ᐅ KALLAX hinges brittle – how to re-lubricate or replace?

Hello everyone, I noticed that the hinges on the doors of my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit have become quite stiff and brittle, causing a scraping noise when opening and closing. My question is: Are there proven methods to simply lubricate these hinges to restore smooth function, or is it better to replace them entirely? What type of lubricant is suitable, and what should be considered when replacing the old hinges? Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi, I also had issues with the KALLAX hinges – unfortunately, becoming brittle after a few years is quite common with them. Re-oiling works well with a light oil, for example sewing machine oil or a small amount of WD-40. However, be careful: WD-40 is more of a cleaner and displaces grease, not a long-term lubricant. For proper maintenance, follow up with a special silicone or Teflon spray. If the hinges have small cracks or appear mechanically damaged, replacing them is the better option. 🙂

I would simply replace the hinges entirely. They are easy to purchase again from IKEA and are inexpensive. Lubricating them can help in the short term, but if they are brittle, it won’t last long.

Regarding the issue: KALLAX hinges are typically made of metal with coatings that can become brittle over time due to temperature fluctuations and humidity. Applying light machine oil can temporarily alleviate lubrication problems, but it does not significantly extend the service life in cases of material fatigue. If noticeable noises or resistance occur when moving the door, this often indicates mechanical wear. A complete replacement is recommended in such cases, especially to prevent further damage to the door material.

If there are creaking or cracking sounds, a little sewing machine oil often helps. Apply it sparingly and move the parts back and forth a few times. If the hinges are already cracked, replace them.

Unscrew the hinges from your KALLAX shelf, apply some oil to the joints, and check if the noise disappears. If not, order a replacement directly, as the new ones usually fit without any issues.