Adding a soft close feature to your wardrobe doors creates a smoother, quieter, and safer user experience. This is typically achieved by installing a soft close mechanism designed to slow the door's movement just before it closes.
Adding a Soft Close Mechanism to Your Wardrobe
While various types of soft close mechanisms exist (like integrated hinges or sliding door dampers), a common method involves adding a specific soft close unit or piston to your existing wardrobe frame and door. The following steps outline how to prepare and mark for the installation of such a unit, based on common procedures.
Understanding Soft Close Add-on Units
Soft close add-on units are external mechanisms that you attach to your wardrobe. They usually consist of a damper body and a pin or arm that interacts with the door or frame to decelerate the closing motion.
Essential Preparatory Steps for Installation
Before mounting the soft close unit onto your wardrobe, specific preparation of the unit and marking of the door are often required. These steps are crucial for correct functionality.
Here are the key preparatory steps:
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Assemble the Soft Close Pin:
- Align the steel plate to the plastic bottom.
- Insert tabs into plastic slots.
- Tighten the screw with an Allen key. This secures the pin component to the base that will interact with the damper.
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Prime the Soft Close Unit:
- Prime the soft close by sliding the nib fully across until you hear a click. Priming activates or sets the internal mechanism of the damper unit, preparing it for its first use and ensuring it functions correctly from the start.
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Mark the Door:
- Using a pencil, transfer the indicator mark from the soft close unit onto the door. This step ensures you know the precise location on the door where the corresponding part (like the pin or a striker plate) needs to be installed or where the door makes contact with the unit mounted on the frame.
Once these preparatory steps are complete, you would typically proceed with mounting the main soft close unit to the wardrobe frame and the corresponding pin or plate onto the marked location on the door, following the specific instructions provided with your chosen soft close kit.
Components and Tools Required
Based on the preparatory steps described, you will likely need the following components and tools:
| Component | Tool | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Close Unit | The main damping mechanism. | |
| Soft Close Pin | Part that interacts with the damper. | |
| Steel Plate | Part of the pin assembly. | |
| Plastic Bottom | Part of the pin assembly. | |
| Tabs | Connects plate to bottom during assembly. | |
| Screw | Secures pin assembly. | |
| Nib | Used for priming the unit. | |
| Indicator Mark | Guide for positioning on the door. | |
| Allen Key | Needed to tighten the assembly screw. | |
| Pencil | Used to transfer the indicator mark. |
Benefits of Soft Close Wardrobe Doors
Upgrading your wardrobe with soft close technology offers several advantages:
- Reduced Noise: Eliminates the loud slam of doors closing forcefully.
- Increased Safety: Prevents fingers from being pinched in closing doors, particularly beneficial for households with children.
- Extended Wardrobe Lifespan: Less impact force on hinges, frames, and the doors themselves reduces wear and tear over time.
- Enhanced User Experience: Provides a feeling of quality and smooth operation.
By following the specific assembly, priming, and marking steps for the soft close mechanism, you are well on your way to enjoying a wardrobe with the convenience and benefits of a soft close system.
