are tight enough to hold the drawer securely.
6. Adjust the stops on the tracks to allow the drawer to open further.
7. Reinsert the drawer in the cabinet and make sure that the screws are tight.
8. Test the new positioning of the drawer and make any necessary adjustments.
Following these steps should allow you to make drawers open further.