Full Extension Drawer Runners Suitable for Nobilia Kitchens

A full extension runner allows a drawer to be pulled out 100%, whereas a single extension runner stops at roughly 75% of the nominal length.

Replacement Parts and Retrofitting for Nobilia Kitchens

During the maintenance or upgrading of a fitted kitchen, fitters and joiners regularly face the need to replace worn hardware. When drawer slides stick, hinges no longer close cleanly, or plinth feet break, a complete replacement of the carcass unit is not necessary. Most modern kitchen manufacturers build their cabinetry according to the standardised System 32. This means that the rows of holes in the carcass have a vertical spacing of 32 mm, and the distance from the front edge is typically 37 mm.

Thanks to this standardisation, kitchen cabinet runners and hinges can be replaced across different brands. The carcass of a fitted kitchen follows a standardised grid layout on the drawing board – as long as the hole centres follow the 32-millimetre spacing, third-party fittings and cabinet sides line up seamlessly. Fittings from Furnica are therefore ideal as a compatible alternative to Hettich or as a replacement part suitable for Nobilia.

What to Consider for Drawer Runner Compatibility

When replacing drawer runners, several technical parameters must match exactly. The nominal length of the runner must suit the internal depth of the carcass. Common lengths in the kitchen range from 250 mm - 600 mm.

A decisive criterion is the type of slide. A distinction is primarily made between ball bearing slides, which are mounted on the side of the drawer, and undermount runners, which run concealed beneath the drawer base. For heavy pan drawers, the load capacity is also critical. A standard runner often holds 30 kg, whilst heavy-duty variants for wide pull-outs can support 45 kg or more.

Another vital aspect is the closing mechanism. Damping (often referred to as soft-close) uses a hydraulic cylinder to ensure that the drawer is drawn in smoothly and silently over the final few centimetres. This must not be confused with the push-to-open system (also called tip-on). The latter is designed for handleless fronts and pushes the drawer open via a mechanical spring upon a light press against the front. Both systems work in mechanically opposite ways.

Matching Components for Different Cabinet Widths

The width of the kitchen unit dictates the dimensions of the drawer and base panel, but it has no influence on the side runner tracks provided the internal carcass width has been calculated correctly. Depending on the cabinet type, different nominal lengths and runner styles are used.

For narrow alcoves, spice racks, or towel rails, a kitchen cabinet runner 15 cm or a kitchen cabinet runner 20 cm is typically installed. These narrow formats require runners with exceptional lateral stability, as the leverage from asymmetrical loads is high.

For standard widths used for cutlery, provisions, or smaller pots, trade professionals rely on the kitchen cabinet runner 30 cm or the kitchen cabinet runner 40 cm. Here, a full extension runner is particularly useful to ensure unhindered access to items stored at the very back of the drawer.

Wider carcasses are intended for bulky cookware, pans, and stacks of plates. The kitchen cabinet runner 50 cm as well as the kitchen cabinet runner 60 cm are suitable for this purpose. For these widths, the dynamic load capacity of the slides is the most important factor. To utilise the gained internal space in a structured manner, integrating a matching drawer organiser kitchen is recommended.

Cabinet Hinges and Concealed Hinges as an Alternative

Alongside runners, hinges are the most heavily stressed wear parts in a kitchen. A standard concealed hinge features a cup diameter of 35 mm. This dimension is an industry standard, meaning defective hinges can easily be replaced with compatible models.

When selecting a replacement, the mounting type must be strictly observed:

• Full overlay: The door completely covers the front edges of the carcass side.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a single central carcass divider (twin mounting).
• Inset: The door closes flush inside the carcass opening, leaving the carcass edges visible.

For wall units and standard doors, an opening angle of 110° is frequently chosen. Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 110 degrees allow for comfortable access. If closing needs to be silent, concealed hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (soft close) are the technically correct choice. These hinges feature an integrated damper inside the hinge arm or cup.

For specialist corner cabinets or units with internal pull-outs, wider opening angles are required, such as concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 155 degrees or concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 165 degrees. These wide-angle hinges ensure that the opened door does not obstruct the path of internal drawers.

Correctly Sizing Plinth Feet and Flap Fittings

The foundation of any fitted kitchen is formed by its furniture legs. To compensate for uneven floors, adjustable plinth feet are essential. These feature a thread, commonly sized at M8 or M10, and can be adjusted in height by turning (typically within a range of -10 mm to +20 mm). When replacing parts suitable for Nobilia, ensure that the mounting plate on the base panel has the same screw pattern or can be securely fastened using new chipboard screws.

For wall-hung units with lift-up doors, gas struts (gas springs) are used. The force of these struts is measured in Newtons (N). Choosing the correct replacement depends strictly on the weight and height of the MDF or chipboard front. Common ratings range between 250 N and 450 N. A strut that is too weak will not hold the flap open, whilst an overly strong strut causes the flap to fly open uncontrollably and makes closing significantly harder.

Installation and Fitting: Retrofitting Runners

Retrofitting or replacing runner slides requires precise work and the correct tools.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver
• Bits: PZ (Pozidriv) size 2 or TX (Torx) size 15/20
• Folding rule or tape measure
• Pencil
• Set square

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check dimensions: Measure the internal carcass depth. The nominal length of the new runner must be at least 10 mm shorter than the carcass depth to avoid colliding with the back panel.
2. Remove old hardware: Remove the drawer. Unscrew the old runners using the matching PZ or TX bit. Do not use PH (Phillips) bits for Pozidriv screws, as this will damage the screw head.
3. Align the hole pattern: Hold the new slide against the carcass side. Use the existing 32 mm row of holes for alignment. The runner must be fitted perfectly horizontal at an angle of 90° to the front edge.
4. Secure the runner: Fasten the runner with Euro screws (for 5 mm drill holes) or specialised chipboard screws (e.g. 4 x 16 mm).
5. Insert the drawer: Place the drawer onto the runners and push it backwards until the locking clips audibly engage.
6. Fine adjustment: With undermount runners, the height of the front panel can usually be adjusted by +/- 2 mm using small thumbwheels on the front locking clips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find the correct replacement hinge suitable for my Nobilia kitchen? Measure the cup diameter on the back of the door. This is normally 35 mm. Next, check how the door rests against the carcass (full overlay, half overlay, or inset). With these two parameters, you can select a compatible hinge as an alternative to the factory-fitted hardware.

Can I easily replace a single extension runner with a full extension runner? Yes, this is technically possible provided the nominal length of the new runner matches the depth of the drawer and the carcass exactly. The upgrade offers the advantage that the drawer can be pulled out 100% from the carcass, making access to the rear area much easier.

How do I correctly adjust a hinge with integrated damping? Modern concealed hinges feature 3D adjustment. Using the screws on the hinge arm, the door can be adjusted in height (usually via the cross mounting plate), in depth (distance to the carcass), and in lateral overlay (gap reveal) to the nearest millimetre. The damping mechanism itself is built-in on most models and requires no separate adjustment.

How do I accurately adjust the height of wall units? Adjusting the height of a wall unit is not done via the hinges, but via the cabinet hanging brackets located in the upper rear corners inside the carcass. Two adjustment screws allow the cabinet to be altered in height and depth (drawing it tight to the wall) to create a flush alignment with neighbouring units.