ᐅ What can I do if the doors on my IKEA BESTA cabinet are misaligned or uneven?

Created on: 1 Mar 2018 08:12
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Hiroaki
Some time ago, I assembled an IKEA Besta chest of drawers, but I noticed that the doors are not hanging straight; instead, they are crooked. One door sticks noticeably at the bottom, and the other more so at the top. It looks like the hinges are not properly adjusted. What exactly can I do to fix the problem with the misaligned doors? Are there specific adjustment options on the hinges or other tips I should be aware of? The chest of drawers is completely level, ruling out assembly errors with the side panels. I am looking for a detailed guide or a step-by-step approach to correct this, in order to prevent further damage.
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leteo
1 Mar 2018 11:48
I can only confirm what gaubla said, as I know the adjustment process from my own Besta dresser. ?

If you want to keep it light: just take short breaks in between to avoid getting frustrated. Stop when you notice you’re over-tightening, then continue with a fresh perspective. That often makes it easier to handle!
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elmer
1 Mar 2018 12:09
For doors that hang crookedly, it can also help to completely loosen the hinges, adjust the door to the correct position, and then slowly and evenly tighten them again.
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Hiroaki
1 Mar 2018 19:17
I tried all the tips at home today. The iterative adjustment works quite well. However, I have the impression that one door is a bit more difficult to adjust because it seems slightly crooked on one side – almost as if the hinge is slightly bent or the cabinet frame is not completely straight at that point. In such a case, should I really try to replace the hinge, or is it enough to loosen the screws as much as possible and carefully position the door with gentle pressure? Would there be a high risk of damage?
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gaubla
1 Mar 2018 20:02
Hiroaki schrieb:
In such a case, should I really try to replace the hinge, or is it enough to loosen the screws as much as possible and carefully reposition the door with gentle pressure?

If there are mechanical deformations on the hinge or cabinet frame, the most reliable solution is usually to replace the hinge. Damaged or bent hinges can cause ongoing issues over time, such as a loose door or rubbing.

Loosening the screws and manually pushing the door is more of a temporary fix and carries the risk of enlarging the mounting holes in the cabinet or damaging the wood. To ensure the door remains properly aligned for the long term, try to get the exact replacement hinge from IKEA or a comparable supplier.
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Issac_kla2
2 Mar 2018 07:44
ottilie schrieb:
IKEA furniture is known for standardized modules, but I dare say that some pieces are delivered with minimal size tolerances.

I fully agree and see this as a design feature aimed at cost savings. You should be aware that adjustments are often not an exact science, but rather an acrobatic balancing act between tolerances and assembly tips. So, don’t expect too much perfection.
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elmer
2 Mar 2018 08:05
Sometimes a small wooden wedge or a thin shim behind the hinge can help if the cabinet frame is slightly warped. This noticeably improved a misaligned door for me.