Flap Stays as Replacements for Pelipal Kitchens
A flap stay controls the opening and closing of furniture fronts and is specified according to the required force in Newtons (N) as well as the direction of opening.
When the front of a wall cabinet no longer stays open on its own or slams shut uncontrollably, the stay mechanism is usually worn out. These components face heavy daily use, especially in kitchen or bathroom wall cabinets. A defective lever mechanism or escaped gas mixture means the flap will no longer hold its position. A gas strut works just like the tailgate strut on a car – if the pressure in the cylinder drops, the flap inevitably drops down.
In this technical guide, you will discover how to identify the exact specifications of your defective component and find suitable replacements for Pelipal or other established furniture systems. furnica provides compatible fitting solutions designed according to standard industry specifications.
What to Look for Regarding Compatibility
To install a functional replacement on Pelipal cabinets, the technical parameters of the new fitting must match the carcase construction precisely. Compatibility is not determined by the furniture brand, but by physical ratings and standardised hole patterns.
1. Spring Force in Newtons
The most important factor when choosing a stay is the load capacity. For gas struts, this is specified in Newtons (N). Looking at the cylinder of the old damper usually provides the required information, showing markings such as "250 N" or "380N".
If the marking is illegible, the value can be calculated. The rule of thumb is: multiply the weight of the front (in kg) by 10 to obtain the approximate Newton value for a single strut. For example, if the flap weighs 3.5 kg, you require a supporting force of 35 N. Because flaps are almost always fitted with two struts (left and right) for stability, the load is distributed. Important: the weight of the handles must also be taken into account. If you have installed solid stainless steel kitchen furniture handles, this significantly increases the total weight of the front.
2. Installation Length and Stroke
The length of the component is measured in the extended state from the centre of one ball joint to the centre of the opposite ball joint. Common lengths for standard wall units range from 245 mm - 275 mm. The stroke refers to the distance the piston rod travels into the cylinder (for example, 90 mm). If the installation length does not match the original, the opening angle of the door will change.
3. Hole Pattern and Mounting Plates
Most European furniture manufacturers build their carcases according to System 32. This means that the line boreholes inside the cabinet are spaced exactly 32 mm apart. If you choose a replacement fitting whose mounting plate also uses a 32 mm hole spacing, you can continue using the existing drillings in the wood without modifications.
Suitable furnica Parts for Different Flap Types
Depending on the construction of the wall unit, different mechanical or pneumatic systems are used. When choosing, ensure you note whether the flap opens upwards or downwards, as the fittings operate in fundamentally different ways.
Standard Gas Struts for Upward-Opening Flaps
For classic wall cabinets where the door swings upwards, the gas strut is the most common choice. It assists in lifting the front and holds it securely open. You will find a wide selection of compatible models for common cabinet dimensions in the flap stays category.
Heavy-Duty Solutions for Large Fronts
If the flap is made of dense MDF, solid wood, or features a glass insert, a standard strut is often insufficient. In these cases, components with a rating of 400 N to 500 N are required. Gas struts for heavy flaps are specifically suited to such solid constructions. Under-dimensioning here inevitably leads to the door dropping shut.
Downward-Opening Flap Stays (Drop-Down Fittings)
If the front opens downwards (such as on a drinks cabinet or bureau), the flap must not drop unchecked, otherwise the hinges at the bottom edge may tear out. In this scenario, a braked flap stay or a cable stay is used. These systems dampen the falling motion and stop the flap precisely at an angle of 90°.
Installation and Retrofitting of Replacement Parts
Replacing a defective strut is a straightforward installation task that can be carried out directly while the cabinet remains mounted on the wall.
Required tools:
- Tape measure or calliper
- Slotted screwdriver (small)
- Cordless screwdriver or hand screwdriver with a Pozidriv (PZ2) bit
- Bradawl / awl (if required)
Step 1: Removing the old part Open the flap and prop it up securely or ask a second person to assist. On gas struts with ball joints, there is usually a small metal retaining clip at the head end. Slide the flat-blade screwdriver beneath this clip and lever it up slightly. This releases the lock, allowing the strut to be easily pulled away from the ball stud.
Step 2: Inspecting the mounting plates Compare the ball studs on the carcase wall and the front with the sockets on the new strut. If they are compatible and undamaged, they can remain on the cabinet. If they need to be replaced, remove the old screws. Check whether the hole spacing (e.g. 32 mm) of the new plates matches.
Step 3: Installing the new flap stay Screw on the new mounting plates. The thicker side of the cylinder (the body) is usually fastened to the carcase, with the thinner piston rod attached to the front. Simply press the sockets of the new strut onto the ball studs until they audibly click into place. No tools are required for snapping them on.
Complementary Maintenance During Furniture Upgrades
While renewing your kitchen unit fittings, it is often worthwhile to check the moving parts of your base units as well. Mechanical parts here are also subject to wear and tear. Stiff or rubbing drawers can be upgraded with new kitchen cabinet runners. Depending on the unit width, you can select targeted replacement parts, such as a matching 60 cm kitchen cabinet runner.
To maximise the functionality of your refreshed cabinets, optimising the interior space is also beneficial. A well-structured kitchen drawer organiser or a modern waste separation solution, like kitchen recycling bins, practically and technically enhances kitchen workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why must both flap stays always be replaced at the same time? Gas struts undergo a gradual loss of pressure. If you replace only one side, the new strut has to carry the majority of the load alone. This leads to asymmetrical stress on the hinges and premature wear on the new component. Replacing both sides guarantees smooth, balanced movement.
What happens if I install a strut with too high a Newton rating? If the spring force selected is too high (e.g. 400 N instead of the required 250 N), the flap will require considerable effort to close. In the worst case, the strut will push so hard against the front when closed that the door protrudes slightly or the hinges tear out of the chipboard.
Can I replace a mechanical lift-up fitting with a gas strut? Yes, this is generally possible and is a common upgrade for older furniture. The prerequisite is having sufficient space within the carcase for the installation length of the cylinder. However, the position of the mounting plates must be recalculated and drilled anew, as the kinematics of pneumatic and mechanical levers differ.
Is a flap stay the same thing as a soft-close damper? No. A flap stay or gas strut supports the weight of the door and holds it open. A furniture damper (soft-close) is a small component, usually integrated into the hinge, that simply brakes the closing speed over the final few centimetres to prevent loud slamming.