Closers for kitchen cabinets: advantages, adjustment and installation yourself

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Vadim April 6, 2018

It’s nice when the doors on furniture close smoothly, without unnecessary pops or clicks. To ensure this comfort, there are door closers. Such mechanisms differ in shape, size and design features. Next, we will try to understand the variety of types of furniture closers, and I will tell practitioners how to independently install and properly regulate these mechanisms.

The door closer on modern furniture facades has long ceased to be a curiosity.

Adjusting kitchen cabinets. How to quickly and easily align cabinet fronts.

After intensive use of the kitchen, there is a possibility that the facades will need to be leveled. In simple terms, adjust the hinges on kitchen cabinet doors. By the way, in kitchen cabinets, not only the hinges in the doors are adjusted, but also the fronts of the drawers. In general, all these issues are related to the adjustment of fittings. We decided to write an article in which we will describe in detail what fittings are used in kitchen units produced by the ENLI factory, and how the fittings are adjusted by professional furniture assemblers using specific examples. Let us remind you that for any advice on kitchens and assistance in choosing a custom-made kitchen, choosing accessories, contact our branded kitchen salon in Odintsovo (village of Yudino shopping center ODEKS) address here

Adjusting hinges with closers on hinged facades

Hinges are installed on hinged facades. Hinges can be used to adjust the facades in height, width and deviation from the body (adjacent to the body)

The factory uses hinges of only one configuration, Clip Top Blumotion, with a built-in closer. Today, these loops are considered the best on the European and Russian markets . The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty for this product, which is very important! Since the greatest load during the operation of furniture falls on the hinges.

The process of adjusting the facade hinge according to the figures:

To begin adjusting the hinge, you need to remove the decorative trim No. 1. In headsets from the ENLI factory, the overlay comes with the branded ENLI logo (overlay No. 2 can be left in place).

Bolt No. 3 makes horizontal adjustment. By unscrewing/twisting the bolt, an even gap is set between the facades.

Bolt No. 4 makes frontal adjustment of the facades. This adjustment ensures that the façade fits evenly across the body.

Bolts No. 5 provide rigid fixation of the platform to the body. By loosening these bolts, you can lower/raise the facade relative to the body. After adjustment, be sure to tighten the screws until the pad is firmly fixed to the body.

No. 7 – hinge closer. The door closer is adjusted using the chip number 6 for turning off/on the door closer. In the process of using a kitchen set, each user of an ENLI kitchen will be able to choose the most convenient option for smoothly closing the facade.

Installation and adjustment

You can even install it yourself using step-by-step instructions:

• Prepare the doors with the holes and hinges already made.
• Insert the fittings into the recess so that they fit snugly. Lower the latch.
• Screw the inside (back) part of the hinge.
• We insert the door into the cabinet and secure it with a special latch.
• If there is a need to adjust the height, width and pressure, then there are three bolts for this. To work you will need a Phillips screwdriver.

The video instructions describe in detail how to install and mark furniture hinges.

Adjusting drawer fronts

We are considering mechanisms for drawers for tableware and kitchen utensils - “Tandemboxes” and “Legrandboxes”.

The factory uses mechanisms from two leading European companies: BLUM (Austria) and Hettich (Germany). Both companies have proven themselves to be the best among furniture manufacturers. And each one provides a lifetime warranty on its products. The customer personally chooses which system will be installed in the headset.

How to adjust a Hettich tandem

To begin adjusting the Hettich tandem, remove the decorative trim under No. 1 with the Hettich inscription. The overlay can be with the inscription “ENLI” as in the photo (the Hettich company produces overlays with the company logo for large companies). The front of the drawers is adjusted using wheel No. 2, located on the tandem. When the roller is rotated toward or away from you, the edge of the facade is lowered or raised.

How to adjust a deep drawer with railings

To adjust a deep drawer with a rail to fit evenly to the body, snap the decorative plug No. 3 into the depth of the drawer. After this, release the railing from the fastening on the facade and, using the method of unscrewing/screwing fastening No. 4, adjust the uniform connection of the facade to the body. After adjustment, insert the fastener back and snap the decorative fastener into place.

Adjusting the façade on the Blum Legranbox

The BLUM Legranbox is adjustable from the inside of the drawer. To make adjustments, you will need sprocket attachments. To begin the adjustment, you need to remove the decorative trim No. 1. Bolt No. 2 adjusts the height of the facade. By unscrewing/twisting the screw, you lower or raise the edge of the facade on which the regulation system is located. Bolt No. 3 regulates uniform contact with the body. Deep drawers are supplied without railing. The height of the legranbox has been increased. The adjustment is the same as for a low legranbox.

ATTENTION! For all “TANDEMS” and “LEGRANBOXES” drawer systems, each edge of the facade (left or right) is separately adjustable. If you need to adjust the right side, then the adjustment is on the right mechanism, with the left side the adjustment is similar to the right one.

Criteria for choosing drawers

Usually, when purchasing a kitchen set, everyone first of all pays attention to its appearance, that is, whether it is beautiful or not, whether it will fit into the interior of the kitchen or not. It is immediately checked whether all the furniture will fit in the planned place. Next, functionality is considered.

But no less important will be the installed fittings, which include door closers. After all, they are the ones who make kitchen furniture easy to use and increase its functionality. It is necessary to indicate that drawers are divided into two types: metaboxes and tandemboxes.

Metaboxes

This type of drawer is a design in which the side walls are made of durable metal (steel), usually painted with white enamel. Their design includes rollers that rest on the guides of the closer. Plus, manufacturers make it possible to properly organize the space due to the metabox function, such as raising it to a certain height. For this purpose, special elements are used in the design of the box.

The metabox system already comes with kitchen closers, so it is a ready-to-use item. It closes silently and very smoothly. You just need to push him a little.

Tandemboxes

This is still the same drawer, only its side walls can be made of either steel or glass. At the same time, it is equipped with a special tubular railing, which ensures extension of the structure. By the way, tandem boxes extend to their maximum length, which is very convenient. By default, they are equipped with automatic closers. It should be noted that there is a variety in the group of tandemboxes, the design of which includes an electric motor. With its help, the opening and closing of drawers occurs. You just need to press the front panel of the drawer or pull the handle lightly, and it will open. Push it lightly and it will begin to close.

Adjustment of facades on retractable systems, bottle holders.

Kitchen sets are equipped with systems from two companies: Vibo (Italy) and the budget option Caliber (China)

Adjusting the VIBO bottle holder

To adjust the façade vertically, you first need to loosen screw No. 1. Screw No. 2 makes the adjustment itself: turning the screw clockwise raises the façade, unscrewing the screw lowers the façade. After adjustment, tighten screw No. 1 back. Horizontal adjustment is made using screw No. 3. Unscrew the screws and expose the facade. After adjustment, tighten the screws back.

ATTENTION! Adjustment occurs simultaneously at the top and bottom fastenings.

Adjusting the Caliber bottle holder

To adjust the facade vertically, unscrew bolt No. 1 on the upper and lower fastenings. Expose the façade and screw the bolt back. To adjust the façade horizontally or plane to the body, unscrew the bolt No. 1, and use the bolts No. 2 to ensure uniform contact with the body. To adjust horizontally, the façade must be moved by moving it with your hands. After adjustment, tighten bolt No. 1 until it is tightly connected to the mount.

Adjustment of more complex cabinet fronts and fittings

To adjust other complex systems, such as magic corners, columns, retractable dryers located in lower bases, garbage systems, etc. we recommend using

Types of hinge adjustment

Before you start adjusting furniture hinges, you need to determine the cause of the misalignment. This can be done as follows:

Check that the cabinet is assembled and installed correctly. If there is misalignment, adjusting the awnings may not be useful. First you need to determine what caused the displacement - different heights of the floor or legs, incorrect assembly, etc. It is better to level the furniture structure using a special construction or plumb line. Inspect the hinges themselves. This way you can determine the type and condition of the awnings. Without this, it is impossible to choose a solution, since repairing each type of mechanism requires certain types of work. If the problem is that the hinges are loose, just tighten them with a screwdriver. Determine the type of adjustment needed

It is important to detect the location of the gaps, their size, radius of curvature, and the area where the blade catches. Knowing the “scale” of the problem, you can choose a way to adjust the canopies: height, depth or width

Adjustment of facades in planes

Before setting up hinges on the cabinet door leaves, you need to decide on what principle the work will be performed. There are several types of regulation:

• by height - performed if one door is located higher or lower than the other;
• in width - if there is an uneven gap between the doors;
• in depth.

Sometimes distortions occur because the furniture was assembled incorrectly or on an uneven surface. Therefore, it is first recommended to check the geometry of the cabinet using a plumb line, and if it is skewed, set it level. Often no further adjustment of the hinges will be necessary.

Vertical correction

Adjustment of a furniture hinge begins with adjusting the vertical position.

This method eliminates the uneven position of the door leaves relative to each other or their separation from the overall design of the cabinet.

Loops are found on the adjusting mechanism. If there are plugs, they are removed. Then they find oblong recesses in which two screws are located - in the upper and lower parts of the fittings. Using a screwdriver, the bolts are loosened slightly, and the cabinet doors are raised or lowered to the required level. To fix the position of the doors, the screws are tightened, holding the doors in the desired position.

Adjusting the façade vertically

After aligning the door leaves vertically, begin adjusting the remaining levels. If you start correction horizontally or in depth, you will have to constantly return to the beginning. This adjustment will resemble “pulling a blanket.”

Horizontal adjustment

To align the doors in height and prevent constant friction of the door leaves against the horizontal slats, it is necessary to adjust the special mechanisms that secure the doors. Inside the structure there are small oblong ears where the screws are located. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws by carefully unscrewing them. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the doors do not warp.

If necessary, during adjustment the façade panels are lifted and then the screws are tightened, but not too tightly so as not to break the threads.

Adjusting loops by overlay

Depth adjustment

This type of adjustment is required when the doors or one of the curtains constantly move in the opposite direction or do not fit tightly against the wall of the wardrobe.

To eliminate the distortion, find a second adjusting bolt. Take a screwdriver and tighten the screw in your direction by 2-3 mm

During the process, it is important to constantly ensure that no cracks or gaps form between the door leaves and the facade

If the twisted 2 mm is not enough, then you need to continue the process until complete alignment.

It is recommended to tighten this adjusting bolt much more tightly than the others; it holds most of the entire structure. A Phillips screwdriver is required for alignment.

The outermost bolt adjusts the depth of the doors

Selection and installation of closers - so that kitchen cabinets close quietly

Closers for kitchen cabinets are a whole family of modern furniture fittings. Such mechanisms ensure smooth closing of facades without noise or unnecessary effort on the part of humans. Naturally, their use makes the use of kitchen furniture more comfortable and increases its service life. This is especially true for doors with glazing, for which sharp impacts are strictly contraindicated.

1. Kinds
2. Oil closers with spring mechanism
3. Gas closers
4. Manufacturers and prices
5. Installation

Manufacturers and prices

BLUM is an Austrian company engaged in the production of furniture fittings, today it is considered one of the best. Its products are reliable, high quality, but not cheap. Main range:

• Blumotion are oil door closers that are produced in several versions: complete with hinges for swing doors and simply with a button. The latter can be mounted in any part of the case, on the bottom or shelf inside the cabinet. Blumotion door closers are available in a wide range: with curved or straight arms, as well as for corner and inclined hinges.
• Clip Top hinges resemble standard four-hinge hinges in appearance, but come with a built-in closer. Available for doors with any opening angle from 95 to 170 degrees.
• Blumotion Metabox – closers for drawers with a load of up to 25 kg without height restrictions.
• Tandem are already full-fledged mechanisms that provide full or partial extension of drawers, as well as their smooth closing. The cost of such accessories is twice as high, but it can withstand quite a decent load (about 30 kg).

Hettich is another popular manufacturer of mechanical fittings, but this time German. Our market offers only drawer closers from the company's own series ArciTech, InnoTech and Quadro V6. But for swing doors there are Clip-on hinges of the main types (overhead, inset and semi-overhead) with opening angles up to 270 degrees.

Other types of loops

So, all types of loops can be classified in different ways. Thus, there are different types according to design, purpose, method of fixation and application. In general, there are several dozen types of furniture hinges, some are more common, some are less common, but almost all find application in various types of furniture designs. In addition to four-hinged hinges, let's look at a few more variations of hinges that may be encountered by furniture assemblers or people who have bought new interior items and decided to assemble them themselves.

Card loop

Card loops are considered the oldest. Their ancestor is a forged hinged hinge with a long overlay. Outwardly, they resemble an ordinary door hinge, only slightly smaller in size. The design consists of two metal strips connected in parallel using a thin rod that acts as a hinge. Nowadays they are rarely used, but are indispensable in the manufacture of retro-style furniture.

Butterfly door hinges

Pendulum type hinges or bar hinges make it possible to open the door 180 degrees. What happens is something similar to how the doors open at the entrance to a saloon in old westerns.

Bar loop

Mezzanine hinge structures are designed to attach horizontally oriented doors that will open upward. The hinges have a spring mechanism and also allow you to fix the door when open. They resemble ordinary overhead variations of loops.

Mezzanine hinge MK01

Ombre structures are used for so-called hinged doors. They will be mounted on both ends of the cabinet and do not require insertion, but may require minor milling (up to 2 mm). Then the sash can be opened 180 degrees. This is an ideal hinge for a folding table.

Hinge for folding elements

Secretory structures are similar to the card ones described above; they have an axial hinge and plates. They make it possible to open the façade downwards and keep it in a horizontal position. They can be accompanied by a special bracket that provides a supporting function. Usually installed in those cabinets where a bar is provided.

Secretory loops

Blind hinges, otherwise called adit hinges, are used for doors on the side of the cabinet that is adjacent to the wall. They can be used to attach the door to the false panel.

Gallery hinges

Heel products are extremely rarely used because they are designed only for lightweight doors. But they can be installed on facades with any type of opening. Installation is carried out in the lower and upper parts of the sash.

Heel loops for furniture

There are special hinges for glass sashes. They also come in different types, but their advantage is that they can withstand significant loads, and they look very beautiful.

Glass hinge

And relatively recently, hinges with 8 hinges, eight-hinged, appeared on sale. To install them, you do not need to resort to milling or cutting. This is an improved variation of the usual four-joint hinge. True, they are more difficult to install, and therefore, despite the absence of the need to carry out any preparation, such loops are rarely used.

Installation

The installation procedure for the oil closer will depend on its design. If it is a mortise type, you will need to drill a hole in the cabinet body from the end, the size corresponding to the sleeve (as a rule, it is 50 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter). Afterwards you just need to insert the capsule into the slot. There are also mechanisms that are simply screwed to the inner wall of the cabinet or one of the shelves using self-tapping screws.

Installing closers on drawers is a little more difficult, since they have a different design. These systems are slightly larger than conventional rails, so before installing them you need to make sure that there is a 2mm free space under the rails. The further order of work is as follows:

1. Remove the drawer completely from the cabinet.
2. Dismantle the old slats with wheels.
3. Screw the fittings with a built-in closer into their place using 3x15 self-tapping screws, checking that the planks are at the same height on both sides.
4. Screw the trigger to the bottom of the box according to the markings.

For narrow drawers up to 90 cm wide, a door closer can only be installed on one side. For wide boxes you need to use paired guides.

After installation is complete, you need to check the operation of the closer, and also see how tightly the façade adheres to the furniture body. If a small gap remains, the clamping force can be adjusted with a special screw. During the operation of the kitchen, these mechanisms require more careful care than conventional fittings. They need to be cleaned of dirt, lubricated and their operation adjusted from time to time.

Design Features

Despite the variety of fittings, all guides are similar in their main principle - the presence of two strips, one of which is attached to the plane of the cabinet, and the other to the pull-out element. Inside the system, between the slats, there are small balls, which ensure smooth operation and durability of the structure. The main differences may be in the depth of extension:

1. Systems where the fittings do not allow full extension.
2. The mechanism can be fully extended.
3. Super full extension. The storage system can be pulled out beyond the façade. Often used in archival shelving.

The guides also come in four standard sizes (the most common is 45 mm high). The presence of a closer, that is, a special block that itself presses the drawer until it is completely closed, makes the fittings more comfortable, but does not introduce revolutionary changes to the design.

Closers for kitchen cabinets

Closers are installed on most modern furniture models. Having the instructions at hand, it will not be difficult to independently install the mechanism on any model of kitchen facades.

The hinges are designed to hold the doors closed. This means that the doors are not protected from sudden closing (strong bang, surface damage). If there is glass inside the door or the door is completely glass, then strong impact on it can lead to cracks.

Operating principle of furniture door closers

The operating process of door closers is simple. The mechanism is a spring, which is securely hidden inside a special metal capsule filled with oil or liquid with silicone. The door closing speed is controlled using special valves.

How to install

At any furniture or hardware store you can purchase hinges with a special place for closers. This is a very convenient invention - the mechanism is hidden in furniture hinges.

To install the closer on the modules, you will need special self-tapping screws or furniture euroscrews, a screwdriver and instructions for the mechanism. Installing the finishing element is an easy process, even an inexperienced builder can handle it. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions included with the closers.

When installing large closers for massive doors, the piston always remains on the immovable part of the wooden shelf. The rest of the closer is attached to the cabinet door. Just like large closers, any compact mechanism is installed on a fixed part of the cabinet.

Internal gas closers that are inserted into a hinge are the easiest to install. After fastening the hinges, you need to insert the closer into a special hole in it until it clicks - the mechanism is installed.

The closers are screwed onto the furniture body with euroscrews or self-tapping screws.

How to adjust after installation on the doors

After the mechanism is installed, it must be adjusted. It is worth paying attention to the following factors:

• Sliding speed.
• Closing speed of the base cabinet door.
• Closing tightness (fit).

The mechanism is adjusted using a screw on the body. By tightening the screw, the speed at which the door (or drawer) closes increases.

When weakened, it decreases. This is explained by the capacity of the piston outflow channel. The liquid flows at different speeds through the capsule into the sleeve and back, controlling the movement of the doors.

Correct installation of the closer is a guarantee of its long and trouble-free service.

Review of furniture fittings:

Shelves above the bed in the bedroom: DIY design options

The key difference between this hardware and its analogues is considered to be silent and smooth operation. This follows from the operating principle and design of the mechanism. There is an additional device inside it. It is also a shock absorber or a special closer. Due to this design, the doors on the furniture façade close neatly and there is no characteristic bang or impact.

There is a spring inside the housing. And this spring has the appropriate filling. Depending on it, the mechanism can be gas, oil or viscous silicone medium.

Based on the peculiarities of the application of this fittings, such hinges are structurally:

• invoices;
• semi-overhead;
• loose-leaf;
• internal type of execution.

They are successfully used for standard and corner cabinets. The same 45-degree corner hinges are great for organizing kitchen furniture and are used for corner cabinets.

The fittings are capable of opening doors at different angles, including 180 degrees and a full 270 degrees. Here a lot depends on the design of the furniture itself and the need to open the cabinets wide.

The operating principle itself is based on the following. The spring is covered with a special liquid, which, when closed, gradually flows into the sleeve located in the capsule of the closer itself. Due to narrowing or expansion (opening and closing), the outflow of fluid provokes the movement of the piston. The valve adjustment determines how quickly the door closes completely.

Advantages

When planning to use such hinges for a false panel or for a kitchen, you are making the right decision. It's easy to explain. By purchasing products from brands like JET or GTV, you get a number of objective advantages. Namely:

Manufacturers of fittings for kitchen cabinets and bedroom furniture

Expensive oil closers use higher quality and more expensive oil. Let's look at the most popular manufacturers of kitchen furniture fittings:

1. BLUM fittings . Austrian company producing various kitchen accessories. The most popular manufacturer of lifting mechanisms in Russia is bloom. The price of products is very varied (from 140 rubles to 800 rubles).
2. Vauth Sagel . The second most popular manufacturer, popular in Russia. The German company is recognized as the best in the world. The price for closers is from 300 rubles to 1000 rubles.
3. Hettih . German company - manufacturer. The cost of mechanisms and handles for furniture ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.
4. Siro . Austrian company. The price of door closers ranges from 130 rubles to 500 rubles.
5. agoform. The German company is a manufacturer of fittings for kitchen furniture. The cost of the company's products varies from 200 rubles to 900 rubles.

Video presentation of Bloom fittings:

Kitchen cabinets are used daily, which wears out the fittings. It is necessary to timely care for and clean the door closers from dirt.

• When a squeak appears, you need to tighten all the screws on the hinges.
• All fittings and roof rails in the interior are cleaned with a soapy solution and clean napkins.
• The hinges must be lubricated periodically.
• Do not clean the door closer mechanism with soda or other granular cleaning agents.
• You cannot “help” door closers close the doors all the way.

The mechanism of the closers is very simple, so breakdowns with proper operation are practically excluded. If a breakdown does occur, it is better to call a specialist or replace the broken door closer with a new one.

There are many manufacturing companies with different prices for accessories, so it is quite easy to select and install door closers according to your capabilities and needs. Installing the mechanism is also not difficult. The main thing is to follow the instructions exactly. You need to take care of kitchen fittings in the same way as all other household items. Proper installation and maintenance will allow you to enjoy silent closing of kitchen cabinet doors for a long time.

Selection, installation and adjustment of a furniture closer

For maximum convenience of pieces of furniture equipped with doors or drawers, special fittings are installed - furniture closers. Modern devices differ in several main characteristics: type, mounting method, size. In order for a kitchen cabinet or any other piece of furniture equipped with a closer to function correctly, it is necessary to choose the right fittings. This article is devoted to this issue, as well as to the rules for installing and regulating door closers.

Furniture closers of various types

How to choose a door closer

When choosing a furniture closer, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors, the most significant of which are:

• device type;
• method of installing the door closer;
• furniture fittings manufacturing company.

Types of furniture closers

There are the following types of door closers installed on furniture:

• gas. Inside the sealed housing of the device there is a gas into which the rod is immersed. Gas closers operate according to the following principle. After exposure, the door begins to quickly close to a certain position. Then the closing process slows down and goes into a smooth state. The main advantage of a gas closer is the low cost of the device. However, the service life of the fittings does not exceed 5-7 years;

Gas closer for folding drawers

• oil Accordingly, the oil closer housing contains oil, which allows the cabinet door to close smoothly throughout the entire operating cycle. The working element is a spring. Oil closers are relatively expensive, but they can also last a longer time (10 years or more).

Closer with spring and oil filler

Methods for attaching door closers to furniture

The furniture closer can be installed:

• on the body. Typically, such systems are used on drawers or folding and sliding doors;

Fittings attached to the furniture body

• on the hinges. Hinges with a closer are modern and reliable fittings, characterized by low cost and a long period of use. The main disadvantage is the impossibility of installation on doors or drawers that are not equipped with door hinges.

Furniture hinges equipped with built-in closers

Popular manufacturers of high-quality furniture fittings

In order for the closer on kitchen furniture or other cabinets and drawers to last for a long time, it is necessary to select a reliable manufacturer of furniture fittings, which include:

• The Austrian company Blum is the most popular manufacturer on the Russian market. The company produces a wide range of furniture closers, which allows you to choose the optimal device for any consumer. Depending on the type and model, the cost of products can vary from 150 rubles to 1,500 rubles;
• The German company Vauth Sagel is a recognized world leader. The company specializes in the production of systems with drawer closers. The excellent quality of the fittings allows you to use the devices in any conditions. The only significant drawback is the high cost (up to 2,500 rubles);
• German company Agoform. It produces high-quality furniture fittings at a relatively low price (from 200 rubles).

Types of door closers

Kitchen closers are classified according to installation location and type of design. We will deal with the installation locations later; as for the design of the mechanisms, they are divided into 2 directions - spring-oil and gas. But relatively recently (in catalogues) spring-oil models began to be classified as lifting mechanisms.

Purpose and functions

As already mentioned, the main task of any closer is to ensure silent and smooth closing of cabinet doors. In advanced models, the function of holding the doors in a certain position is also built in, and the ability to adjust the opening angle of the sash and smooth adjustment of the stroke is considered “aerobatics”.

There are many models of door closers, but they all have the same task – smooth and quiet closing of doors.

Operating principle

There are several designs of mechanisms and the operating principle of each of them is different. We will discuss existing systems in detail later. But if we generalize everything, then in each closer there is a certain rod that holds the door and ensures its smooth closing.

Smooth movement of such a rod is ensured by a spring or a chamber filled with oil, polymer or air. The mechanism can be activated both for closing and opening the sash, although in the second case more complex, multifunctional systems are used.

The operating principle of a diagonal closer.

Lifting mechanisms

Lifts are installed on doors that either lift up or fold down. They are installed extremely rarely on swing doors. If previously such fittings were installed only on luxury furniture, then with the development of technology and not without the help of Chinese friends, these elevators are already available on every second set.

The cabinet with a lifting door system looks original and is very convenient to use.

But not all lifts are the same; they are distinguished by the principle of operation of the mechanism:

• Spring mechanisms are the most affordable option. Here the door is attracted or repelled by a system of steel springs. The mechanics are not complicated and these models work well. A relative disadvantage is that the doors are either in a closed or open position; they cannot be fixed at an intermediate stage;

Despite its simplicity, the spring design allows for adjustment.

• Spring-oil - the mechanism design of these models is somewhat different from the previous version; here the spring is enclosed in a capsule filled with oil. This solution provides additional smoothness;

The simplest spring-oil model is considered to be a diagonal lift.

• Gas lifts - the pneumatic version of lifts is less common. Air acts as a softening substance here. The basis of the mechanism is a chamber with a piston; when compressed or stretched, the pressure in the chamber changes, which gives smooth operation;

Pneumatics should only be purchased from a trusted manufacturer; among lifts, these systems fail more often than others.

• Electrical systems are considered the latest in kitchen fashion. They operate by touching the cabinet door. So far, these models are found only in the middle and upper price categories. Moreover, in the elite niche, lifts are programmed for the opening angle and door holding time. That is, the doors close without your participation, after a certain time.

According to the rules, the maximum opening angle of a door with a lift is 107º, but these rules are advisory in nature, although leading manufacturers still adhere to them.

A universal electric lift with programming capabilities is an elite product and its price is high.

Gas mechanisms

Unlike lifting mechanisms, gas closers are much simpler. When the door closes, it presses on the piston, the air in the gas chamber is compressed and the blow is softened. Such systems are activated only during the last phase of closing the cabinet.

The easiest way to install a surface-mounted gas closer is on cabinet doors.

The dimensions of gas closers are small; they either cut into the cabinet wall or are installed on furniture hinges. Now they have begun to produce models in which the shock absorber is not air, but an elastic polymer filler. In terms of reliability and cost, air and polymer closers are similar.

The weak point in this fitting is the constant compression pressure. That is, when the doors are closed, the mechanism is in tension and straightens only when opened. As a result, the average operating time of a gas closer does not exceed 3 - 4 years, although the low cost and availability of replacement elements are encouraging.

Polymer inserts on modern gas shock absorbers are affordable and easy to change.

Installation of door closers

How to install a furniture closer, and what tools are needed to do the job yourself?

Regardless of the installation method, additional furniture fittings will be required for installation:

• tools for measuring and marking (tape measure, square, marker);
• drill;
• screwdriver (screwdriver).

Installation of door closers on furniture frames

Installing door closers on the body is not a complicated procedure and can be performed by unqualified specialists.

The device mounting diagram is as follows:

1. a location for installation is selected. When choosing an installation location, it is necessary to take into account that the fittings should not interfere with the operation of door hinges (if they are installed) and penetration into the cabinet. It is most advisable to mount the closer from any side;
2. At the selected installation location, the places for fastening furniture fittings are marked. When choosing a location for placing the device, it should be taken into account that this is the only possible adjustment of the device, that is, the angle of opening the door depends on the location;

Installation instructions for gas lift systems with different opening angles

1. holes are drilled;

1. fastening strips are secured;
2. the closer body is fixed;

Attaching the gas lift system to the furniture body

How to properly install a furniture cabinet closer (gas lift) is described in detail in the video.

Important points when buying a door closer

When faced with choosing a closer, it is important to know what parameters will affect its performance and durability.

How to choose a door closer

When choosing a closer for a kitchen cabinet, pay attention to the following :

1. Weight of the part that will act on the closer. A weak mechanism will not withstand the pressure of a massive door and will quickly fail. The weight of a light facade will not be enough when using a device with high resistance; the sash will not close.
2. Method of fastening and location of the mechanism. To install loop closers, there must be special sockets on the hinges of the headset. If there are none, stop at cabinet or mortise ones. If you want to install closers yourself, choose those that will be easier for you to secure.
3. If you don’t have time to regulate and configure the closer, pay attention to models that are self-adjustable .

The popularity of the brand and the presence of positive reviews play an important role when choosing furniture fittings. If you want to purchase a high-quality product that will last a long time, it is better to avoid buying door closers from little-known or dubious manufacturers.

The best furniture fittings manufacturers

Among the manufacturers most in demand on the furniture fittings market, the top lines of the ranking belong to foreign companies. Russian importers of Chinese products have also proven themselves well :