Finding Spare Parts by Part Number & EAN: Complete Guide for Furniture Fittings

The part number or EAN on a furniture fitting is the unique identification code that defines the exact technical specifications, such as dimensions, load capacity, and hole pattern of a component.

When a hinge breaks, a drawer runner jams, or a flap no longer closes, the search for the right replacement part begins. Identification via stamped numbers is the most reliable way to guarantee compatibility. If this number is missing or illegible, the technical parameters must be determined manually. A defective fitting without visible markings is like a thread without a pitch specification – you have to measure precisely to determine the exact replacement. This guide explains the systematic identification and selection of furniture fittings for repair and replacement.

Where Are Part Numbers and EAN Codes Located on Furniture Fittings?

Manufacturers of fitting hardware integrate identification numbers directly into the components. These numbers are usually stamped, laser-etched, or printed. The EAN (European Article Number) is generally found only on the original packaging. On the component itself, you will find the internal part number or serial number of the manufacturer.

On a concealed hinge, the number is frequently located in the bottom of the hinge cup or on the inside of the hinge arm. The corresponding mounting plate often carries its own number, as both parts can be combined modularly. On drawer runners, the numbers are usually stamped onto the outer metal rail. Gas struts feature a label or print on the cylinder that, alongside the part number, strictly specifies the force in Newton.

If the identified number matches a replacement part, a precise fit is guaranteed. If the original part is no longer available or the number is illegible, identification is carried out using the construction type and dimensions.

Identifying Types of Furniture Fittings (When the Number Is Missing)

Correct terminology and an understanding of the mechanics are essential to find the right component.

Hinges and Concealed Cup Hinges

The concealed cup hinge is the standard in furniture making. The most important dimension is the diameter of the cup drilling in the door. This is standardly 35 mm, and occasionally 26 mm on smaller furniture doors. In addition to the diameter, the opening angle defines the function. Common angles are 95°, 110°, 155°, or 165° for wide-angle hinges.

Decisive for the replacement part search is the overlay type, which determines how the door sits relative to the carcass:

• Full overlay: The door sits completely over the carcass side. The hinge arm is straight.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a single carcass centre panel (dual overlay). The hinge arm has a visible crank.
• Inset: The door sits flush inside the carcass. The hinge arm is heavily cranked.

Modern hinges often feature integrated soft-close damping. If older hinges without dampers are to be upgraded, all hinges on a door must be replaced or separate door dampers must be retrofitted.

Drawer Runners and Slides

When identifying runner systems, a strict distinction must be made between the extension length and the slide mechanism. A full extension runner pulls out 100% from the carcass, while a partial extension runner stops at approximately 75%. These two types differ in their construction and frequently require different drilling patterns.

The lengths of runners are standardised and generally range from 250 mm - 800 mm, stepped in 50-mm increments. The slide mechanisms differ technically:

• Roller runners: A simple metal profile with a plastic roller. Primarily used for lightweight drawers.
• Ball-bearing slides: Telescopic rails with steel ball bearings mounted to the side of the drawer. They offer a higher load capacity.
• Undermount slides: The system is concealed beneath the drawer base and provides the smoothest running action.

A frequent error when searching for replacements is confusing the convenience features. A soft-close mechanism gently brakes the drawer upon closing. The push-to-open (or tip-on) mechanism ejects the drawer when the front panel is tapped. These two systems are mechanically opposing and cannot be combined in the same runner.

Flap Fittings and Gas Struts

For upward-opening furniture doors, flap fittings are used. The primary wear part here is the gas strut. A value in Newton (N) is printed on the cylinder, for example 250 N or 380 N. This value indicates the extension force. It must match the replacement part precisely. A strut that is too weak will not hold the flap open, while one that is too strong will prevent closing or tear the hinges out of the wood. The selection of the correct force depends on the flap weight and flap height.

Furniture Connectors and Screws

The stability of a carcass depends on the connectors used. In flat-pack assemblies, the cam lock connector (often known as Minifix) and wooden dowels dominate. For anchoring feet or handles into timber, threaded inserts such as insert nuts or tee nuts are used. Matching furniture connectors require precise drill holes, usually with a diameter of 5 mm, 8 mm, or 15 mm.

When fastening fittings, dedicated wood screws and furniture screws are used. It is vital to pay attention to the correct drive type. Chipboard screws usually feature a PZ (Pozidriv) or TX (Torx) drive. A cross-recess PH (Phillips) driver will slip in a PZ screw head and damage the material. Standard diameters for mounting hardware are 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm.

Criteria for Selecting the Exact Replacement Part

When no part number is available, the replacement is selected using callipers. The following parameters must be determined:

1. Hole pattern and hole spacing: The distances between the screw holes. In professional furniture manufacturing, everything is based on the System 32 standard. This means the hole spacing in a vertical row is exactly 32 mm, and the distance from the front edge is 37 mm.
2. Installation dimensions: The depth, width, and height of the fitting in mm. For drawer runners, the installation width (the clearance between the drawer side and the inner carcass wall) is critical. For ball-bearing slides, this dimension is often exactly 12.7 mm.
3. Load capacity: Specified in kg. A heavy-duty slide for a workshop requires a load capacity of 45 kg or more, while a standard runner for clothing requires 25 kg.
4. Thread: For adjustable components, the thread type must be identified. Adjustable furniture legs generally use a metric M8 or M10 thread.

Application Areas: Which Fitting Goes Where?

The choice of replacement part is largely determined by where the furniture is installed.

In the kitchen, high loads and moisture prevail. Robust full extension runners and heavy-duty worktop fittings are required here. A wall cabinet dish rack also demands corrosion-resistant fixings.

In living and sleeping areas, design takes centre stage. Visible hardware must match the aesthetics. A damaged handle is replaced with a dimensionally identical furniture handle or a single-point fixed furniture knob. Flooring hardware also plays a role: heavy chests of drawers stand securely on square metal furniture legs, while modern sideboards are visually upgraded with chrome furniture legs or satin furniture legs. Suitable furniture legs must be capable of carrying the total weight of the filled furniture unit.

In the office or home office, functional fittings are required. To manage desk cables, a desk cable grommet is recessed into the worktop. Pedestals and filing cabinets also demand security hardware. Furniture locks or a specific cylinder furniture lock are used here, where the backset (the distance from the keyhole to the door edge) must be measured accurately during replacement.

Additionally, the integration of lighting is growing in importance. Defective aluminium profiles or brackets for LED strips require dedicated furniture LED accessories to mount furniture lighting securely and with adequate heat dissipation within the carcass.

Installation and Technique: Fitting the Replacement Correctly

Replacing hardware requires precision. A deviation of just a few millimetres will cause doors to rub or runners to bind.

Required tools:

• Cordless screwdriver with torque control
• Matching bits (PZ, TX)
• Callipers and folding rule
• Carpenter's square
• Bradawl or awl

Fundamental installation steps:

1. Dismantling: Remove the defective fitting entirely. Fill damaged screw holes in the chipboard or MDF with wood filler if the replacement fitting has a slightly different hole pattern.
2. Measuring and marking: Mark the positions for the new fitting according to System 32 or the provided dimensional drawing. Create a small indentation with the bradawl so the screw bites accurately and does not wander.
3. Fixing: Insert the screws straight. On melamine-faced boards, set the cordless screwdriver to a low torque setting to avoid stripping the screw in the core material.
4. Adjustment: Hinges and runners feature adjustment screws. On hinges, the door can be adjusted for height, depth, and side overlay (reveal gap). This fine adjustment is strictly necessary to ensure clean closing.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcing Furniture Fittings

Where do I find the part number on a hinge?

The number is usually stamped into the metal. It is located either inside the hinge cup (the part recessed into the door) or on the hinge arm. The mounting plate on the carcass side often bears a separate, distinct number.

Can I combine fittings from different manufacturers?

As a rule, no. The clip systems between the mounting plate and hinge arm or the runner mechanisms of drawer slides are manufacturer-specific and patented. A replacement must always be carried out completely (e.g. hinge including the mounting plate).

What does the marking '350 N' mean on my gas strut?

The 'N' stands for Newton and defines the extension force of the strut. 350 N roughly corresponds to a force capable of lifting 35 kg. When replacing, a strut with exactly 350 N must be installed; otherwise, the flap will either drop shut or fail to close properly.

How do I measure hole spacing correctly?

Hole spacing is always measured from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other screw hole. Callipers provide the most precise measurement for this.

What is the difference between full extension and partial extension?

A full extension runner allows the drawer box to be pulled completely out of the furniture carcass, making the entire contents accessible right to the back panel. A partial extension runner opens to only about 75%. The rear portion of the drawer remains inside the carcass.

Can I use soft-close and push-to-open at the same time?

No. Soft-close actively pulls the drawer shut over the final few centimetres and keeps it closed. Push-to-open requires pressure against the front panel to release an internal spring that pushes the drawer open. These mechanisms oppose each other and block proper operation.

What does System 32 mean in cabinet making?

System 32 is an international standard in furniture manufacturing. It specifies that hole rows in carcass side panels have a vertical pitch of exactly 32 mm apart. The distance from the front edge of the side panel to the centre of the first row of holes is standardly 37 mm.

Related Categories & Guides

To explore specific hardware components in depth or to locate the identified replacement part directly, our specialist categories offer comprehensive technical data sheets and dimensional drawings for all available fittings.