How to fix Kaboodle soft-close drawers?

I built my first Kaboodle cabinet - a 3 drawer unit.
Bottom drawer I used push to open runners - they work.
Top two drawers are soft close but they need a real push to get them to close flush with the cabinet.
What have I done wrong?
First photo when pushed in hard.

This one shows top drawer pushed in hard but second not pushed in hard just pushed to close.

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EricL

Hello @cathie12

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your Kaboodle drawers.

One of the common causes of drawer misalignment is the drawer runner level. There is always the possibility that the guide holes placed in the cabinet were out of alignment. This would cause the runners to be at different levels and creates a tight fit for the drawer. The tight fit causes the drawer to malfunction.

I suggest trying this repair method, remove the tight drawer from the assembly. First, I need you to test that the drawer runner is functioning properly. Pull the drawer runner mechanism out and push it back in. The soft close system should work even without the secondary part attached. If it does not work however, this means that it is defective, and I recommend bringing it back to the store for an exchange.

But, if you've determined that the runners work perfectly, I recommend taking accurate measurements of the level of the drawer runner mechanism. Make sure that they are at the same height and use a spirit level to determine if they are true and level. If it is out of alignment, make the necessary adjustments by loosening the screws or drill new supporting screws to the correct level.

Please give this repair suggestion a try and let me know if it works. If you still have issues with the runners, I recommend bringing the drawer runner mechanism for an exchange.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let me know.

Eric

cathie12

Hi Eric,

Thank you for your response.
After checking the level of all runners and testing the drawers in different positions it became clear that the problem was with the runners on the side panels of one of the drawers.
Pulled them off and redid them and now all working as they should be!
Thanks again.

MitchellMc

Hi @cathie12,

Many thanks for updating us on the solution; I trust @EricL will be pleased to hear.

Mitchell

Corey4

Hey Eri

c, how do you remove the draw from the sliders if it has become completely detached from the cupboard

EricL

Hello @Corey4

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Can you please tell me if this is a Kaboodle drawer runner? Can I please request for a closer photo of the runner itself, particularly the front end where the release clip might be located. there are two possible options for this type of drawer runner. It either has a release clip that you need to push to allow it to separate from the main body of the drawer, or it is a force fit clip system which means that you need to pull the front end of the drawer down to release it from the main body.

I propose having a very good look at the drawer runner and investigating its parts. Put it in the open and closed position and try to look for a release mechanism at the front. Please let me know if you make any progress.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Mick6

I have the same issue, can’t see a release clip anywhere?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Mick6. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about drawer runners.

Just to check — are the drawers and runners Kaboodle? It’s worth confirming, as different brands can have slightly different release mechanisms.

Looking at your photos, that blue box sitting near the runners could actually be part of the release system. If it’s not, then you’ll need to carefully open and close the runner and feel for what’s stopping it from sliding out completely. Normally, once you reach that sticking point, there’s some kind of retaining clip or latch you need to press or lift to release the drawer fully.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

chaq27

Hello, I have the same issue with my soft close not working properly, if I close the drawer it stops about an inch away from drawer and remains open unless we push it hard, I’ve checked runner placement and runners were straight and level so I removed both runners completely from the drawer and they both work but one glides smoother and if I tip both to the side that same runner goes in and out faster then the other is that an issue or should the soft close still work fine with that? Thanks

JacobZ

Hi @chaq27,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Can I trouble you for some photos of the drawer slides?

Can you upload one of each side, both open and closed, with a label of which one is running smoother?

With some photos, I may be able to spot an issue that would be relatively easy to fix.

Let me know if you need a hand uploading images. Happy to help if required.

Jacob

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