Drawers Suitable for IKEA Pax: Hardware and Retrofitting Guide

A drawer system is considered compatible with an existing cabinet carcass when the runner slides are aligned with the standardised 32 mm system and the installation depth corresponds exactly to the available internal dimension.

Retrofitting Drawers and Fittings Suitable for IKEA Pax

Anyone planning or modifying a wardrobe often faces the task of integrating additional pull-outs into an existing carcass. A classic example is the need for drawers suitable for IKEA Pax or used as an alternative to IKEA Komplement. Because such furniture is based on standardised industrial dimensions, third-party fittings can be used without issue, provided that technical parameters such as hole pattern, carcass depth, and clear internal width match.

For the joiner or skilled installer, this means that the selection of drawer systems depends primarily on the existing drilled hole line and the required load capacity. In this article, we examine the technical prerequisites for professionally integrating drawer runners into popular wardrobes.

Key Compatibility Factors to Consider

To fit runner systems compatible with IKEA Pax, three essential dimensions must be observed:

1. The 32 mm System: The carcass features pre-drilled lines of holes. The distance from hole centre to hole centre is exactly 32 mm. The distance from the front row of holes to the front edge of the carcass is standardly 37 mm. The hole diameter is generally 5 mm.
2. The Carcass Depth: Standard wardrobes feature external depth dimensions of 580 mm or 350 mm. Subtracting the back panel gives the maximum installation depth. For a 580 mm deep carcass, runners with a nominal length of 500 mm or 550 mm are usually used. For the shallow variant, drawer runners 300 mm or drawer runners 250 mm are suitable.
3. The Clear Carcass Width: With an external width of, for example, 500 mm and a chipboard material thickness of 18 mm, this results in an internal dimension of 464 mm. The drawer, including the drawer runners, must fit this dimension precisely. With side-mounted telescopic runners, an installation clearance of 12.7 mm per side (25.4 mm in total) is typically allowed.

Suitable Runners and Guide Systems

Depending on the drawer construction (wooden drawer box or double-walled metal side panel), different runner types are used. The cabinet carcass acts as a precise grid into which the runners fit like puzzle pieces.

Full Extension vs. Single Extension

A full extension runner pulls out 100% from the carcass. The drawer length corresponds to the extension travel. This is particularly relevant for deep wardrobes (580 mm) to access the rear section without restriction. A single extension runner, on the other hand, opens the drawer to only around 75%. For maximum convenience, the use of full extension drawer runners is recommended.

Damping and Opening Mechanisms

In modern furniture assembly, a strict distinction is made between two mechanisms that can never be combined in a single runner, as they operate in technical opposition:

• Soft-Close: This is a damping system. The drawer is decelerated over the final centimetres and drawn shut slowly and silently by a spring. Drawer runners with soft close require a furniture handle for opening.
• Push-to-Open: This mechanism (also known as tip-on) is used with handleless fronts. Pressing the front triggers a spring that pops the drawer open slightly. Push-to-open drawer runners feature no damping when closing, as they must be pushed with momentum into the catch mechanism.

Ball Bearing Runners or Concealed Undermount Runners?

A ball bearing runner is screwed to the side of the drawer box. It is robust, visible, and mostly used with basic wooden drawer boxes. A concealed undermount runner is fitted underneath the drawer base. It requires specific rebating or notching on the rear panel of the drawer and locks into place via front-locking clips.

Heavy-Duty and Special Requirements

When wardrobes are used to store heavy winter clothing, tools, or files, standard runners (often rated for 25 kg to 30 kg) reach their limits. In such cases, the use of heavy-duty drawer runners is necessary. These runners, made from thicker galvanised steel, feature a load capacity of 45 kg or more. Important: under heavy loads, the runners must be anchored into the carcass with a sufficient number of Euro screws to prevent them from pulling out of the side wall.

Accessories: Organisation and Security

After installing the fittings, the drawer interior can be further customised.

• Base Protection: To prevent belts, watches, or tools from sliding around during opening and closing or scratching the melamine base, non-slip drawer matting is cut to the exact internal dimension and inserted.
• Locking: If private documents or valuables need to be secured inside the wardrobe, the front can be retrofitted with a drawer lock. For this, a hole is drilled through the front using a Forstner bit (usually 19 mm), through which the lock cylinder is inserted and secured from the rear.
• Internal Dividers: To organise storage space, complementary drawer inserts and accessories matched to the clear internal width and depth of the pull-out are recommended.

Assembly: Installation and Retrofitting in the Carcass

Retrofitting drawers to serve as an alternative to existing systems requires precise workmanship.

Required Tools

• Cordless drill/driver
• Screwdrivers or driver bits (PZ2 or TX20)
• Tape measure / folding rule
• Spirit level or try square
• Euro screws (5 mm) for system drillings
• Wood screws (3.5 mm or 4 mm) with countersunk heads

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Determine the Height: Establish the position of the drawer within the wardrobe. Ensure that wardrobe hinges (concealed hinges) do not collide with the runners.
2. Fit the Carcass Runner: Position the carcass component of the runner on the hole line (32 mm system). Use Euro screws, as their flat heads do not interfere with the rollers or ball bearings of the runner. The runner must be aligned completely level.
3. Fit the Drawer Runner: Screw the mating component (for telescopic runners) to the side of the drawer box. Use wood screws for this (length dependent on material thickness, usually 16 mm).
4. Insertion: Guide the drawer into the carcass until the runners audibly engage. Check the alignment gaps and, for undermount runners, adjust the height if necessary using the adjustment wheels on the locking clips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What runner length do I need for a 580 mm deep carcass? The maximum runner length is determined by the carcass depth minus the back panel thickness and a small clearance. For a 580 mm deep cabinet (internal dimension approx. 560 mm), use nominal lengths of 500 mm or 550 mm.

Can I retrofit a push-to-open runner with soft-close? No. The mechanisms are technically incompatible. Soft-close pulls the drawer shut and holds it closed. Push-to-open requires resistance and spring pressure to push open. Both systems block each other.

Which screws do I use for the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet? For the 5 mm drill holes of the 32 mm system, you must use Euro screws (usually 6.3 x 13 mm or 6.3 x 14 mm). Standard countersunk wood or chipboard screws will not grip in large holes and can pull out under load. Ensure the correct drive type is used, usually PZ (Pozidriv) or TX (Torx).

Suitable Replacement Fittings for Your Project

When planning pull-outs suitable for IKEA Pax or replacing defective runners, precise attention to millimetre dimensions is essential. From compact runners for shallow carcass depths to heavy-duty systems for solid drawer boxes, choosing the right fitting defines the durability of the furniture piece. Always check the hole pattern, clear internal width, and anticipated weight load before starting installation.