Replacement Parts & Compatible Fittings for IKEA Faktum — Overview

Replacement parts for older kitchen systems require exact matching of drilling patterns, with System 32 and a 35 mm cup diameter forming the most common standards for accurately fitting hardware.

The Faktum kitchen system was installed for many years. Since production was discontinued, joiners and fitters face the challenge of finding suitable replacement parts during repairs or upgrades. Replacing hinges, drawer runners, or dampers is straightforward, provided the technical specifications of the old cabinet carcase are accurately determined. This guide explains which measurements are crucial and how to find fittings that are fully compatible with IKEA Faktum.

What to Look for Regarding Compatibility

A hardware fitting system works like clockwork – if a drill hole deviates by just two millimetres, the door can no longer be adjusted or the drawer will stick. To identify replacement parts suitable for IKEA Faktum, three core aspects must be checked:

1. The Hole Pattern and System 32

Most industrially manufactured cabinet carcases are based on System 32. This means that the rows of holes in the side panels have a vertical spacing of exactly 32 mm from each other. The distance from the front edge to the first row of holes is usually 37 mm. When replacing hinge mounting plates or drawer runners, the fixing points of the new fitting must match this grid.

2. Specifications for Concealed Cup Hinges

The concealed hinge is the central connecting element between the carcase and the door front. For a seamless replacement, the following parameters must match:

• Cup diameter: Standard is 35 mm. Older or very small doors occasionally use 26 mm.
• Drilling distance (cup): The distance between the two fixing screws beside the cup is usually 45 mm or 52 mm.
• Crank / Overlay type: If the door covers the carcase side completely, you need a hinge for full overlay. If two doors share a central dividing panel, a half overlay is required. If the door closes flush between the side panels, choose an inset hinge.
• Opening angle: Standard doors use 110°. For corner units or cabinets with internal drawers, wide-angle hinges with 155° or 165° are necessary.

3. Cabinet Depth and Runner Length

The depth of the cabinet dictates the maximum length of the runner. While standard kitchen base units are usually designed for nominal lengths of 500 mm, a cabinet with a depth of 40 cm or a cabinet with a depth of 50 cm requires correspondingly shorter runners (e.g. 350 mm or 450 mm). The same applies when planning hallway storage and equipping narrow units with a depth of 35 cm or less with new runners.

Matching Components and Replacement Parts

Whether you want to replace defective parts or upgrade an existing carcase, furnica offers technical alternatives designed to suit IKEA Faktum and other established systems.

Retrofitting Drawer Runners

Old roller runners can be replaced with modern ball-bearing slides. Pay attention to the distinction between extension types: A full extension runner pulls out 100% from the cabinet carcase, providing complete access to the rear of the drawer. A single extension stops at around 75%. For heavy pots and pans, load capacity is crucial – choose heavy-duty runners with a rating of at least 30 kg to 45 kg.

Flap Fittings and Gas Struts

Wall units with upward-opening fronts require functioning lift mechanisms. When holding power decreases, the flap drops uncontrollably. This is where flap fittings come into play. Selecting the right gas strut depends on the weight and height of the front panel. The force is specified in Newtons (N). A replacement requires exact matching: For light MDF fronts, 250 N is often sufficient, whilst solid fronts require gas struts for heavy flaps rated from 350 N to 450 N.

Accessories for Worktop Areas and Carcases

In addition to moving components, static parts also wear out. Height-adjustable plinth feet, compatible with IKEA kitchens, allow the levelling of uneven floors via a thread (usually M8 or M10). For the integration of sinks or hobs, robust worktop connectors are essential to join panels securely. Inside wall cabinets above the sink, retrofitting a dish drying rack for wall units is a common requirement that can be easily fitted using standard 32 mm pitch drill holes.

These compatibility principles do not apply solely to kitchens. When undertaking DIY or carpentry projects – whether building a bespoke TV sideboard, a low TV unit, or a floor-to-ceiling double wardrobe – you rely on the same standardised fittings, hole patterns, and hinge types. For office furniture, you simply add specific fittings such as a desk cable grommet.

Installation and Assembly Instructions

Replacing fittings requires precision. Work methodically to avoid damaging the existing drill holes in the carcase.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver
• Cross-head screwdriver PZ (Pozidriv, size 2)
• Folding rule or calliper
• Forstner bit 35 mm (only when using new door fronts)
• Bradawl / punch

Step-by-Step: Replacing a Hinge

1. Disassembly: Loosen the fixing screw on the cruciform mounting plate inside the carcase and remove the door. Then remove the old hinge from the door front.
2. Check measurements: Measure the cup diameter in the door (target: 35 mm). Check the distance between the fixing screws of the mounting plate in the carcase.
3. Fix the mounting plate: Screw the new mounting plate into the existing 5 mm holes on the side panel. If the holes are stripped, use specialist hinge repair plates or Euro screws with a thicker thread.
4. Insert the concealed hinge: Press the new hinge into the cup hole of the front panel and screw it in at a right angle.
5. Hang and adjust: Clip or screw the hinge arm onto the mounting plate. Use the three adjustment screws on the hinge arm to align the door gap in height, depth, and lateral overlay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a drilling jig specifically for the 110-degree hinge compatible with IKEA Utrusta? Yes, universal drilling jigs exist for standard 110° hinges with a 35 mm cup diameter. These accurately mark the 37 mm distance to the front carcase edge as well as the cup hole position in the door (usually 4 mm to 5 mm from the door edge). Because the Utrusta system (used in Metod) is also based on the standard grid, universal System 32 jigs are fully compatible.

Can I retrofit soft-close dampers on older Faktum cabinets? Retrofitting soft-close damping can be done in two ways. You can either replace the old hinges completely with new concealed hinges featuring integrated soft-close mechanisms. Alternatively, you can use clip-on dampers, provided they fit the exact profile of the old hinge arm, or install separate push-in or screw-on door dampers on the carcase side.

How do I find the correct length for replacement drawer runners? Measure the exact depth of the old runner when closed. The nominal length (e.g. 450 mm, 500 mm) corresponds to the length of the slide rail. The runner must always be shorter than the internal depth of the carcase. For a cabinet with a depth of 50 cm, choose a runner no longer than 450 mm to ensure sufficient clearance for the back panel and the drawer front.