ᐅ How can I retrofit IKEA PAX wardrobes with soft-close functionality?
Created on: 11 Mar 2022 08:42
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MARDAVUT48
Hello everyone,
Some time ago I bought a wardrobe from Ikea, the PAX model. The sliding doors work well overall, but I miss a soft-close function on the standard hinged doors that gently slows the closing. My wardrobe currently has no built-in soft-close mechanism, and I would like to know if there are practical options to retrofit a soft-close feature on the PAX doors themselves. I am particularly interested in solutions that can be implemented with little effort and do not require extensive modification of the entire wardrobe. Are there specific additional fittings, compatible dampers, or other approaches that can be easily installed afterward? I would be very grateful for any experiences or tips. Thank you!
Some time ago I bought a wardrobe from Ikea, the PAX model. The sliding doors work well overall, but I miss a soft-close function on the standard hinged doors that gently slows the closing. My wardrobe currently has no built-in soft-close mechanism, and I would like to know if there are practical options to retrofit a soft-close feature on the PAX doors themselves. I am particularly interested in solutions that can be implemented with little effort and do not require extensive modification of the entire wardrobe. Are there specific additional fittings, compatible dampers, or other approaches that can be easily installed afterward? I would be very grateful for any experiences or tips. Thank you!
MARDAVUT48 schrieb:
I would like to add: My PAX has standard clip-on hinges, not the soft-close version. The doors are 40 cm (16 inches) wide and 201 cm (79 inches) high, so large and heavy.For this size, I would definitely recommend using original compatible soft-close hinges. For example, there are suitable options from Hettich or Blum that offer both high stability and soft-close functionality. Installation can be done directly on the existing holes, so no major modifications are necessary. This makes retrofitting the easiest and most permanently reliable solution.
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Alberto5111 Mar 2022 12:20In my own experience, retrofitting external dampers on my Pax doors worked reasonably well, but the doors didn’t close as smoothly as expected. Over time, I had to replace the dampers more frequently. Replacing the hinges proved to be a better solution for me, even though it seemed more complicated at first.
Especially with large doors, the difference is noticeable, and I believe it’s worth the effort to replace the hinges with soft-close models, even if it requires a bit more work.
Especially with large doors, the difference is noticeable, and I believe it’s worth the effort to replace the hinges with soft-close models, even if it requires a bit more work.
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MARDAVUT4811 Mar 2022 13:01Alberto51 schrieb:
Replacing the hinges proved to be a better solution for me, even though it seemed more complicated at first glance.Thank you, that confirms my thoughts. I would also like to know whether the new soft-close hinges use exactly the same screw holes, so I won’t need to make any additional drillings. Or are there differences that should be considered?
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AUSTINREN11 Mar 2022 13:27MARDAVUT48 schrieb:
I’m curious whether the new soft-close hinges use exactly the same screw holes, so I don’t need to make any additional drillings.In most cases, yes. Compatible soft-close hinges have the same dimensions regarding hole spacing and mounting position as the standard clip-on hinges from Ikea. You can simply replace the old hinges without modifying the cabinet.
However, I recommend checking the exact measurements from the manufacturer before purchasing and, if necessary, adjusting the hinge settings to align the door and cabinet perfectly.
I think the whole soft-close hype around PAX is a bit overrated.
With proper installation and adjustment, slamming hardly makes any noise – and with a gentle touch, you can close it yourself.
From my experience, retrofitting is more effort than benefit. Also, the additional mechanisms become annoying when they break. It might be worth considering whether the money and work would be better invested in higher-quality doors.
With proper installation and adjustment, slamming hardly makes any noise – and with a gentle touch, you can close it yourself.
From my experience, retrofitting is more effort than benefit. Also, the additional mechanisms become annoying when they break. It might be worth considering whether the money and work would be better invested in higher-quality doors.
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