ᐅ How can I improve Billy wardrobes?

Created on: 17 Feb 2019 08:23
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Mar46
Hello everyone, I recently bought a Billy cabinet and am a bit dissatisfied with the doors. They especially creak and stick when opening and closing, which can be quite annoying over time. Additionally, the doors don’t seem to fit perfectly flush – there are slight gaps that are clearly visible. My question is: How can I technically and practically improve the doors of my Billy cabinet so that they run smoothly again, make no noise, and close properly? Are there any special adjustment tips or better hinges that I could use? I would really appreciate practical advice and explanations, especially if you have had similar experiences yourself.
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KINMIN4
17 Feb 2019 11:50
Soft-close hinges from Blum or Hettich can be purchased directly at many DIY stores. Installation is usually plug-and-play. It is important to remove the screws of the old hinges completely and then install the new ones in the same positions.
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Layla
17 Feb 2019 12:40
Mar46 schrieb:
Do you apply it directly on the hinges? Could this cause long-term damage to the metal or the surface?

I have always sprayed the lubricant directly on the hinge pin, where metal moves against metal. I have been sparing when applying it to the door frames themselves. So far, no damage has occurred. However, you should be more cautious with wooden surfaces. It might be a good idea to test it somewhere first.
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susar
17 Feb 2019 13:05
Mar46 schrieb:
Are there any specific models you would recommend?

I bought these Blum soft-close hinges, which are very easy to install and highly reliable. The installation manual is included, and there are plenty of helpful YouTube videos as well. I encourage you to give it a try! The result is really excellent 🙂
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barda6
17 Feb 2019 15:17
Regarding gap adjustment: If the door is too loose, the hinges can usually be adjusted sideways. There are small screws on the hinges that allow for horizontal and vertical fine-tuning. This helps the door fit better and reduces the gap.
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Mar46
18 Feb 2019 08:45
A quick update from my side: I loosened the hinges and realigned the doors. During this, I noticed that one screw in a hinge was almost completely unscrewed, which was likely the main cause. Afterwards, I tested silicone spray – the operation is now super quiet and smooth! However, I still have slight gaps, especially at the upper corner. Should I focus on adjusting the hinges or the door itself here?
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NENAU
18 Feb 2019 09:12
If there is a gap at the top, usually a slight adjustment of the upper hinge helps. Loosen the screws slightly, shift the door a little, and then tighten them again. If the gaps are too large, you might need to sand the door down slightly, but be careful.