ᐅ Is it possible to retrofit soft-close mechanisms to Ikea Pax wardrobes?
Created on: 17 Aug 2021 09:17
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OnpeguHello everyone, I’m currently considering whether I can retrofit soft-close hinges to the doors of my Ikea Pax wardrobe. The doors don’t have this damping feature at the moment, and I think soft-close would significantly improve the comfort and also help protect the hinges over time.
My questions are:
- Does Ikea officially offer a retrofit solution or compatible soft-close hinges that can be easily swapped in?
- If so, how complicated is the installation? Are special tools or drilling required?
- Are there third-party alternatives that fit well?
- Does anyone have experience with such retrofits on Pax?
I’d appreciate any concrete advice, preferably including tips on potential issues or pitfalls. Thanks in advance!
My questions are:
- Does Ikea officially offer a retrofit solution or compatible soft-close hinges that can be easily swapped in?
- If so, how complicated is the installation? Are special tools or drilling required?
- Are there third-party alternatives that fit well?
- Does anyone have experience with such retrofits on Pax?
I’d appreciate any concrete advice, preferably including tips on potential issues or pitfalls. Thanks in advance!
Hello Onpegu,
Just a quick note upfront: Ikea only offers integrated soft-close hinges in some of their newer models; there are no official retrofit kits specifically for Pax.
However:
- You can replace the existing hinges with soft-close hinges. Make sure to use the same hinge type (e.g., cup size 35mm (1.4 inches) or 40mm (1.6 inches)).
- Alternatively, there are damper modules that can be added, usually mounted on the side of the frame or inside the door.
Regarding installation:
- Usually, no drilling is required, as mounting holes in the correct spots are used.
- Depending on the hinge type, it can be a bit fiddly, but swapping them out is quite doable with a cordless drill and possibly an Allen key.
Be aware that cheaper third-party damping units may have issues with fit and durability, especially on heavy doors.
I hope this gives you a good starting point. If you like, I can also put together a small step-by-step tutorial.
Just a quick note upfront: Ikea only offers integrated soft-close hinges in some of their newer models; there are no official retrofit kits specifically for Pax.
However:
- You can replace the existing hinges with soft-close hinges. Make sure to use the same hinge type (e.g., cup size 35mm (1.4 inches) or 40mm (1.6 inches)).
- Alternatively, there are damper modules that can be added, usually mounted on the side of the frame or inside the door.
Regarding installation:
- Usually, no drilling is required, as mounting holes in the correct spots are used.
- Depending on the hinge type, it can be a bit fiddly, but swapping them out is quite doable with a cordless drill and possibly an Allen key.
Be aware that cheaper third-party damping units may have issues with fit and durability, especially on heavy doors.
I hope this gives you a good starting point. If you like, I can also put together a small step-by-step tutorial.
PRA64 schrieb:
Ikea only offers integrated soft-close hinges in some of their newer models; there are no official retrofit kits specifically for Pax.That’s interesting, thanks, I wasn’t aware of that. I have an older Pax wardrobe with classic hinges without soft-close. So I would have needed to replace the hinges entirely.
PRA64 schrieb:
Alternatively, there are damper modules that can be added, usually mounted on the side of the frame or inside the door.Could you share more details about these? Where exactly and how are these dampers installed? Would I need special brackets or just screws? And how is the stability, especially for the wider doors (80 or 100 cm (31 or 39 inches))?
On the topic of stability and installation for larger doors:
Many users underestimate the amount of weight and leverage involved with wide Pax doors. When retrofitting soft-close systems, it is important to ensure that the dampers are mechanically durable.
The additional dampers mentioned by PRA64 are usually attached directly to the door frame or carcass with small screws. However, this requires enough space to be available and that the original mounting points are not covered.
During installation, precise positioning is especially important, as otherwise the door rebate and closing force can be affected. One advantage of replacing the hinges is that the soft-close function then works consistently smoother.
Many users underestimate the amount of weight and leverage involved with wide Pax doors. When retrofitting soft-close systems, it is important to ensure that the dampers are mechanically durable.
The additional dampers mentioned by PRA64 are usually attached directly to the door frame or carcass with small screws. However, this requires enough space to be available and that the original mounting points are not covered.
During installation, precise positioning is especially important, as otherwise the door rebate and closing force can be affected. One advantage of replacing the hinges is that the soft-close function then works consistently smoother.
About additional dampers:
- Typically, you will find so-called door dampers with spring or hydraulic mechanisms that can be installed on the hinge side.
- For Pax, for example, you can get small soft-close dampers that are attached with two screws, usually between the cabinet body and the door panel.
- It is important to measure carefully beforehand to find the correct position, as otherwise there may be friction or the door rebate may not close completely.
Tools:
- Screwdriver, possibly a cordless drill,
- If necessary, an awl or a drill with a small diameter, in case small pilot holes need to be made.
If you want to replace the classic hinges, I strongly advise paying close attention to the exact dimensions of the cup hole, as not all soft-close hinges are compatible.
- Typically, you will find so-called door dampers with spring or hydraulic mechanisms that can be installed on the hinge side.
- For Pax, for example, you can get small soft-close dampers that are attached with two screws, usually between the cabinet body and the door panel.
- It is important to measure carefully beforehand to find the correct position, as otherwise there may be friction or the door rebate may not close completely.
Tools:
- Screwdriver, possibly a cordless drill,
- If necessary, an awl or a drill with a small diameter, in case small pilot holes need to be made.
If you want to replace the classic hinges, I strongly advise paying close attention to the exact dimensions of the cup hole, as not all soft-close hinges are compatible.
Thank you for the detailed advice; that already helps a lot.
I have a question for better understanding: If I completely replace the hinge with a soft-close model, how does that affect the door adjustment? I recall that the original hinges had quite a bit of adjustment range to align the door perfectly.
Can soft-close hinges offer the same level of adjustability, or are there limitations? I would prefer to avoid alignment issues after installation.
I have a question for better understanding: If I completely replace the hinge with a soft-close model, how does that affect the door adjustment? I recall that the original hinges had quite a bit of adjustment range to align the door perfectly.
Can soft-close hinges offer the same level of adjustability, or are there limitations? I would prefer to avoid alignment issues after installation.
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