Soft Close on Wickes Glass/Aluminium Bridging Unit

RzB 19 years ago

I'm installing a Wickes kitchen. All the cupboards have a soft close mechanism except the glass fronted, aluminium framed, bridging units.

See photos -

formatting link

I am wondering what is the best way to engineer soft close on these units. The soft close mechanism used on the other Wickes doors is shown in pics 03 and 04. These are not suitable (as is) because the aluminium frame is not wide enough to make contact with the plunger.

The gas springs (stays) see pic 02 - do not give any soft close facility.

I have been considering drilling a hole in the carcase and fitting the plunger part directly into the frame.

Is there a better way? Are there any pitfalls? Any other advice?

Thanks, Roy

Vote

Stuart Noble 19 years ago

Either that or stick something unobtrusive to the glass to bring the level up to the frame. If the frame is only a little too slim, maybe you could angle the plunger thing?

Vote

RzB 19 years ago

Stuart,

Many thanks for your response.

No - they could not be angled... the aluminium frame is about

18mm the same as the carcase thickness.

I was hoping to find someone who had actually done this...

Thanks, Roy

Vote

cucumber 19 years ago

Try one these

formatting link

got one from Ikea (cheaper than woodfit) for a bathroom cabinet and it works quite well.

Vote

RzB 19 years ago

Hmm - that's interesting. I hadn't considered replacing the struts. They seem to have a bit more adjustment than the gas struts that are currently installed, and seem to provide some sort of soft close. I'll investigate some more..

Many thanks for your help. Roy

Vote

emma 19 years ago

the struts.

Vote

RzB 19 years ago

Yes - they are great... However they won't solve my problem as they won't fit into the aluminium frame. I don't think they do one for an "up" opening aluminium, glass door - or do you know differently?

Who supplied your kitchen units?

Roy

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required