Are you fed up with your soft close drawers and the issues they can bring? Maybe they’re opening too quickly or not closing all the way, and you’re looking for an easy fix. Well, you’re in luck—in this article, we’re going to delve into the world of soft close drawers to find a solution. We’ll investigate what soft close drawers are and why they can be so beneficial, as well as provide all the tools and techniques you need to learn how to adjust soft close drawers. We’ll lay out a step-by-step guide to the process, as well as common problems and the fixes for them. So, get ready to gain control of your soft close drawers and put any issues firmly behind you!
What Are Soft Close Drawers and Why Are They Beneficial?
Soft close drawers are a type of drawer slide system which uses a mechanism to reduce the speed of the drawer as it is closing and ensure that it shuts with a soft and gentle motion. This type of drawer system was first developed in the 1980s and continues to be a popular choice among homeowners and builders as it provides a level of convenience and safety which regular drawers cannot.
There are a variety of benefits to using soft close drawers. These include:
1. Safety: Soft close drawers reduce the risk of pinched fingers, as they can no longer be slammed shut. This is especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms, where small hands may be tempted to stick fingers inside a closing drawer.
2. Practicality: Soft close drawers help conserve space and make it easier to close a drawer in tight spaces or awkward angles.
3. Aesthetics: Soft close drawers give a finishing touch to any space and provide a polished look and feel.
4. Durability: Soft close drawers are made of durable materials and typically last for many years without needing maintenance or replacement.
Tools You’ll Need to Adjust Soft Close Drawers
One of the best parts about having soft close drawers in your home is that you can adjust them to make sure they are working in the way that is most comfortable for you. To get the most out of your drawers, you will need the right tools. In this section, we will outline the tools you’ll need to adjust your soft close drawers, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to do so. So, let’s get started!
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is an important tool when adjusting soft close drawers. It is used to remove screws that are located inside of soft close chambers. The type of screwdriver you will need will depend on the type of screws present inside the chamber. If the screws are smaller and require a Phillips head, then a Phillips head screwdriver will be needed. If the screws are larger, then a flathead or even a power screwdriver may be needed. No matter what type of screwdriver you need, make sure that you have the right size and shape for the screws being removed. Otherwise, you may strip the screws, making them more difficult to remove.
Allen Key or Hex Key
An Allen key or Hex key is an essential tool for adjusting soft close drawers. It is used to tighten or loosen any screws that might have become loose. The Allen key has an L-shaped key with a hexagonal or hex-shaped socket at one end. It can come in various sizes, depending on the size of the screws used in the drawer mechanism.
To determine the size of Allen key you need, the best way is to match the key with the screw head. If you don’t have the Allen key that matches the size of the screw head, you can opt for a slightly larger size.
The most common Allen key sizes to use when adjusting soft close drawers are:
– 3 mm
– 4 mm
– 5 mm
– 6 mm
– 8 mm
By having the right size of Allen key for each specific screw, you’ll be able to fasten or loosen them with ease. It is important that you use the appropriate size of Allen key to avoid damaging the screws.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Soft Close Drawers
Adjusting the soft close drawers on your cabinet can seem intimidating but it doesn’t need to be. Knowing the tools you’ll need and understanding the step-by-step process can make the job much easier and ensure that your soft close drawers are working as intended. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process and help you understand what to look out for and how to fix common problems.
Step 1: Locate the Soft Close Chamber
Step 1: Locate the Soft Close Chamber
The first step to adjusting soft close drawers is to locate the soft close chamber. This chamber is typically located at the rear of the drawer near the side walls. In some drawers, the chamber may be visible, while in other cases it may be hidden, either under a plastic cover or behind a veneer panel.
The items you’ll need to locate the chamber include:
- A screwdriver
- An Allen/Hex key
- Step-by-step guide
Before attempting to locate the chamber, it’s important to know the size and shape of the screws. Phillips and flathead screwdrivers may be needed, as well as a power screwdriver for larger screws. Once you have these tools and the guide, you can start searching for the chamber.
Start by looking around the sides and back of the drawer for any visible screws. Then use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Once the screws are removed, carefully remove any veneer or plastic covers to access the chamber if necessary.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily locate the chamber and begin the process of adjusting your soft close drawers.
Step 2: Unscrew the Soft Close Chamber
Step 2: Unscrew the Soft Close Chamber
Unscrewing the soft close chamber is the next step in adjusting soft close drawers. To do this, use either a standard screwdriver or a power screwdriver depending on the size of the screw. Once the screws are removed, the chamber should come away easily.
- Carefully use the correct sized screwdriver and unscrew all visible screws on either side, the back or the front of the drawer.
- Remove the screw covers if necessary.
- Once the screws are removed and if the chamber doesn’t come away easily, use slight force to pop it out of the drawer.
- Set aside the chamber for reattaching later.
Once all the screws are removed, the chamber should come away easily. Be careful when handling the chamber as delicate parts may break easily. If it’s too hard to remove, do not use too much force as it could cause the screws to be stuck on the chamber.
Step 3: Identify the Parts Inside the Chamber
After you have removed the soft close chamber assembly from the drawer, the next step is to identify the parts inside the chamber. The parts vary depending on the drawer and manufacturer, but the most common ones are the damper, the roller, the plate, and the screws.
The damper helps to regulate the speed at which the drawer opens and closes, while the roller is the part that attaches to the inner frame of the drawer and helps keep the drawer slides in place. The plate holds all the parts together, and the screws serve to fasten the parts securely to the drawer.
Here is a list of the parts found in a typical soft close drawer:
• Damper
• Roller
• Plate
• Screws
Step 4: Adjust the Damper and the Plate if Necessary
Adjusting the damper and the plate of soft close drawers is crucial to ensure they give the desired performance and provide an optimal user experience. Here is a list of things to consider when making adjustments:
1. Check the damper: Make sure the damper is securely seated in the chamber and properly adjusted, so it’s closing the drawer at the desired speed.
2. Adjust the plate: Check the plate is straight, not forced in any direction, and that the forces being applied to the plate equalize so the drawer closes smoothly.
3. Tighten the screws: Use an Allen key or Hex key to make sure the screws are tightened properly throughout the chamber, as loose screws can allow the drawer to move out of alignment.
4. Check the roller: Make sure the roller is properly seated and adjusted so it’s not causing any friction when the drawer is closed.
Adjusting the damper and the plate properly can help optimize your soft close drawers and ensure the best performance and convenience. Keep in mind that these adjustments need to be tested regularly to make sure the drawers are functioning as expected.
Step 5: Reattach the Chamber and Test the Soft Close
Once the damper, roller, and plate have been adjusted, or if no adjustment was necessary, slide the chamber back in place and securely tighten the screws with the appropriate sized screwdriver.
When reattaching the chamber, it is important to make sure it is firmly in place and the screws are tightened properly. This will prevent any problems with the drawers closing. Once it is in place, test the drawers to make sure they open and close smoothly.
To conclude, here is a simple checklist to ensure that the soft close drawers are properly adjusted:
- Correctly position the chamber within the drawer
- Tightly secure the chamber with the appropriate screws
- Adjust the damper and plate if necessary
- Check the roller for smooth operation
- Test the drawers for proper functioning
Finally, after the adjustments are made, the drawers should operate optimally, providing you with a safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing experience.
Common Problems and Fixes with Adjusting Soft Close Drawers
Adjusting soft close drawers can be a tricky process, so it is important to know what to do if something goes wrong. In this section, we will explore some of the common problems and solutions for soft close drawers in order to make the adjustment process go as smooth as possible. Whether your drawers are opening too quickly or not closing all the way, we have the solutions to get your soft closing drawers functioning correctly again.
Drawers Opening Too Quickly
Drawers opening too quickly can be an issue when adjusting soft close drawers. It can be caused by loose hardware or improper installation of the parts. To fix this, it is important to have the right tools and to follow the steps. Here are some tips for getting the drawers to stay in place and close slowly:
1. Tighten the screws inside the chamber: Using a screwdriver and Allen/Hex key, check the screws to make sure they are securely fastened.
2. Adjust the damper: Adjusting the damper will regulate the speed and ensure the drawers glide slowly when opened and closed.
3. Check the roller: Make sure the roller is installed correctly, and tighten it if necessary. This will help keep the drawer slides in place.
4. Make sure the plate is installed correctly: Make sure the plate is securely attached to the drawer frame and the roller is firmly attached to the plate.
These tips can help ensure that the soft close drawers are functioning properly. With the right tools and adjustments, you can maximize the benefits of the soft close drawers and prevent them from opening too quickly.
Drawers Going Ajar
Drawers going ajar can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but it can be easily fixed. One of the biggest causes of this issue is a misaligned roller and damper. Carefully check the alignment of the parts, and use an Allen key to adjust them and make sure they are properly aligned. Another possible cause could be a loose screw or plate. Make sure all the screws are properly tightened, and the plate is in place. If the plate is misshapen, you may need to replace it.
One of the most important steps in solving this issue is making sure the drawer is properly balanced. Place a leveler across the drawer and adjust it until it is evenly balanced. Also, check to make sure the drawer slides are properly lubricated. If all else fails, you may need to replace the drawer slides.
Drawers Not Closing All the Way
If the drawers are not completely closing, it could be due to misalignment, worn down damper, roller or screws, or lack of adequate lubrication. To check the misalignment and solution, check the reference points on the frame and drawer front and make the needed adjustments. If the damper still isn’t working correctly, it needs to be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to replace any worn down rollers, plates or screws, and apply proper lubricant to ensure smooth and steady movement. With the right tools and maintenance, soft close drawers can function as intended and provide convenience and safety.
FAQ
How do you adjust side mounts with soft close drawers?
To adjust side mounts with soft close drawers, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your product. Generally, you will need to loosen the side mount, slide the drawer along it, and then retighten the side mount. You may also have a mechanism on the side mount to adjust the force needed to close the drawer.
Why won’t my soft close drawer close all the way?
This problem is likely caused by the drawer roller or the track coming out of alignment. If the drawer slides on tracks, ensure that the tracks are perfectly aligned. You may also need to check and adjust the alignment of the drawer roller, as this will affect the overall alignment of the drawer. If necessary, you may need to replace worn rollers or tracks. Additionally, make sure the drawer is not overloaded, as this can also cause the drawer to be unevenly balanced and not close all the way.
How do you adjust self closing drawer glides?
1. Start by ensuring you have the correct drawer slide size and design.
2. Loosen the screw holes on the bottom rail of the slide and adjust the back side of this rail up or down to match the opening on the drawer.
3. Test the height and fit of the slide and make additional height adjustments as necessary.
4. Tighten the screws when finished
Conclusion
Adjusting soft close drawers is a great way to ensure your drawers are functioning optimally, providing both convenience and safety for your home. It is not a difficult process and can be done with a few simple tools, patience and a few safety tips. With the step-by-step guide provided here, anyone can learn how to adjust soft close drawers to meet their individual needs. Whether you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast or just trying to keep your drawers in top shape, adjusting soft close drawers can be a valuable skill.
