ᐅ Experience: Are Alternative Door Handles for KALLAX Better than the Original IKEA Ones?
Created on: 24 Mar 2020 09:17
K
kutayse
Hello everyone, I would like to start a discussion about whether alternative door handles for the KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA actually perform better in practice than the original IKEA handles.
My main concern is whether other door handles or grip options can improve comfort, stability, and appearance without requiring compromises in assembly or durability. Perhaps there are specially designed solutions or tips for equipping KALLAX doors with handles that are more durable and ergonomic than the usual IKEA handles.
I am especially interested in your experiences with aftermarket alternatives. Are these alternatives actually worthwhile? Are there unexpected challenges when attaching them? Background: I want to upgrade my KALLAX (with doors) because I find the IKEA handles somewhat cheap in terms of feel and appearance. Many thanks in advance!
My main concern is whether other door handles or grip options can improve comfort, stability, and appearance without requiring compromises in assembly or durability. Perhaps there are specially designed solutions or tips for equipping KALLAX doors with handles that are more durable and ergonomic than the usual IKEA handles.
I am especially interested in your experiences with aftermarket alternatives. Are these alternatives actually worthwhile? Are there unexpected challenges when attaching them? Background: I want to upgrade my KALLAX (with doors) because I find the IKEA handles somewhat cheap in terms of feel and appearance. Many thanks in advance!
Hello everyone,
I’d like to add a brief tutorial that might help some of you better understand how to attach alternative door handles to IKEA KALLAX units:
1. Preparation: First, be sure to measure the existing drill holes on the original handle and compare them with the new handle.
2. Adjusting drill holes: If the new handles have different hole spacing, carefully mark the positions and pre-drill with a fine drill bit. Pay attention to the door material thickness (about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) for KALLAX) and ensure the holes are aligned in a straight line.
3. Screws and anchors: Use screws of appropriate quality, usually M4 screws with matching pan heads. Avoid self-tapping screws, as they can fray the wood.
4. Installation: Assemble in a calm workspace. Tighten screws gently without applying excessive force to prevent the handle from damaging the door.
5. Check: After installation, the handles should be firmly attached but still allow the doors to open and close smoothly.
If anyone is unsure, feel free to post your measurements and chosen handles, and I can help with a check.
I’d like to add a brief tutorial that might help some of you better understand how to attach alternative door handles to IKEA KALLAX units:
1. Preparation: First, be sure to measure the existing drill holes on the original handle and compare them with the new handle.
2. Adjusting drill holes: If the new handles have different hole spacing, carefully mark the positions and pre-drill with a fine drill bit. Pay attention to the door material thickness (about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) for KALLAX) and ensure the holes are aligned in a straight line.
3. Screws and anchors: Use screws of appropriate quality, usually M4 screws with matching pan heads. Avoid self-tapping screws, as they can fray the wood.
4. Installation: Assemble in a calm workspace. Tighten screws gently without applying excessive force to prevent the handle from damaging the door.
5. Check: After installation, the handles should be firmly attached but still allow the doors to open and close smoothly.
If anyone is unsure, feel free to post your measurements and chosen handles, and I can help with a check.
Liduta schrieb:
If anyone is unsure, feel free to share your measurements and chosen handles, and I can help with the check.That’s a great offer, thanks!
I’m currently debating between stainless steel and wooden handles. With the stainless steel ones, I’m a bit hesitant about adjusting the drill holes because I want to avoid mistakes. Wooden handles might be easier to install but probably not as durable, right?
Has anyone measured the hole spacing for IKEA’s original handles, for example? Or do standard furniture handles follow a common size?
It’s also important to me that the handles are securely attached but can be replaced later without leaving marks. I could also imagine using clip-on or magnetic fittings if they work well.
R
reoWilhelm25 Mar 2020 10:53Hello kutayse! 🙂
I really like how carefully you are approaching the topic!
Regarding the hole spacing of the KALLAX handles: it is usually 96 mm (about 3.8 inches) – the standard furniture handle spacing, which makes things easier. This means that many commonly available handles fit directly.
Clip or magnet fastenings are definitely interesting and very practical, but with KALLAX doors they are often not stable enough because the doors have some weight and are frequently opened.
Wooden handles can be very durable if well made, and have the advantage of radiating warmth, while stainless steel tends to feel cooler.
I’ve experimented a bit and am currently using stainless steel handles with 96 mm (about 3.8 inches) hole spacing, which are very easy to install and can be replaced later without leaving many marks. Since the KALLAX wood is rather thin, a nut is used on the back of the door, not just a screw.
Good luck!
I really like how carefully you are approaching the topic!
Regarding the hole spacing of the KALLAX handles: it is usually 96 mm (about 3.8 inches) – the standard furniture handle spacing, which makes things easier. This means that many commonly available handles fit directly.
Clip or magnet fastenings are definitely interesting and very practical, but with KALLAX doors they are often not stable enough because the doors have some weight and are frequently opened.
Wooden handles can be very durable if well made, and have the advantage of radiating warmth, while stainless steel tends to feel cooler.
I’ve experimented a bit and am currently using stainless steel handles with 96 mm (about 3.8 inches) hole spacing, which are very easy to install and can be replaced later without leaving many marks. Since the KALLAX wood is rather thin, a nut is used on the back of the door, not just a screw.
Good luck!
J
JULIANNALO26 Mar 2020 07:18I simply used handy leather straps for my KALLAX – easy to install with just a few screws, minimalist, and very durable.
Of all the handles I tried, I find leather the most intuitive and comfortable, especially if you want to add a touch of minimalism and warmth.
If you prefer plastic handles, make sure to choose good quality ones, as they tend to break quite quickly for me.
Of all the handles I tried, I find leather the most intuitive and comfortable, especially if you want to add a touch of minimalism and warmth.
If you prefer plastic handles, make sure to choose good quality ones, as they tend to break quite quickly for me.
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