Looking After Soft-Close Hinges and Drawer Runners

A damper, either built into the hinge or fitted to the runner, resists the last few centimetres of travel. It is a mechanical part under constant load, which is why hardware quality shows up long before cabinetry quality does.

Most European hinges adjust in three directions: side to side, in and out, and up and down. A door that has dropped or a gap that has opened up is usually a two-minute fix with a screwdriver, not a repair.

Grease and dust combine into a sticky film on drawer runners, which is what makes a drawer feel gritty. Wipe the runner track with a dry cloth every few months and avoid oiling it, since oil attracts more dust.

If a damper no longer slows the door, or a runner has play in it when the drawer is out, replace the part. This is why we specify known hardware brands, so the exact component is still available years after installation.