Replacement Drawers for Alno Kitchens

A replacement drawer system is suitable for an Alno kitchen when the internal cabinet width, installation depth in millimetres, and the hole pattern of the side panels match the new fittings.

Alno kitchens are renowned for their durable carcases. However, after years of intensive use, moving parts reach their mechanical limits. When runners stick, dampers fail, or plastic parts break, a complete replacement of the kitchen is usually unnecessary. Instead, defective drawers can be replaced with modern drawer systems that serve as a compatible alternative to the originally installed components. For joiners and fitters, retrofitting relies on precise dimensions, the correct grid system, and the appropriate load capacity.

What to Consider Regarding Compatibility (Dimensions & System 32)

For new fittings to function as replacements for Alno kitchen cabinets, the geometric requirements inside the unit must be checked. Drawer runners are to a cabinet what a chassis is to a car – the mounting points must match the bodywork precisely.

Most kitchen manufacturers produce according to the standardised System 32. This means:

• The vertical distance between drill holes is exactly 32 mm.
• The distance from the front cabinet edge to the first row of holes is typically 37 mm.
• The hole diameter for fixing screws is usually 5 mm (for Euro screws).

Before selecting replacement parts, two core measurements must be determined:

1. Internal cabinet depth: The distance from the front edge of the carcase to the back panel. For a depth of 510 mm, a runner with a nominal length of 500 mm is typically used.
2. Internal cabinet width: The interior dimension between the left and right cabinet sides. This measurement dictates the exact width of the new drawer box.

Suitable Drawer Runners and Extension Types

If the wooden drawer box is still intact, replacing the runners is often sufficient. Various technical solutions are available that can be configured to suit Alno cabinets. We offer a wide selection of drawer runners for this purpose.

Full Extension vs. Partial Extension

A partial extension runner extends only to around 75% from the cabinet. The rear section of the drawer remains hidden inside the unit, making access to stored items difficult. A full extension runner, on the other hand, allows 100% travel. The drawer travels completely clear of the cabinet front edge. For upgrading older units, drawer runners with full extension are the technically superior choice.

Damping and Mechanics

Many older kitchens do not feature soft-close mechanisms. When replacing runners, this function can be retrofitted without issue. Drawer runners with damping catch the momentum of the drawer over the final centimetres, pulling it shut gently and silently (soft-close). Note: This mechanism is the exact opposite of push-to-open (tip-on), where handleless fronts pop open upon pressure. Both systems cannot be combined in a single runner unless specialised hybrid fittings are used.

Heavy Duty for Pots and Crockery

In base units where cast-iron pans or heavy stacks of plates are stored, standard runners (often rated for 25 kg or 30 kg) reach their limits. Here, heavy-duty drawer runners must be installed. These feature thicker material gauges and provide a load capacity of 45 kg, 50 kg, or more.

Internal Accessories for Renewed Drawers

Following the technical renewal of the runners, focus turns to internal organisation. Modern drawer accessories protect the base of the new drawer and structure the storage space.

To prevent pots and storage jars from sliding during opening and closing, the base can be lined with an anti-slip mat for drawers. This can be cut to size with a utility knife to match the internal dimensions of the drawer box exactly.

If the drawer beneath the sink is being renewed, integrating a waste separation system is an ideal solution. For a standard sink base unit with an external width of 600 mm, a kitchen waste bin (pull-out 60cm) fits precisely into the newly created drawer structure.

Installation and Retrofitting: Step by Step

Fitting replacement drawers requires precise workmanship.

Required tools:

• Cordless screwdriver
• Cross-head screwdriver (size PZ2)
• Tape measure or folding rule
• Spirit level
• Bradawl or centre punch

Installation procedure:

1. Dismantling: Remove the old drawers. Unscrew the fixings from the old cabinet runners and remove the tracks.
2. Detaching the front: If the original Alno front is to be reused, the old front fixing brackets must be dismantled.
3. Measuring and marking: Determine the position of the new cabinet runners. If System 32 is present, the existing 5 mm drill holes can often be utilised.
4. Mounting the runners: Secure the new runners using Euro screws (for 5 mm holes) or chipboard screws (Ø 3.5 mm or 4 mm, when screwing directly into the wood).
5. Front installation: Screw the new front fixing clips to the rear of the front panel. Pay close attention to the exact drilling patterns of the new system.
6. Assembly and adjustment: Slide the drawer onto the runners until it clicks into place. Then, use the adjustment screws (height, side, and tilt) on the fittings to align the front precisely with the kitchen gap pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drawer Replacement

Can I replace old roller runners with modern undermount runners? Yes, this is generally possible. If you previously used drawer runners with roller guides, these are mounted to the sides of the drawer box. Undermount runners, however, are fitted beneath the base. For this, the drawer box requires specific dimensions (e.g. a bottom recess of usually 12 mm to 15 mm). If the old wooden box is not suitable, replacing the complete drawer system is recommended.

Can the original fronts from my Alno kitchen be reused? In the vast majority of cases, yes. Modern drawer systems use separate front fixing brackets that are screwed into the interior side of the existing timber or MDF front panel. Existing drill holes may need to be filled if they overlap with the new fixing points.

How do I determine the correct length for the replacement runner? Measure the length of the old runner in its closed position. Alternatively, measure the depth of the drawer box (external dimension from the rear panel to the inside face of the front). If this dimension is 450 mm, for example, you will require a runner with a nominal length of 450 mm.