ᐅ Retrofitting IKEA Metod Soft-Close Drawers for Increased Kitchen Comfort

Created on: 5 Mar 2020 09:12
G
gijsbu
Hello everyone,

I’m planning to retrofit my existing IKEA Metod kitchen drawers with a soft-close feature to significantly improve comfort. Currently, the drawers do not have any damping, which can sometimes make them sound loud and feel imprecise with frequent use.

I’m especially interested in:
- Which soft-close kits are compatible with Metod drawers?
- Are there any specific installation tips I should be aware of to ensure optimal function?
- Has anyone had experience with how durable and reliable these retrofit solutions really are?
- Are there any recommendations on how to properly adjust the drawers so they close smoothly without sticking?

I appreciate any detailed responses or specific product recommendations. Thanks in advance!
L
Lucki
5 Mar 2020 16:03
I really like soft-close features in the kitchen! Especially with children or in frequently used areas, it makes a big difference.
nanidra schrieb:
Retrofitting sounds like a bit of a quick fix.

I see it a bit differently: For me, retrofitting is a great way to give old drawers new life without having to replace the entire kitchen. It feels much more comfortable, and in my opinion, the effort is definitely worth it! 🙂
B
barle
6 Mar 2020 08:29
If you buy the soft-close dampers from IKEA or Amazon, make sure they are specifically designed for Metod. Others often do not fit properly. Simply snap or screw them in, then adjust as needed.

This immediately provides a noticeable increase in comfort.
L
Luchen
6 Mar 2020 09:42
I retrofitted this six months ago and everything is working great. It is important to position the dampers precisely. Otherwise, the function will be impaired or the drawer will not close properly.

Tip: After installation, open and close the drawer several times to allow everything to settle in properly.
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gijsbu
6 Mar 2020 11:15
Thank you for the feedback so far! Your tips have already been very helpful.

I have one more question:
KUDAISY schrieb:
Soft-close dampers are usually simply clipped in or fixed with screws.
How difficult is it to clip them in and out? Do you need special tools for that, or is gentle prying enough?

I want to avoid damaging the drawers or bending the slides during the retrofit.
K
KUDAISY
6 Mar 2020 12:40
gijsbu schrieb:
How complicated is it to snap the components in and out? Do you need special tools, or is gentle levering enough?

In most cases, you don’t need any special tools. The soft-close dampers are designed to be easily hooked or snapped into place – a bit of dexterity and gentle pressing or pulling is usually sufficient. The key is to work carefully and avoid using force.

If the damper gets stuck, a small screwdriver can be cautiously used as a lever, but please be very gentle.

Once the drawer front is removed, you generally have good access and can observe the mechanism well.

Good luck!
D
DUUS32
6 Mar 2020 16:52
I can only confirm that retrofitting the soft-close feature on Metod is a great improvement. At first, I was unsure if I could do it myself, but it’s very easy once you take your time.

Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t close perfectly on the first try. Just adjust it again, as it’s often a matter of positioning.

And the feeling when the drawer gently slides shut is definitely worth the effort.