Retrofitting Drawers for Alno Kitchens

When retrofitting drawers in a fitted kitchen, the hole spacing pattern of the cabinet carcass determines the compatibility of new drawer runners.

Older kitchen cabinets are often still equipped with basic roller runners or a single extension, making it difficult to access items stored right at the back. When the mechanism wears out after years of use or the load capacity is no longer sufficient for heavy pans, replacing the fittings is the logical step. Modernising the pull-outs does not require new furniture. Existing carcasses can be upgraded using the right components. We provide replacement parts and fittings that are compatible with Alno and other common kitchen systems.

What to Look for Regarding Compatibility?

During installation, the kitchen carcass acts like a standardised chassis – the existing mounting points dictate exactly which mechanism can be integrated. To retrofit drawer runners compatible with Alno, three essential technical parameters must align:

1. The Hole Spacing System (System 32)

Most industrially manufactured kitchen carcasses are based on System 32. This means that the vertical drill holes in the side panels have an exact spacing of 32 mm between them. The diameter of these holes is usually 5 mm. New runners must feature a hole pattern that matches this grid to allow direct screwing without drilling new holes.

2. The Nominal Depth of the Runners

The length of the runner is referred to as the nominal depth. Common dimensions for kitchen base units are 450 mm or 500 mm. The runner must be shorter than the internal carcass depth (the internal cabinet dimension minus the back panel) so that the front closes flush. The available lengths in the furniture fittings sector usually cover a spectrum from 250 mm - 800 mm.

3. Extension Type and Load Capacity

A full extension runner pulls out 100% from the carcass, whereas a single extension stops at around 75%. For cutlery drawers, standard runners with a load capacity of 20 kg to 30 kg are often sufficient. For pan drawers or larder pull-outs, a higher static load capacity is mandatory.

Suitable Components for the Upgrade

To bring a module compatible with Alno kitchens up to the latest technical standards, various runner types and complete systems are available.

• Replacing drawer runners: If the old drawer box (wood or metal side panels) is to be kept, simply replacing the side running mechanism is sufficient. In this case, drawer runners are used that match the existing drawer depth precisely.
• Upgrading to 100% access: Switching from a simple roller runner to full extension drawer runners maximises the usability of the storage space, allowing even pans in the furthest corner to be lifted out vertically without hassle.
• Silent closing: Soft-close drawer runners ensure smooth, quiet operation. The integrated soft-close mechanism dampens the momentum of the drawer over the final centimetres and pulls it gently and silently into the carcass.
• High load capacity: For wide pull-outs (from 60 cm to 120 cm) storing crockery or heavy cast-iron pans, heavy duty drawer runners with a load capacity of 45 kg or more are required.
• Complete systems: If the old drawer is damaged, installing new drawer systems is recommended. These sets consist of runners, drawer sides, and front fixing brackets. The base and back panel made of chipboard (usually 16 mm thick) are cut to size to match the carcass width and screwed in place.

Following the technical upgrade of the mechanics, the interior can also be optimised. A precisely cut anti-slip drawer mat prevents pans from sliding around during opening and closing. In addition, modern drawer inserts provide structured organisation for cutlery and cooking utensils. For the sink base unit, integrating waste separation units such as a pull-out kitchen bin 60cm is a functional enhancement mounted directly onto dedicated base runners.

Installation and Retrofitting: Step-by-Step

Installing new runners is standard joinery work that can easily and precisely be carried out yourself with the right tools.

Required Tools and Materials:

• Cordless screwdriver
• Matching bits: PZ (Pozidriv) size 2 or TX (Torx) size 15/20
• Tape measure or folding ruler
• Try square
• Wood screws (countersunk, e.g. 3.5 x 15 mm) or Euro screws (6.3 x 13 mm) for the 5 mm hole pattern

Installation Procedure:

1. Dismantling: Unhook and remove the old drawer. Unscrew and remove the old runners from the cabinet carcass using the cordless screwdriver.
2. Measuring: Check the height of the old fixing holes. If the new runners use the same hole pattern (compatible with System 32), Euro screws can be driven directly into the existing 5 mm drill holes.
3. Mounting carcass runners: Position the new runners horizontally against the side panel. If the hole pattern differs, align the runner precisely using the square and secure it with 3.5 mm wood screws. Pre-drilling (with a 2.5 mm drill bit) prevents the surface coating from splitting.
4. Mounting drawer runners: Screw the matching runner component (for ball bearing runners) or the locking device (for undermount runners) to the drawer box.
5. Inserting and adjusting: Place the drawer onto the runners and push it in until it audibly clicks into place. Modern systems feature adjustment dials on the front fixing brackets to adjust the fascia alignment vertically and horizontally (usually by +/- 2 mm).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I replace a single extension drawer runner with a full extension runner? Yes. If the internal carcass depth and the width of the drawer box allow for it, a compatible alternative for Alno can be fitted as a full extension. It is important that the new runner requires the same installation width (the side clearance between drawer box and carcass side, often 12.7 mm or 13 mm).

Is soft-close the same as push-to-open? No, they are opposite mechanisms. Soft-close dampens the closing movement and pulls the front shut quietly. Push-to-open (or tip-on) is designed for handleless fronts; pressing the front causes the drawer to pop open mechanically via a spring mechanism.

Which screws do I need for mounting the runners? For pre-drilled holes (5 mm diameter) in System 32, Euro screws (6.3 mm thread diameter) are used. If the runners are to be screwed directly into un-drilled chipboard, standard wood screws with a 3.5 mm or 4 mm diameter are used. The drive should ideally be PZ or TX to ensure optimal power transfer when driving them in.