Full Extension Drawer Runners Compatible with Mepla Kitchens

A full extension runner pulls out 100% from the cabinet carcass, whilst a partial extension stops at roughly 75%. When modernising or repairing an older fitted kitchen, finding suitable mechanical fittings is often a challenge. In kitchen cabinets installed many years ago, the timber materials are usually still intact, yet the moving hardware shows signs of wear. Anyone looking for replacement parts compatible with Mepla kitchens requires components that precisely match the existing drilling and routing patterns.

This guide is aimed at fitters and experienced DIYers. It explains the technical requirements for properly replacing drawer runners and hinges or upgrading from outdated roller runners to modern runner systems.

What to Look for in Runner and Hinge Compatibility

To ensure smooth operation, new hardware must match the carcass geometry. The industry uses standardised grids to make replacement straightforward.

System 32 and the Hole Pattern

Most European kitchen carcasses are based on System 32. This means that the line bore holes in the side panels have a vertical spacing of exactly 32 mm from each other. The distance from the front row of holes to the front edge of the carcass is standard at 37 mm. When you install fittings as an alternative to Mepla, they generally use this exact hole pattern. Measure the distance of the existing holes beforehand to ensure that the carcass rails of the new runners can be screwed in without additional drilling.

Drawer Runner Types

Older kitchens are frequently equipped with simple roller runners. These usually offer only a partial extension and have less lateral stability. When upgrading, people often switch to ball bearing runners or undermount runners.

• A side-mounted ball bearing runner generally requires an installation clearance of 12.7 mm (or 13 mm) between the drawer side and the internal carcass wall.
• An undermount runner is fitted concealed beneath the drawer base and requires specific cut-outs on the rear panel of the drawer.

Also consider the load capacity. For standard cutlery drawers, runners with a 30 kg load capacity are sufficient. For deep pan drawers, heavy-duty runners rated at 45 kg or more should be chosen.

Concealed Cup Hinges as Replacements

Alongside runners, hinges are the hardest-working components in a kitchen. A typical concealed cup hinge compatible with Mepla doors requires a cup hole with a cup diameter of 35 mm. The opening angle for standard doors is usually 110°, whilst corner cabinets or units with internal drawers often require 155° or 165°.

The mounting type is crucial:

• Full overlay: The door completely overlays the carcass side panel.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a single central carcass divider (half overlay).
• Inset: The door sits flush inside the carcass opening.

Suitable Components for Kitchen Modernisation

Once measurements are taken, the functionality of the unit can be deliberately enhanced. Switching from a partial to a full extension runner makes the entire contents of the drawer accessible right to the back corners.

For retrofitting, various kitchen cabinet pull-outs are available that are compatible with common carcass depths. Lengths typically vary in the range of 250 mm - 800 mm. For standardised unit widths, you require runners that support the weight of the relevant front panel and contents. For wide pots and pans, a robust kitchen cabinet pull-out 60 cm or a kitchen cabinet pull-out 50 cm is the technically sound solution.

Renewing runners is often used as an opportunity to make the internal layout of cupboards more functional. A kitchen pull-out bin 60cm can be mounted on heavy-duty runners in the sink base unit, making optimal use of the available carcass depth. To organise the interior of the newly mounted drawers, a perfectly fitting kitchen drawer organiser keeps cutlery and cooking utensils tidy. Anyone wishing to visually refresh the front panels during the repair can remove old handles and replace them with new kitchen furniture handles, provided the hole centres (e.g. 96 mm or 128 mm) match.

Installation and Retrofitting of Full Extension Runners

Replacing runner tracks requires precision. The mechanism of a runner functions much like wheel alignment on a car—even a single millimetre deviation between the left and right rail causes rough movement or drawer jamming.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver
• Screwdriver with PZ (Pozidriv) drive (size PZ2)
• Folding rule and try square
• Spirit level
• Chipboard screws (countersunk, Ø 3.5 x 16 mm or 4 x 16 mm)
• Bradawl or 3 mm wood drill bit if necessary

Installation in 5 Steps

1. Removal: Remove the old drawer. Unscrew the old carcass rails. For hinges, unfasten the cruciform mounting plate from the carcass wall and lever the old concealed cup hinge out of the 35 mm hole in the door.
2. Measuring and Marking: Measure the internal carcass depth. The new runner must be at least 10 mm shorter than the internal depth of the cabinet. Use the existing System 32 hole pattern. If new holes are required, draw a horizontal line using a try square.
3. Fitting the Carcass Rail: Position the new rails. Ensure that the rails on both sides sit at the exact same height. Screw them into the pre-drilled holes using chipboard screws.
4. Fitting the Drawer Rail: On a ball bearing runner, the inner profile is released and screwed to the side of the drawer. Fit the rail flush with the front of the drawer.
5. Insertion and Adjustment: Guide the drawer horizontally into the carcass until the rails audibly click into place. Check the running action. Many modern runners feature tilt and height adjustment at the front fixing bracket to align the fascia gaps precisely.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Parts

Which hinge is compatible with Mepla doors?

When replacing a faulty hinge, check the diameter of the cup hole in the door. In most cases, this is 35 mm. A standard hinge with a 110° opening angle and a matching cruciform mounting plate (37 mm distance to the front edge) acts as a reliable replacement. Ensure you select the correct mounting type (full overlay, half overlay, or inset).

Can I retrofit soft-close damping to older drawers?

Yes. You can completely replace old runners with new runners featuring integrated soft-close. This damping mechanism slows the drawer down over the final centimetres and pulls it gently shut. Do not confuse this with push-to-open—this mechanism pushes handleless fronts open when pressed, rather than damping them. As a rule, both systems cannot be combined.

How do I determine the correct length for the new runner?

Measure the external length of the drawer side panel (from the back of the front fascia to the back panel of the drawer). The nominal length of the new runner (e.g. 450 mm or 500 mm) should correspond to this length, but must not exceed it. Simultaneously check that the carcass is deep enough for the chosen runner.