Push-to-Open Mechanism — Function and Suitable Replacements for Tip-On

December 20, 2025

A push-to-open mechanism (often also referred to as Tip-On) is a mechanical release system for handleless furniture fronts. Applying light pressure to the front releases an integrated spring that pushes the door or drawer open by a small gap, allowing it to be fully opened by hand afterwards.

What exactly is a push-to-open mechanism?

This design allows for the creation of minimalist furniture, as traditional furniture handles can be omitted entirely. Technically, the system is usually based on a heart-curve mechanism. This mechanism functions in principle like a ballpoint pen: pressing it once locks the pin in place, whilst pressing it again releases the catch.

In cabinet making, this means that closing the front pushes a pin or slider against a spring and locks it. When the user presses the front again (causing it to yield slightly inwards), the catch releases, and the spring force ejects the door or drawer forwards. The mechanism operates purely mechanically and requires no electrical power.

Important for installation: a classic push-to-open system operates in the opposite way to soft-close damping. Whilst a damper decelerates and pulls the front shut, push-to-open pushes it away.

Types and variants of handleless opening

Depending on the type of furniture unit, the technology is integrated differently:

Integrated drawer runners: In drawers, the mechanism is built directly into the runner. Corresponding drawer runners push to open are available as single extension or full extension options.
Touch latches for hinged doors: These are cylindrical components (often with a magnetic tip) that are either drilled directly into the cabinet carcass edge or screwed on using an adapter plate. They are used in combination with specialised hinges. Standard concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges with an automatic closing spring are unsuitable for this; hinges without a closing spring (free-swinging) or with an inverted spring are required.
Combined systems: Complex runner systems now exist that combine push-to-open with soft-close damping. The front is opened by pressing, but when closing it must be pushed shut with a slight momentum, after which the damping takes over for the remainder of the travel. This requires specialised drawer runners with damping and an integrated energy store.

Dimensions, standards, and technical specifications

For smooth operation, precise tolerances must be maintained during design and installation:

Front gap: To allow the mechanism to trigger, the front requires inward travel space. The front gap (the distance between the front and the carcass) must strictly be set to 1.5 mm - 2.5 mm.
Ejection path: The distance the front pops open is usually 20 mm - 40 mm, depending on the strength of the spring.
Drill holes: Drill-in touch latches typically require a hole with a diameter of 10 mm and a depth of 50 mm - 70 mm.
Lengths and load capacity: Drawer runners featuring this technology are typically available in lengths of 250 mm - 700 mm. The mechanism must be matched to the weight; standard runners have a load capacity of 30 kg or 45 kg.

Application, selection, and replacement for Tip-On

The term "Tip-On" is a registered trademark of the manufacturer Blum, but functionally describes the exact same process as the generic term push-to-open. If a defective Tip-On latch or corresponding runner needs to be replaced, a brand-independent push-to-open mechanism can be used without issue, provided the installation dimensions and load capacity match.

When retrofitting hinged doors, ensure that the touch latch is mounted on the handle side (opposite the hinges). For securing adapter plates, standard countersunk wood screws and furniture screws with a diameter of 3 mm or 3.5 mm are suitable.

Related terms

Soft-Close: A damping mechanism that prevents fronts from slamming shut. Found on concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (Soft Close).
Closing spring (catch): The spring force inside a standard hinge that pulls the door against the carcass when closed.
Door damper: A separate component for decelerating doors. A furniture door damper must not be installed alongside a purely mechanical push-to-open latch, as the opposing forces will block each other.