ᐅ After trying to reduce the noise, the doors on the Kallax unit have become even harder to open – any tips?

Hello everyone,

I recently conducted a damping test on the doors of my Kallax shelving unit, meaning I wanted to equip the hinges with dampers to ensure the doors close gently and quietly. Unfortunately, I noticed that the doors are now significantly harder to open than before. This is obviously not ideal, as it requires more effort to open the doors, which becomes annoying over time.

Has anyone had similar experiences? Are there any tips on how to optimize the damping without making the doors harder to open? At first, I thought it might be incorrectly adjusted hinges or dampers that are too strong, but I’m unsure how to best achieve the balance between soft closing and easy operation.

Thanks for your feedback!

Lorenz schrieb:
The doors are now noticeably harder to open than before.

Dampers can create additional resistance, so if possible, use weaker dampers or adjust the hinges to allow more clearance.

Check whether the dampers are installed correctly – incorrect orientation often increases the force required.

Lorenz schrieb:
I initially thought it was due to incorrectly adjusted hinges or overly strong dampers

That’s a good starting point. Usually, the damping unit on the Kallax should only create noticeable resistance when opening if the damper mechanism isn’t properly calibrated to the door’s torque.

Tip: Make sure the hinges aren’t tightened too much. Even a slight adjustment of the screws can significantly reduce friction.

Second option: Replace the dampers with models that have a lower damping level. Some dampers come in different force ratings suitable for various door weights.

Third option: Check the door itself for warping or dirt on the sliding surfaces, as this can also make opening more difficult.

Hello Lorenz,

I can understand how frustrating it must be when the otherwise practical Kallax suddenly becomes so difficult to open because of the dampers. I experienced something similar and also wondered if I had made a mistake.

Ixfu2 schrieb:
Incorrect installation position often increases the force required.

That sums it up well. I had installed the dampers incorrectly, and after that, it was hardly possible to open. After correcting the installation, the problem was resolved.

Maybe this tip will help you: test the dampers individually on the door before mounting to check their resistance. If the dampers are too strong, they can greatly hinder the opening movement.

I wish you the best of luck—take your time and have another close look at the parts. 🙂

Lorenz schrieb:
Has anyone had similar experiences? Are there any tips on how to optimize the soft-closing mechanism without making the door harder to open?

Good morning,

I often work with dampers on furniture, including Kallax units. It is important to adjust the interaction between the hinge and the damper correctly.

Kallax commonly uses clip-on hinges that have a tension or adjustment screw. First, try reducing the tension on the hinges slightly, as this lowers friction.

Also, dampers have a specified resistance value. It helps to use testers or run small trials with different models.

Sometimes, placing the damper slightly offset rather than directly on the door can help by changing the lever arm. This reduces the force needed to open the door.

If possible, start with less aggressive dampers or components with adjustable damping. This way, you can find the optimal combination for a smooth closing action without increasing the opening force.

Feel free to get in touch if you provide details about the hinges or damper type, so I can offer more targeted advice.