ᐅ KALLAX doors no longer close properly – could the door stops be worn out?

Created on: 12 Aug 2020 20:43
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fe_jael
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fe_jael
12 Aug 2020 20:43
Hello everyone,

I have the following issue with my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit: the doors no longer close properly, and the catches seem quite worn out. When I close the doors, they don’t sit correctly in the frame or tend to swing open slightly. I have already checked if the hinges are loose, but that doesn’t seem to be the cause. Does anyone have experience with this problem? Is there a way to repair or replace the catches without having to replace the entire door and hinge system?

I’m looking for a solution that is more than just a temporary fix and works in the long term. Thanks in advance for your help!
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stefangla
12 Aug 2020 21:06
Hello fe_jael,

Your issue with the KALLAX doors is actually quite common. It often happens because the small plastic stops on the door or inside the frame have become worn out or stretched. These stops are meant to keep the door closed securely.
fe_jael schrieb:
The doors no longer close properly; the stops seem quite worn out.

Here are some tips for troubleshooting and possible repairs:

1. Check the stop position: Sometimes the stops shift over time. If they have moved, you can simply reposition them – some are just clipped in or screwed on.

2. Inspect the plastic parts: If they are brittle or cracked, replacement is necessary. Spare parts are available directly from IKEA or from third-party suppliers specializing in KALLAX.

3. Temporary solution: You can use small rubber bumpers or felt pads as substitutes, attaching them to the stop area – this cushions the impact and can help the doors close better.

4. Check the hinges: Even if they don’t seem loose, slight deformation can occur, so removing and inspecting them is always worthwhile.

Summary: Most often, the stops are the cause, especially if they are plastic and have lost tension over time. Replacements are available, or a simple DIY fix with rubber bumpers or felt pads can help.

Feel free to ask if you need help installing the replacement parts!
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ixlu1
13 Aug 2020 07:34
Oh, that’s typical with KALLAX doors! 🙂 I’ve been through that too – those small stops wear out pretty quickly.
stefangla schrieb:
You can use small rubber bumpers or felt pads as a replacement

That’s exactly what I did, and it works great! Just stuck a few of those self-adhesive rubber bumpers from the hardware store into the socket where the plastic stop usually sits. It’s really simple, and your doors will close smoothly and properly again.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to order anything complicated, it really makes a difference. Good luck, you can do it! 🙂
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hauklo
13 Aug 2020 10:21
fe_jael schrieb:
Hinge worn out?

Regarding the situation:

KALLAX doors have plastic stops that serve as end stops on the opening side of the door. These stops experience wear over time, especially with frequent opening and closing.

"Worn out" usually means that the stops either lose material thickness or slightly deform, resulting in insufficient hold. This reduces the intended support within the cabinet cutout.

Recommendations:

- Replace the stops: IKEA offers these spare parts individually.

- Check the hinge alignment, particularly the door positioning, as misalignment can hinder closing.

- A temporary solution can be self-adhesive rubber bumpers that reduce play.

- The hinge bearings should also be inspected to ensure they do not have excessive play.

These measures help extend the lifespan of the doors without a full replacement.

If further details are needed, please ask.
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marmar50
14 Aug 2020 13:02
Order the replacement part, replace the stops, done.

No temporary fixes, otherwise it won’t last long.