ᐅ Billy Regal doors with magnets – how do I replace them?

This is how I would structure the approach:

1. Preparation: Remove the door from its hinges and place it on a stable surface.
2. Tools: Flat-head screwdriver, plastic spatula, possibly a hairdryer.
3. Removal: Carefully insert the spatula at one end and slowly work the strip out.
4. Cleaning: Remove old adhesive residues (if necessary, with rubbing alcohol).
5. New part: Check the replacement magnetic strip for proper fit.
6. Installation: Gently slide or clip the strip back into the groove.

Common mistakes: Using too much leverage and breaking the veneer, or pressing the new strip in without proper alignment. Make sure to check the positioning carefully, otherwise the door will not close properly.

In summary: Patience and precise work are essential.

One more question for you: Is the door painted or veneered? This can affect color sensitivity and therefore how carefully you need to work.

Ramon4 schrieb:
If you are worried about breaking it, it’s better to buy an original replacement part from IKEA.

Thanks, that option seems reasonable to me. The door is painted, I checked the back, and I will carefully apply some heat with a hairdryer again.

Today, I will try to remove the door and carefully pry off the trim. Is it normal for the hinges to be quite tight, or am I doing something wrong?

naujon schrieb:
Typical mistakes: prying too hard and causing the veneer to break

I definitely want to avoid that; otherwise, I will probably have to get a different door.

Hello Doganja50, I completely understand how stressful it can be when working on a piece of furniture and you don’t want to damage anything. It sounds like you are approaching it very carefully, which is already half the battle!

A tip from me: if the hinges feel tight, often gently moving them back and forth and pressing upward evenly instead of pulling helps. Sometimes small metal catches need to be released first.

No need to worry—as long as you proceed gently and take your time, it will work out. You are on the right track!

Doganja50 schrieb:
Is it normal for the hinges to be quite tight, or am I doing something wrong?

This is normal for Billy; those things sometimes need a little encouragement 🙂

A tip: gently lift from the bottom hinge first, then the top one – that usually releases them without any trouble.

And hey, great to hear you’re handling it with care! Good luck today! :-)

Doganja50 schrieb:
So, can I really just pull or pry the trim strip up or down out of the groove?

That depends. If there is indeed a groove, the plastic strips are usually held in place by small clips or locks. Sometimes you need to press upward, sometimes toward the door edge (either toward or away from the door) – you’ll have to feel it out.

If it’s very tight and nothing seems to come loose, it’s best to double-check whether small clips are hidden under the strip.

If you have removed the door, you can also carefully lift one edge with better lighting and a thin tool.

I wouldn’t recommend using brute force to pry it off. Otherwise, you risk damaging the groove, which can make reassembly more difficult later.

Feel free to describe exactly how the strip looks and how the magnets are distributed, and I can give you more specific advice.