ᐅ How can I install soft-close doors on Ikea Besta units as a retrofit?
Created on: 17 Aug 2020 08:13
R
REN30Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit without soft-close doors, but now I would like to retrofit these doors with a soft-close feature. I’m wondering how exactly I should proceed to install the soft-close mechanism on the doors neatly, without major modifications or having to replace the existing hinges. Are there special adapters or mounting kits available from Ikea or third parties that I can use?
I’m also interested in whether adjusting is necessary when retrofitting the soft-close function on Besta doors and which tools would be best suited for this.
Has anyone had similar experience and can provide a step-by-step guide or tips on how to successfully retrofit this?
Looking forward to your answers!
Some time ago, I bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit without soft-close doors, but now I would like to retrofit these doors with a soft-close feature. I’m wondering how exactly I should proceed to install the soft-close mechanism on the doors neatly, without major modifications or having to replace the existing hinges. Are there special adapters or mounting kits available from Ikea or third parties that I can use?
I’m also interested in whether adjusting is necessary when retrofitting the soft-close function on Besta doors and which tools would be best suited for this.
Has anyone had similar experience and can provide a step-by-step guide or tips on how to successfully retrofit this?
Looking forward to your answers!
Hello REN30,
I know this problem all too well – I’ve tried retrofitting soft-close mechanisms on Besta doors myself and can imagine how frustrating it can be if you don’t know the right parts and the correct sequence.
In my experience, Ikea does offer these so-called "BUMMEL Soft Close" hinges that you can buy, but they tend to be somewhat expensive and are often difficult to fit to existing doors.
At the time, I got so-called soft-close adapters from third-party manufacturers that you can click onto the existing hinges. That worked quite well, but attaching them was a bit fiddly. What was important in my case was to unhinge the doors properly beforehand, then attach the adapters, and afterwards carefully readjust everything, as the doors hung slightly differently due to the new damping.
The readjustment was the trickiest part for me, but I managed it with a small cordless drill and screwdriver.
Overall: Don’t worry, it’s doable, but be patient and, if possible, have a second person to assist.
I know this problem all too well – I’ve tried retrofitting soft-close mechanisms on Besta doors myself and can imagine how frustrating it can be if you don’t know the right parts and the correct sequence.
In my experience, Ikea does offer these so-called "BUMMEL Soft Close" hinges that you can buy, but they tend to be somewhat expensive and are often difficult to fit to existing doors.
At the time, I got so-called soft-close adapters from third-party manufacturers that you can click onto the existing hinges. That worked quite well, but attaching them was a bit fiddly. What was important in my case was to unhinge the doors properly beforehand, then attach the adapters, and afterwards carefully readjust everything, as the doors hung slightly differently due to the new damping.
The readjustment was the trickiest part for me, but I managed it with a small cordless drill and screwdriver.
Overall: Don’t worry, it’s doable, but be patient and, if possible, have a second person to assist.
floga schrieb:
I got so-called soft-close adapters from third-party manufacturers that you snap onto the existing hinges. That might work, but without specific information on compatibility, I would be cautious. You either go with the original Ikea system or risk poor functionality.
At this point, it’s also important to ask: Which hinges exactly did you install? Besta is offered in various versions – not all are compatible with these adapters.
floga schrieb:
In my case, it was important to remove the doors properly first, then attach the adapters, and afterwards carefully readjust everything.That makes sense, but how exactly did the adjustment work? Was it done with the included screws, or did you need special tools?
REN30, it’s best to describe the model of your hinges to get targeted advice.
Hey everyone,
Sometimes I find it hard to understand all the fuss. Ikea actually came up with a pretty clever solution!
If you have the soft-close retrofit kit, there’s really just one rule: stay calm and take it step by step. I was able to finish it in less than an hour back then – and without letting my coffee get cold 😄.
Simply replacing the hinges is one option, but it’s quite involved. Before you start filming a big DIY project, try these overlay dampers (the things you just clip on at the top). Usually, that’s enough to stop the doors from slamming.
Don’t forget: after installation, close the door gently and watch carefully. If something sticks or goes wrong, adjusting it is the solution, and it’s actually pretty easy with the adjustment screws.
Good luck, and remember: you’ll hardly notice it later – it’s the function that matters!
Sometimes I find it hard to understand all the fuss. Ikea actually came up with a pretty clever solution!
If you have the soft-close retrofit kit, there’s really just one rule: stay calm and take it step by step. I was able to finish it in less than an hour back then – and without letting my coffee get cold 😄.
Simply replacing the hinges is one option, but it’s quite involved. Before you start filming a big DIY project, try these overlay dampers (the things you just clip on at the top). Usually, that’s enough to stop the doors from slamming.
Don’t forget: after installation, close the door gently and watch carefully. If something sticks or goes wrong, adjusting it is the solution, and it’s actually pretty easy with the adjustment screws.
Good luck, and remember: you’ll hardly notice it later – it’s the function that matters!
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