ᐅ KALLAX hinges break after moving – should they be disassembled carefully?

Hello everyone,

I am currently dismantling my KALLAX shelf due to a move, and I noticed that the hinges on the doors seem quite fragile. The shelf held up very well while assembled, but during disassembly, two hinges already broke, probably because they were under tension from the weight of the doors or the way they were installed.

My question: Does anyone have experience with carefully and safely removing KALLAX hinges to avoid breakage? Are there specific techniques or tools I should use to prevent further damage? Thanks in advance for any tips!

LEFOLAU schrieb:
When disassembling, two hinges have already broken, probably because they experienced stress from the weight of the doors or during installation.

The issue with KALLAX hinges is well known. It is important to fully relieve the door before removal. This means all screws holding the hinges must be completely loosened before attempting to pry or bend the doors.

I also recommend carefully releasing the hinges with a small flat-head screwdriver by slowly unlocking the clip mechanism whenever possible. Tools that apply too much leverage can easily cause the plastic parts to break.

Removing the hinges after the door is off usually causes less damage, since you can work on them flat on a work surface. A sturdy, clean workspace and good lighting are also helpful.

LEFOLAU schrieb:
Does anyone here have experience with carefully dismantling KALLAX hinges to avoid breakage?

I find it really frustrating that such fragile parts can easily break during moves—I’ve experienced this myself when I partially disassembled my shelf and then had to buy everything new.

My advice: definitely be patient! Loosen the hinges little by little without forcing them out of alignment. If possible, remove the doors with two people so you can better control and support them. This significantly reduces stress on the hinges.

If the hinges are made entirely of plastic, be sure to work gently and avoid any force. Small cracking sounds usually warn of impending breakage. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it works out for you!

To address the topic more precisely: KALLAX hinges are mostly made of plastic to keep costs low. Mechanical stress, especially during installation and removal, creates tension on the clips and joints. This often leads to material fatigue and eventually breakage.

My recommendation:

1. Avoid using pliers or sharp prying tools directly on the hinge.
2. Completely loosen all fastening screws.
3. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry out the clips.
4. Work in a well-lit environment.

Important note: The doors can be large and heavy, so at least two people should carry out the removal to prevent uncontrolled movements that could strain the hinges.

Oh yes, I know that all too well! :-) Our KALLAX doors also got damaged during the last move, but with a bit of patience, I managed to remove the hinges intact!

Luckily, there are replacement parts available from IKEA in case something breaks – so no need to panic! But as Scarlett already said, it’s better to take it slow and ideally work together with someone.

I loosened all the screws and then carefully pried the hinges off using a small screwdriver. Important: don’t use too much leverage, or you’ll risk damaging the plastic frame 😉

If you want, I can share some tips on ordering replacement parts later. Good luck!

Scarlett schrieb:
Definitely be patient! And rather loosen the hinges little by little.

I completely agree! A bit of humor helps with these annoying tasks too – imagine the hinge as a shy pet that you need to gently coax out of its hiding spot 😉

Also, there’s a little trick to relieve pressure on the hinges: if you hold the door slightly at an angle, you can often release the clips more easily because the weight isn’t directly on the hinges.

Don’t worry, it will work out! And if not, there’s replacements, as gipifa already mentioned.