How to fix soft closing drawer?

[gnicholson]

One of our drawers now bangs shut. Is there something that we can adjust to make it close softly again? It is one we use a lot so maybe something wears out?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @gnicholson,

It sounds like the draw slide might need replacing or a part has broken. I'd suggest removing the drawer and taking a look at the runner mechanism. Check to see if there are any broken parts. There might be a couple of plastic parts, and these tend to wear out with high use. If you can take some pictures of the style of the runner, we might be able to diagnose the issue. Obviously, replacement with a new soft-close runner is going to solve your issue.

Please let me know fi you have any questions.

Mitchell

[ksmith1]

 my soft close drawer does not fully shut anymore. Is there anything you can suggest as I cannot see a way to take the drawer out

[JacobZ]

Hi @ksmith1,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

There is usually a little black lever at the end of this part of the runner here -

If you fully extend the drawers, then flick this lever up, you should be able to pull the drawer out.

At that point, you will have access to the back of the mechanism to inspect things. Check for anything blocking the smooth motion of the drawer runners. There should also be a small magnet that sits near the end of the runner, which activates the mechanism that pulls everything back.

If you have a look at How to fix tight soft- close under-counter bin, you will see an example of the soft-close mechanism and the magnet that activates it at the back of your drawer runner.

If you remove everything and can't find anything out of place, could you upload some photos so we can have a look and compare to try work out what is causing the issue.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

[ksmith1]

Thanks for replying Jacob. I can see the black lever but it is not accessible when I pull the drawer out

 it’s in the 3rd hole back

[JacobZ]

Hi @ksmith1,

Can you flick it up with a screwdriver or something similar?

Alternatively, does that little black tab at the end of the runner come out like described in the example from the Kaboodle Soft Close Drawer Runners guide?

Give this a try and let me know how you go.

Jacob

[ksmith1]

Thank you Jacob. The black tab on the end does not pull out unfortunately. I have wiggled things with the screw driver and I have got the black lever out on the left side and a little further forward on the right. But I cannot get the lever on the right hand side to come out. This must be part of the problem as when I look at my other drawers both levers are out

[JacobZ]

Hi @ksmith1,

I'd say there's a good chance this is why things are getting stuck.

Perhaps something flexible, like a pipe cleaner or a piece of wire or even a paperclip could help get into the tighter spot behind the runner and push it out.

Persistence is key, there should be a way to get it out.

Jacob