How to fix tight soft- close under-counter bin?

[Randy]

Hi I have installed a Kaboodle under counter sliding bin, to replace an existing one which had broken off the tab at the front where you pull it out. The previous one was not soft close. Unfortunately the soft close mechanism is very strong, it closes the door fine but is not willing to give it back. It is only a matter of time before the tab at the front of the drawer snaps off. To open it it is necessary to use two hands and pull gently on each side of the tab. I have tried spraying around the soft close mechanism with a little CRC but it has not made any difference. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how it may be fixed?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Randy,

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

It sounds like the soft-close mechanism in your Kaboodle under-counter sliding bin is exerting too much resistance when you try to open it, which is understandably frustrating. Given that your previous bin didn’t have the soft-close feature and was easier to operate, it’s likely that the new mechanism is misaligned.

The first thing I noticed looking at your drawer is that the plastic at the top is bowed.

 

This tells me that there is tension somewhere in the mechanism.

Sometimes loosening the screws, realigning the runners, and then tightening everything back up can make a big difference.

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

I am happy to assist further if this does not solve the issue.

Jacob

[Randy]

Thanks Jacob,

I will try out your suggestions on the weekend. Note the plastic cover at the top is completely independent of any moving parts, as far as I can tell it just sits on top, the drawer slides in and out very freely once the soft close mechanism is disengaged. I think the best option would be to disable the soft close mechanism if that is possible.

Regards Randy

[JacobZ]

Hi @Randy,

I didn't actually realise until just now, because we don't use it, but I have one of these in the place that I rent. I've had a play around with it and have found a solution.

You're absolutely correct that the plastic cover at the top is not the answer. Apologies for that, I was racking my brain trying to work it out, but clearly missed the mark.

The soft-close mechanism works because there is a small magnet on the inside of the slide and on the soft-close mechanism on both sides of the frame. When the drawer slide is closed, these magnets grab onto each other, and when you pull the drawer out, it pulls the soft-close mechanism into place where it locks in position with the pin to the right of the magnet in the below photo.

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear like there is a way to adjust the mechanism, but if you pop out this grey tab with the magnet that sits on the outermost portion of the slide, the soft-close mechanism will no longer function. 

You'll have to disconnect the outer part of the slide to get access to this tab.

This can be done by extending the slide as far as it will go, then lifting these black tabs on the outside.

Once out, there is a small hole on the opposite side of the slide to the tab that you can stick a small flathead screwdriver through to pop it up and then lever it off from the front.

I should note that the magnet is a press fit that I needed to tap back in place with a hammer to reinstall afterwards.

This will disengage the soft-close mechanism.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Randy]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for the very detailed and clear instructions. I was going to use a Dremel and cut the activation lever off on the mechanism. Your solution was easier and just as effective. 

Bin slides in and out easy as now.

Thanks for your help.

Regards Randy