ᐅ How can I install soft-close doors on Ikea Besta units as a retrofit?
Created on: 17 Aug 2020 08:13
R
REN30
Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit without soft-close doors, but now I would like to retrofit these doors with a soft-close feature. I’m wondering how exactly I should proceed to install the soft-close mechanism on the doors neatly, without major modifications or having to replace the existing hinges. Are there special adapters or mounting kits available from Ikea or third parties that I can use?
I’m also interested in whether adjusting is necessary when retrofitting the soft-close function on Besta doors and which tools would be best suited for this.
Has anyone had similar experience and can provide a step-by-step guide or tips on how to successfully retrofit this?
Looking forward to your answers!
Some time ago, I bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit without soft-close doors, but now I would like to retrofit these doors with a soft-close feature. I’m wondering how exactly I should proceed to install the soft-close mechanism on the doors neatly, without major modifications or having to replace the existing hinges. Are there special adapters or mounting kits available from Ikea or third parties that I can use?
I’m also interested in whether adjusting is necessary when retrofitting the soft-close function on Besta doors and which tools would be best suited for this.
Has anyone had similar experience and can provide a step-by-step guide or tips on how to successfully retrofit this?
Looking forward to your answers!
V
valentino18 Aug 2020 09:21Detailed procedure:
1. Remove the doors: fully open the hinge, then lift the door upwards to take it off.
2. Attach the adapter to the upper or lower hinge arm. Ikea officially offers the "Soft-Close for Besta" model, which easily snaps into place. Alternatively, some compatible third-party adapters also work.
3. Rehang the door and check if the damper engages when closing the door.
4. Adjustment: Most Besta hinges have adjustment screws for depth, height, and sideways alignment. Turning these allows you to adjust the gap affected by the additional adapter.
5. Tools: Phillips screwdriver, possibly a small Allen key.
Caution: Correct positioning of the soft-close adapter is crucial for the expected damping. If the distance is incorrect, rattling or excessive delay may occur.
I recommend checking which hinge version is installed before purchasing. Older Besta models differ in this regard.
1. Remove the doors: fully open the hinge, then lift the door upwards to take it off.
2. Attach the adapter to the upper or lower hinge arm. Ikea officially offers the "Soft-Close for Besta" model, which easily snaps into place. Alternatively, some compatible third-party adapters also work.
3. Rehang the door and check if the damper engages when closing the door.
4. Adjustment: Most Besta hinges have adjustment screws for depth, height, and sideways alignment. Turning these allows you to adjust the gap affected by the additional adapter.
5. Tools: Phillips screwdriver, possibly a small Allen key.
Caution: Correct positioning of the soft-close adapter is crucial for the expected damping. If the distance is incorrect, rattling or excessive delay may occur.
I recommend checking which hinge version is installed before purchasing. Older Besta models differ in this regard.
I just wanted to quickly share that I initially struggled with the adjustment and got quite frustrated. The instructions are not always clear, especially when working on multiple doors at the same time like I was.
In the end, it helped me to work on each door individually and only remove the soft-close function once everything fits perfectly – this way, you can clearly see where something is off.
Sometimes you need to experiment a bit, but what worked best for me was simply being patient.
Also, having a quiet space to work in is really helpful. I hope this helps someone here!
In the end, it helped me to work on each door individually and only remove the soft-close function once everything fits perfectly – this way, you can clearly see where something is off.
Sometimes you need to experiment a bit, but what worked best for me was simply being patient.
Also, having a quiet space to work in is really helpful. I hope this helps someone here!
P
praWarre6919 Aug 2020 10:04Here’s my tip for an easy installation:
- Lay the removed door leaf on a soft surface
- Attach the soft-close adapter according to the instructions, pressing gently until it clicks into place
- Rehang the door and adjust with the set screws
If you hear creaking or the door closes too slowly, just slightly shift the position—this usually solves the issue.
And don’t worry – the best way to learn is simply by doing it. After two or three doors, it becomes second nature!
- Lay the removed door leaf on a soft surface
- Attach the soft-close adapter according to the instructions, pressing gently until it clicks into place
- Rehang the door and adjust with the set screws
If you hear creaking or the door closes too slowly, just slightly shift the position—this usually solves the issue.
And don’t worry – the best way to learn is simply by doing it. After two or three doors, it becomes second nature!
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