Closers for kitchen cabinets: the key to long-term operation

Closers for kitchen cabinets: the key to long-term operation of furniture

Closers for kitchen cabinets are represented by special mechanisms that are installed on furniture doors and ensure their smooth and silent closing. Such details contribute to the preservation of the integrity of the furniture surface, eliminate the possibility of cracks and paint chips, being the key to the long-term operation of the kitchen set. The principle of operation, types and rules of installation of products can be found in this article.

The door closer is a special mechanism that is installed on cabinets for their smooth closing

Closers for kitchen cabinets: functional purpose of mechanisms

For convenient and comfortable operation, kitchen cabinets should be equipped with an automatic door closers system. The basis of the mechanism is a special spring, which is located inside a metal capsule. It can be filled with oil, silicone filler or a special liquid. At the moment of impact on the door, pressure is created on the door closer stop. The liquid inside the capsule covering the spring passes into the back of the sleeve and is held thanks to a double stuffing box system.

The door with a door closer closes silently and much slower than without a mechanism

Due to the presence of a special valve, it is possible to adjust the closing speed of the door by narrowing and expanding the outflow channel. When exposed to the kitchen door, the door closer is activated, the control valve expands, and the outflow channel decreases. The piston slows down the stroke, which ensures smooth and silent closing of the door.

Gas closers are mainly installed on cheap lockers. The principle of their work is as follows. At the moment of exposure to the doors, they are quickly closed until a certain moment, after which the door closer begins to work. There is a gas in the capsule of the mechanism, the pressure of which can vary. The door closer provides a slow and silent closing of the door, but it is fragile and short-lived.

Advantages and disadvantages of regulating fittings for kitchen cabinets

Furniture closers for cabinet doors contribute to the smooth and slow closing of the facade, which eliminates the possibility of deformation and damage to the structure. The doors close tightly enough, their spontaneous opening is excluded. Even in the event of a breakdown of the mechanism, there is no need to fear for the possible leakage of liquid or oil from it. High-quality closers are able to withstand significant mechanical impacts without losing their technical and operational properties.

Installing door closers avoids paint chips and other damage to the cabinet surface

Closers for furniture are available in a wide variety of species, which allows you to choose the optimal product of the required size and reasonable cost. Due to the simplicity of the design, the mechanism is easy to install yourself. There are models that have an additional function, which makes it possible to fix the door in a certain position at a certain angle. Such features are characterized by closers for Blum kitchen cabinets.

Important! The choice of a high-quality device is the key to its long-term operation.

The disadvantages of the mechanism include not too attractive appearance of the products. In order for the device to work correctly and smoothly, it is necessary to follow certain rules and requirements for its installation. The design also needs careful adjustment, which will allow it to subsequently cope with the task. It is advisable to use oil closers in heated rooms, since at low temperatures the oil becomes viscous, which negatively affects the operation of the mechanism.

Varieties of door closers for the kitchen according to the principle of operation and the mounting option

According to the method of fastening, closers for cabinets can be cabinet-type, which are fixed directly to the inner wall of kitchen furniture with self-tapping screws, or looped, that is, built into hinges or located between them. The latter version of the products is considered more reliable and durable, but it is not used for roll-out structures. There is a separate type of closers that are attached to drawers or pull-out cabinets. Such products are equipped with a guide with a special spring.

Loop closers are considered the most reliable and durable

According to the mechanism of operation, the devices can be oil or gas. In the first case, the capsule with a spring is filled with gas, in the second – with an oily substance. Gas closers for kitchen cabinets ensure slow movement of the door to the middle of the way.  They are often equipped with furniture hinges. The shock absorber is triggered at the last stage of the movement of the doors, softening the impact when they are closed. It is recommended to use such closers for folding doors that open from below. They are characterized by low cost, but have a short period of operation. This is due to the fact that the softening insert is in a tense position when the doors are closed.

Oil closers for the kitchen are more reliable and durable. They contribute to the smooth closing of doors. This is an ideal option for swing and folding systems. It is recommended to install such devices for heavy doors and drawers.

Important! Oil closers need regular lubrication, which will contribute to a long period of operation.

Closers for the kitchen by the type of fastening I happen to be cabinet and loop

Lifting mechanisms: characteristics and varieties of products

Lifting mechanisms are installed on the doors for kitchen cabinets that open up or down. Such devices are rarely used for swing systems. Lifting mechanisms are characterized by reliability and durability. They are presented in four varieties: spring, spring-oil, gas and electric.

A common option is a spring system, which has a simple design. By means of a strong metal spring, the door for the kitchen cabinet is attracted or repelled. The mechanism is characterized by practicality. With proper operation, it can work properly for a long period of time. The disadvantage of such a lift is the inability to fix it in any position. The doors will either be tightly closed or fully open.

The spring-oil lift differs from the previous version by the ability to carry out smooth movements. The spring here is located in a metal capsule and is filled with oil. The standard version of this lift is a diagonal model.

Closers for kitchen cabinets are of 4 types: spring, spring-oil, gas and electric

Gas lifts have gas in the piston chamber. When the mechanism is affected, the pressure changes, which contributes to the smooth running of the door closer. Such a product is characterized by fragility and a short service life.

The new and most expensive version of the lift is an electric mechanism. It allows you to set the delay time, after which the door will close on its own, and fix the opening angle of the facade, which should be no more than 107 degrees. Blum electric closers deserve due attention.

Varieties of furniture hinges with closers for the kitchen and mechanisms for drawers

Closers for furniture hinges can be standard, built-in or overhead. The first option is represented by a design built into the shoulder connected to the bowl. The shoulder has a specific spring shape, which indicates the presence of a door closer. Devices built into hinges for kitchen cabinets allow you to adjust the degree of amplification of the speed of movement of the door. Depending on the area and weight of the door, the door closing process will be faster or slower. It provides for partial or complete damping of the impact on the body.

Closers for kitchen drawers are installed on metaboxes

If it is not possible to replace the old suspensions with hinges with a cabinet door closer, you can purchase separately overhead devices that will ensure smooth closing of the cabinet doors. The mechanism is mounted near the loop directly to the shoulder of the product itself on the latch or mounted on the cabinet body.

A more simplified version of the overhead door closer is a damper. It does not provide a soft closing of the doors to the closed state. The product simply extinguishes, softens the impact of the facade on the body. The damper can be presented in two versions – a shock absorber or a bump. A shock absorber is a silicone, oil or gas mechanism that attaches to the side surface of furniture. The bulging element helps to soften the impact. The bump, which has the form of a mortise or overhead structure, is represented by a silicone gasket, which, taking on the impact, muffles the sound.

Closers for kitchen drawers are installed on metaboxes made in the form of furniture boxes with a solid thick bottom, back and facade made of MDF or chipboard, and their side walls are made of metal. Such guides can be made in the form of separate components or built-in closers for kitchen drawers.

The damper is manufactured in two versions, in the form of a shock absorber or a bump

These shock absorbers can also be installed on boxes with a fiberboard bottom. However, when attaching them to the bottom, it is necessary to strengthen it. If the installation is carried out to the inner wall of the cabinet, the design of the mechanism will not allow you to put the product on the lowest drawer. Ball systems with a built-in door closer have proven themselves well. Despite the high cost of the devices, they can be installed in any place, which will ensure convenient and long-lasting operation of the drawer.

The right approach to choosing a door closer: basic recommendations

In order for kitchen furniture to serve for many years, it is important to approach the choice of closers for drawers and doors with great responsibility, which not only contribute to convenient, comfortable and silent operation of furniture elements, but also affect the aesthetic appearance and durability of the headset. There are a large number of devices, the type of which is selected based on the design and size of cabinets or drawers.

The first step is to determine what weight the structure has, which should be equipped with a door closer. A weak mechanism is not able to withstand a heavy sash, which will lead to its rapid failure. The design, designed for oversized upper kitchen cabinets, will ensure that small doors close too quickly.

The method of the door closer arrangement is also important. The mechanism can be attached directly to the body, mounted on hinges or between them. Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer of the device. It is recommended to purchase a mechanism produced by a well-known company that has proven itself to be the best in the manufacture of accessories. The best are foreign brands. Blum kitchen closers deserve special attention.

The right choice of the door closer is a guarantee of its long and trouble–free service

Useful advice! If there is no desire to periodically adjust the operation of the mechanism, it is worth paying attention to the closers with self-adjustment.

How to install furniture hinges with a door closer on a kitchen cabinet

Installing hinges for a cabinet with a door closer is a simple event, for which you will need a minimum set of tools in the form of a screwdriver, a screwdriver, a drill and fasteners. Before proceeding with the installation of the mechanism, you should study the instructions that are attached to any quality product.

If there is a replacement of hinges for kitchen cabinets with a door closer of the same type and manufacturer, it is necessary to remove the old product, and put a new one in its place, using the same holes for fasteners. In the case of the initial installation of the product on the kitchen cabinet, the first step is to mark the holes for mounting. With the help of a drill, sockets are made. Next, the installation of the product takes place by means of self-tapping screws.

After the hinges are securely fixed, the door closer is installed. It must be inserted into the appropriate hole in the loop. After the characteristic click has sounded, you can be sure of the correct position and reliable fixation of the mechanism.

To install the door closer, you need to mark the holes for mounting

The overhead door closer usually snaps to the loop in a certain place. Some options can be superimposed on the shoulder or bowl. If the door closer is installed near the hinge, appropriate holes for self-tapping screws must be made in the cabinet body.

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Door closers for entrance doors: device, selection and installation of mechanisms

Types and principles of operation of devices. Self-installation of door closers. Rules of regulation and operation of closers.

The method of mounting shock absorbers for kitchen cabinets is selected depending on the design of the product. It can be screwed to the inside of the case or cut into the end. In the first case, a phillips screwdriver and 4×16 mm screws are used. The second method involves creating a hole for the shock absorber in the cabinet housing using a drill with a drill of the appropriate diameter.

Important! When installing a large door closer, the piston is attached to a stationary shelf, and the rest is attached to the cabinet door. A small element is installed on a fixed piece of furniture.

Silicone damper is the most budget option. It is glued to the body by means of a self-adhesive base. The surface is pre-degreased with alcohol for better adhesion.

To install the door closer on the modules, you will need special screws, a screwdriver and instructions for the mechanism

Useful advice! The bump is best installed from the side that is close to the handle of the facade.

The sequence of mounting the door closer on the drawer

Installation of the door closer on the drawer is carried out according to the instructions that are attached to the product. It specifies different installation options depending on the type of furniture element.

First of all, measurements of the box are performed. Further, according to the table displayed in the instructions, it is necessary to select the appropriate parameter, where the installation point of the main mechanism is determined. The distance indicated in the table is postponed from the center of the roller guide and a horizontal line is drawn. Further, on the marked horizontal, it is required, according to the instructions, to postpone the distance from the edge of the facade. In the intended place, drilling of a thin drill is performed. The door closer for the sliding drawer is applied to the intended positions and screwed into the wall of the drawer with screws.

Important! The mechanism is fixed with the narrow side to the edge.

The drawer closer is applied to the intended positions and screwed into the wall of the drawer

Next, an activator is mounted, represented by a small plate with a tongue, which clings to the mating part of the mechanism during operation. It is important to install this element strictly according to the scheme so that the tongue looks over the edge of the kitchen drawer. According to the scheme, marking is performed, holes are drilled into which screws are screwed to fix the activator. After performing all the actions, the box is inserted into the roller guides. The operability of the device is checked, its operation is adjusted, after which the product is ready for further operation.

Important! For a narrow box, one-sided mounting can be used, and for a wide box, paired guides should be used.

Adjustment of closers for kitchen cabinets

After the furniture closer is installed, it is necessary to adjust its operation. The first thing to pay attention to is the sliding speed of the mechanism. It should be optimal: not too fast, which may contribute to the impact of the door on the body, but not slow either.

After the mechanism is installed, it must be adjusted

With the help of a screw that is mounted on the loop, you should select the desired position. This element changes the flow capacity of the outflow channel, which leads to fluid flowing through the sleeve at different speeds. When it is twisted, the speed gradually increases. Unscrewing the screw helps to reduce the speed of movement of the doors. The screw can be turned just one turn in the appropriate direction. The implementation of two or more revolutions will damage the mechanism.

Attention should also be paid to the density of the facade’s fit to the furniture. The adjustment is carried out vertically and horizontally using the appropriate screws on the suspensions for kitchen cabinets.

Important! Do not unscrew the screws too much. This can lead to oil leakage and negatively affect the operation of the mechanism.

Adjustment of closers for Blum kitchen cabinets or other brands should be carried out with extreme caution: every movement requires accuracy. Despite the high reliability and strength of the mechanism, it can fail or break under excessive pressure.

When the screw is strengthened, the speed of closing the door increases

How to repair the door closer with your own hands

To extend the service life of the mechanism while maintaining its operational characteristics, it is important to know how to repair the device yourself. The occurrence of defects in the operation of the cabinet door closer may occur as a result of an unfavorable microclimate in the room, which is associated with increased humidity or temperature changes.

The mechanism may fail due to a strong impact on it when the doors are opened or closed quickly, which is not provided for by the settings of the door closer. Blocking the free movement of doors will also negatively affect the mechanism. The door closer will fail quickly if it is incorrectly selected according to the weight and size of the door.

In case of minor damage to the door closer housing, which will lead to oil leakage, you can solve the problem with a simple sealant. If the crack is too large, a complete replacement of the product will be required. If there is not enough oil in the device, it is necessary to refuel the door closer with shock-absorbing liquid or synthetic engine oil. The substance is added through the hole for the adjusting screws after unscrewing them.

The door closer may fail due to a strong impact on it when opening or closing doors quickly

Periodically, you should pay attention to the condition of the rod of kitchen equipment for the home. If the part is covered with a layer of rust, this indicates that ordinary steel was used for its manufacture. It is necessary to clean the product from corrosion formations and treat the part with a special protective lubricant. In case of a small fracture, the defect should be eliminated by welding, followed by stripping the seams to a perfectly smooth state. You can eliminate the bends and curvatures of the rod with a hammer.

Important! The alignment of the rod must be carried out very carefully, without applying excessive load, as this may cause damage to the integrity of the product body.

Overview of manufacturers of high-quality accessories for kitchen cabinets

The guarantee of high-quality and durable fittings for kitchen cabinets is the choice of products from a popular manufacturer that has proven itself on the world market from the best side.

The most popular manufacturer of lifting mechanisms in Russia is Blum

The most famous global manufacturer that produces high-quality closers is the Austrian company Blum. The products are made of stainless steel, which eliminates the possibility of corrosion deposits. Special attention should be paid to lifting mechanisms that can be selected for any weight and size of the movable structure. The product range includes a line of closers for drawers. One element is designed for a product weighing up to 25 kg. The price of closers for Blum kitchen cabinets is in the range of 140-800 rubles.

The second most popular manufacturer is the German company Vaith Sagel, which offers a wide range of closers of various types designed for luxury furniture. The price of the product varies from 300 to 1000 rubles. More affordable, but no less high-quality devices are produced by another German company Hettish. Most of the products are represented by lifts and hinges with built-in closers. You can buy the product for an average of 150-400 rubles.

Reliable and durable oil closers are manufactured by the German company Agoform. The price of the product is 200-900 rubles.  Good products are offered by the Austrian manufacturer Siro. The price of hinges for cabinets with a door closer is 130-500 rubles. The Russian manufacturer Boyard produces accessories for kitchen cabinets from 100 rubles. The Polish company GTV specializes in the manufacture of gas closers for kitchen cabinets, the price of which starts from 110 rubles.

The closers of the German company Hettish are more affordable, but no less high-quality devices

For convenient operation of kitchen cabinets and drawers, closers should be installed. They are presented in several versions, which differ in the principle of operation and the method of installation. Closers have a simple design, which makes it possible to carry out independent installation of products when fixing kitchen cabinets. To ensure comfortable operating conditions after installing the device, it is important to adjust it.