Retrofitting Drawers for Nobilia Kitchens

A full-extension runner pulls out 100% from the cabinet carcass, whereas a partial-extension runner stops at around 75% – when retrofitting, System 32 determines runner compatibility.

Retrofitting internal drawers or replacing defective runner systems in existing kitchens requires precise planning. Those looking to expand cabinet carcasses frequently search for fittings suitable for Nobilia or compatible with Hettich. Since the kitchen furniture manufacturing industry works with standardised grid dimensions, brand-independent runner systems can be easily integrated as an alternative to original Nobilia components. The key factors here are the exact millimetre measurements of the carcass, the load capacity, and the choice of the correct runner technology.

What to Look for Regarding Compatibility

To ensure new kitchen cabinet pull-outs fit mechanically into the existing cupboard, three fundamental technical parameters must match:

System 32 and the Hole Pattern

Almost all modern kitchen cabinets are based on System 32. This means that the pre-drilled rows of holes in the side panels feature a vertical spacing of exactly 32 mm from one another. The diameter of these drill holes is generally 5 mm. The distance from the front edge of the carcass to the first row of holes measures standard 37 mm. When these dimensions are present, standard runners can be mounted without difficulty.

Cabinet Carcass Width and Internal Clearance

The internal clearance (the internal dimension between both side panels) dictates the width of the drawer. With a standard carcass thickness of 16 mm or 19 mm, the exact internal dimension is determined. A kitchen cabinet pull-out 60 cm is designed for the external dimension of the cupboard; the actual drawer is correspondingly narrower according to the material thickness of the panels. Typical grid widths in the kitchen are 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm.

Installation Depth and Runner Length

The length of the guide rail depends on the usable internal depth of the carcass. The runner must be at least 3 mm to 5 mm shorter than the internal depth of the cupboard so that the front closes flush. For wall units or reduced-depth base units, drawer runners 400 mm are frequently used, whereas standard base cabinets usually accommodate runner lengths between 450 mm and 500 mm.

Suitable Furnica Parts for Retrofitting

When selecting runners as replacements for Nobilia systems or for new installations, various mechanical designs are available that differ in running smoothness and load capacity.

• Guide types: An undermount runner is mounted concealed beneath the drawer base and offers high lateral stability. A ball bearing runner is screwed to the side of the drawer and features extremely precise, play-free smooth running.
• Extension type: For maximum access to the rear area of the drawer, full-extension drawer runners are the technical standard in modern kitchen design.
• Convenience features: Mechanical damping systems, often referred to as soft-close, cushion the momentum of the drawer and pull it shut quietly. Such drawer runners with soft close protect the material. Important: soft-close is the functional opposite of push-to-open (tip-on). The latter mechanically pushes the handleless front open when pressed. Both systems cannot be combined in a single runner.
• Load capacity: For cutlery or light groceries, standard runners with a load rating of around 30 kg are sufficient. However, if heavy pots or bottles are to be stored, heavy-duty drawer runners with a load capacity of 45 kg or more are strictly required to prevent the front from sagging.

Installation and Retrofitting: Technical Execution

The guide runner serves as the backbone of the drawer – any deviation in the millimetre range leads to uneven gaps or jamming runners.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver
• Bits: PZ (Pozidriv) size 2 or TX (Torx) size 20
• Tape measure or folding ruler
• Pencil and spirit level
• Euro screws (dia. 6.3 mm for 5 mm drill holes) or wood screws (dia. 4 mm for direct screw fastening)

Installation Steps

1. Marking the height: Determine the desired position of the new drawer in the carcass. If a hole pattern is already present in the standard grid dimension, identify the corresponding drill holes.
2. Runner installation: Position the carcass runner. The front screw is placed at a distance of 37 mm from the edge into the first hole of the system row. Secure with Euro screws. Align the runner precisely horizontal and insert the rear screws.
3. Fitting the drawer: Depending on the system, the timber box or metal drawer side box is placed onto the undermount runner and locked in place via the locking clips on the underside. For side-mounted ball bearing runners, the inner rail is screwed to the drawer and slid into the carcass runner.
4. Fine adjustment: Modern undermount runners feature adjustment wheels on the locking devices. Here, the front can be adjusted in height (typically + 2 mm / - 2 mm) and tilt to achieve an exact gap pattern.

FAQ – Frequent Technical Questions

Can I repair Nobilia drawers with alternative runners? Yes, as long as the hole pattern in the carcass conforms to System 32 and the installation depth is observed. Fittings from Furnica are suitable for Nobilia carcasses and can be used as a mechanical alternative to factory-fitted Hettich runners.

What is the difference between roller runners and ball bearing runners? A roller runner runs on plastic wheels and is often installed as a partial-extension runner in basic furniture. A ball bearing runner uses steel balls in a telescopic profile, permits high load ratings, and is designed as a full-extension runner as standard.

How do I determine the correct runner length for replacement? Measure the length of the old runner in the closed state or the external depth of the drawer (without the front panel). Lengths are usually graduated in 50 mm steps (e.g. 400 mm, 450 mm, 500 mm).

Completing the Installation

Following the successful mechanical integration of the new pull-outs into the carcass, the technical basis is established. To utilise the gained volume efficiently, exact partitioning of the interior space using tailored kitchen drawer organisers is recommended. These prevent contents from sliding around during the dynamic opening and closing of the retrofitted full-extension runners.