Features of the closer for kitchen cabinets
The mechanism of furniture doors works on hinges and awnings, and shock absorbers are responsible for the smoothness. It depends on them whether the lockers will be opened quietly or noisily. Due to frequent use, components become unusable.
To remedy the situation, you can contact a specialist or fix the closers for kitchen cabinets yourself. We will tell you how to do this and what are the causes of breakdowns.
What is a kitchen closer
The doors are attached to the body with hinges, which consist of three elements - a cup, a shoulder and a striker.
A door closer is integrated into this mechanism. It can be installed in a bowl, shoulder or hinge striker. If the soft closing system is working properly, the door will close silently, even if you slam it on purpose. But periodically the closers fail, which is why the cabinet closes with a characteristic cotton.
The system consists of a spring in a metal capsule. It is filled with oil or a liquid silicone compound for smooth movement. When the door is closed, its mass exerts pressure on the door closer lever. The silicone or oil moves to the back of the capsule and the door makes no noise when closing.
The reasons for its breakdown
The soft closing system can fail for several reasons. The most common is the human factor. If you regularly use excessive force when closing the doors or open them abruptly, the closer will not withstand the load.
Other causes of breakage:
- high air humidity or dampness in the room;
- temperature jumps;
- leakage of oil or gas from the capsule;
- door movement blocking;
- metal corrosion or deformation of the part.
The method of repair will depend on the cause of the failure of the mechanism. In most cases, a new door closer is required.
How to properly install a new door closer on a kitchen set
To understand how you can repair a closer on kitchen furniture, you need to find out what type of design the fittings have.
If it is mortise, you will need to drill a hole to fit the sleeve in the furniture body. After that, the capsule is placed in the socket.
The system, which is attached with self-tapping screws, is easier to install. It is screwed to one of the walls or shelves.
Even an inexperienced home craftsman can handle this work. It is enough to take a screwdriver, self-tapping screws or Euro screws and act in accordance with the instructions that come with the mechanism.
It is easiest to install a gas closer into the finished mechanism. First, a hinge is mounted to the door, then the mechanism is inserted into the hole until it clicks. The furniture is immediately ready for use.
Fittings that are installed on kitchen drawers are more difficult to install.Before starting work, it is necessary to check if there is 2 mm free space under the rail.
How to change the closer on drawers:
- get the box;
- remove old fittings;
- install new elements with a closer, be sure to observe symmetry on both sides;
- fasten the trigger at the bottom of the drawer.
Attention! For narrow drawers, one-sided guides are suitable, for massive ones, wide paired guides are required. After installation, it is necessary to check the movement of the box and adjust the closer.
Closer adjustment
To adjust the density, speed and smoothness of the door closing, you need:
- take a screwdriver;
- the screws on which the closer spring is fixed must be tightened;
- also check the tightness of the fasteners to the door or hinges.
Depending on the tension of the screw on the spring, the door travel changes.
To prevent damage to the closer and damage to the fittings, it must be cleaned of contamination with soapy water and treated with technical oil / silicone grease.
If a squeak is heard when closing or opening the door, tighten the screws on the hinges.
It is strictly forbidden to clean the mechanism with soda, abrasive sponges and harsh detergents.
Video: how to change closers on kitchen cabinets
