Flap Stays Suitable for Pelipal Kitchens

A flap stay controls the smooth opening and closing of cabinet doors moving upwards or downwards, with the required force calculated precisely in Newtons.

When a wall unit front no longer stays open on its own or slams shut without braking, the lifting mechanism is usually worn out. When repairing or retrofitting wall cabinets, finding the right replacement part is essential. This guide is aimed at fitters and skilled DIYers looking to replace a defective fitting. The technical solutions presented here are designed as compatible alternatives for Pelipal furniture and kitchen cabinets.

What to Look for Regarding Compatibility

To find a functional replacement for Pelipal cabinets, the technical specifications of the old fitting must be analysed precisely. A direct replacement is only possible if the force, geometry, and mounting points match.

The Force in Newtons (N)

The most important criterion for gas struts and mechanical stays is the nominal force. This is indicated in Newtons and is usually printed on the cylinder of the old damper (for example 60 N, 80 N, or 120 N). The force must match the weight and height of the flap. A gas strut that is too weak will allow the front to drop, whilst a model that is too strong prevents smooth closing and places extreme strain on the hinges.

Mounting Points and Hole Pattern

Most industrially manufactured carcases use the System 32 standard. This means that the pre-drilled rows of holes have a spacing of exactly 32 mm from each other. Compatible replacement parts use this hole pattern so that the mounting plates can be screwed into the carcase without drilling new holes. The standard distance from the front edge of the carcase is 37 mm.

Direction of Movement: Upwards or Downwards?

The mechanism differs fundamentally depending on the opening direction of the front:

• Opening upwards: The front opens upwards. Here, lifting mechanisms are used that support the weight of the door and lock it in the open position.
• Flap stays for downward opening: So-called braking flap stays are used for drinks cabinets or shoe cupboards. They brake the drop of the front and hold it in the horizontal 90-degree position.

Suitable furnica Parts as Replacements for Pelipal

Depending on the weight of the front and the desired movement dynamics, different fitting systems are available that can be installed to suit Pelipal wall units.

Gas Struts for Standard and Heavy-Duty Applications

The classic gas strut is the most common solution in modern kitchen and bathroom furniture. It consists of a cylinder and a piston rod. When opening the door, the compressed gas pushes the piston out and assists the upward movement. We stock various strengths, including gas struts for heavy flaps. Heavy-duty models from 100 N to 150 N are strictly necessary if the front is made of solid MDF or fitted with a mirror on the back.

Mechanical Flap Stays with Spring or Cable Mechanism

In addition to gas-powered systems, there are purely mechanical solutions. A stay with a spring is particularly robust and insensitive to temperature fluctuations. For very shallow installation situations or exceptionally smooth running behaviour, a system with a cable mechanism is suitable. Here, the force is transmitted via a fine steel cable and a pulley, enabling very precise adjustment of the holding force. Choosing the correct spring force is like tuning a vehicle chassis – too weak and the flap sinks, too strong and it springs open unchecked.

Regardless of which system you choose, in our main flap stays category you will find the relevant technical specifications and dimensioned drawings to cross-reference with your existing system.

Calculating the Required Holding Force

If the marking on the old component is illegible, the required force must be recalculated. The rule of thumb for conversion is: Weight of the flap (including handle) in kg × 10 = required force in Newtons.

For example, if a front weighs 7.5 kg, this equals 75 N. In practice, this value is rounded up, making an 80 N damper the professional choice in this case. Note that on wide fronts from 600 mm width upwards, two stays (left and right) must always be fitted to prevent the door from warping. In this scenario, the calculated force is halved (two dampers of 40 N each).

If you also want to update the look of the front during the repair, you must factor in the weight of the new fittings. Solid kitchen furniture handles made of stainless steel can quickly add 200 to 300 grams to the total weight of the flap, which must be considered when sizing the damper.

Installation and Retrofitting: Step-by-Step

Replacing a defective damper is a standard furniture maintenance task. When the replacement part is compatible with Pelipal, the change often takes just a few minutes.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver or manual screwdriver
• Pozi screwdriver bit (PZ2)
• Tape measure or folding rule
• Bradawl or small awl (for new installations only)

Removing the Old Part

1. Open the flap fully. Since the old damper is defective, a second person must support the flap.
2. Release the retaining clips on the ball joints of the gas strut using a flat-head screwdriver.
3. Pull the cylinder off the ball studs.
4. Check whether the old mounting plates in the carcase and on the door are secure. If the screw holes are stripped, the plates must be removed and repositioned.

Installing the New Fitting

1. If the ball studs match, the new damper can be pushed directly on until it audibly clicks into place.
2. If the hole pattern differs, the supplied mounting brackets must be fitted. Use chipboard screws (typically 4 x 15 mm) for this. Take care not to drill through the side panel.
3. The cylinder (the thicker component) is generally mounted to the carcase, and the piston rod to the front.
4. Test the movement. The flap should open automatically from an angle of around 45 degrees and remain securely in the end position.

Tip for comprehensive kitchen upgrades: If you want to make the interior of your wall units more functional after the repair, installing accessories is ideal. A dish drainer for wall units makes optimal use of the space above the sink, whilst for base units, matching kitchen drawer organisers or kitchen cabinet pull-outs significantly improve ergonomics.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Compatibility

Can I replace a 60 N damper with an 80 N model? An upgrade is only recommended with reservations. A marginally higher force is acceptable if the front was previously borderline heavy. However, if the damper is significantly too strong, the flap can only be closed with high effort. Furthermore, the pressure on the concealed hinges increases, which can lead to the hinge plates tearing out over time.

What should I do if the old drill holes in the carcase are stripped? If the chipboard screw no longer grips, you can fill the hole with a wooden dowel and glue, re-drilling once cured. Alternatively, reposition the mounting bracket a few millimetres up or down, provided the stroke length of the damper permits this.

Why does my front not close softly despite a new flap stay? A flap stay controls the holding force, but it is not a standard door damper. Soft closing is generally handled by the concealed hinges. If the flap bangs shut over the last few centimetres, the hinges must be upgraded to models with integrated soft-close damping.

Are there differences in installation for left and right sides? Gas struts are symmetrical and can be used on either side. For mechanical stays with a cable mechanism or solid articulated arms, however, a distinction must often be made between left-handed and right-handed versions. Always check the precise product data sheets.

Replacement Parts for Furniture Repair

Maintaining wall cabinets requires accurately dimensioned components. By correctly determining force, stroke, and hole spacing, you will find the right fittings in our range as an alternative to original Pelipal parts. Always refer to the technical drawings when selecting fittings to ensure straightforward installation into your existing carcase.