Retrofitting Full-Extension Drawer Runners for Nobilia Kitchens

A full-extension runner enables 100 per cent access to the entire contents of a drawer, whilst the 32 mm system grid is always crucial for compatibility when retrofitting existing kitchen units.

Older kitchen cabinets are frequently still fitted with simple roller runners or a single-extension runner. This restricts convenience, as the back of the drawer remains difficult to reach and the load capacity is often limited. When replacing drawer runners or worn-out fittings, you require components that align precisely with existing drill holes and cabinet carcass dimensions. A jamming drawer brings kitchen tasks to an abrupt halt. This guide explains the technical requirements for properly retrofitting kitchen cabinet pull-outs and highlights what to look for in fittings suitable for Nobilia kitchens.

What to Look for Regarding Compatibility

When replacing runners or hinges in standardised kitchen carcasses, the System 32 grid is the most crucial reference point. This international standard defines the distance between drilled holes. The rows of holes in the side panels of the cabinet have a spacing of exactly 32 mm between them. The distance from the front edge of the carcass to the first row of holes is usually 37 mm. Fittings designed as alternatives for Nobilia or Hettich utilise precisely this hole pattern, enabling straightforward replacement without drilling new holes into the carcass.

Runner Types and Mechanics

Two primary technical systems are available for retrofitting, differing in their running smoothness and installation method:

• Ball bearing runner: These runners are mounted to the sides of the drawer. They run on small steel ball bearings and offer a high load capacity (often 30 kg to 45 kg). They are an excellent choice for heavy pots and pans or food supplies.
• Undermount runner: In this setup, the runner is concealed beneath the drawer base. This ensures a clean appearance when the drawer is open. Many modern kitchens use this system as standard.

Additionally, a distinction must be made between convenience features. A soft-close mechanism (damping) pulls the drawer shut gently and silently over the final few centimetres. This is technically the exact opposite of push-to-open, where the drawer pops open when pressed on the front, which is used for handleless fronts. Both systems cannot be combined within a single runner.

Suitable furnica Parts for Various Cabinet Widths

Choosing the correct runner depends on the nominal length of the runner (corresponding to the drawer depth, typically 450 mm or 500 mm) and the carcass width. furnica supplies compatible runners as replacements for Nobilia fittings across all standard cabinet widths.

• Narrow cabinets (15 cm to 30 cm): These cabinet units are often used as towel rails, bottle racks, or compact larder units. A full-extension runner is essential here to reach items at the back. Matching systems are available for kitchen cabinet pull-out 15 cm as well as kitchen cabinet pull-out 20 cm units. For slightly wider recesses, the kitchen cabinet pull-out 30 cm is ideal.
• Medium cabinets (40 cm to 50 cm): The standard size for cutlery drawers and dry goods. To keep everything tidy after installing the runners for a kitchen cabinet pull-out 40 cm or kitchen cabinet pull-out 50 cm, using suitable inserts is recommended. A kitchen drawer organiser helps to make the most of the newly gained space in a full-extension drawer.
• Wide cabinets (60 cm): Carcass units with a 600 mm width often carry heavy crockery or cookware. When retrofitting a kitchen cabinet pull-out 60 cm, it is imperative to ensure a load capacity of at least 30 kg so that the runners do not bend under load.

Further Replacement Parts: Concealed Hinges and Plinth Feet

In addition to drawers, doors and base units also experience wear over time. Here too, compatibility is maintained through standardised dimensions.

Replacing Cabinet Hinges

The classic concealed hinge connects the door to the carcass. The standard diameter for the hinge cup hole in the door is 35 mm. If you are looking for concealed hinges / cabinet hinges as alternatives to original Nobilia parts, you must consider the door mounting type:

• Full overlay: The door completely covers the side panel of the carcass.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a single carcass side panel (half overlay).
• Inset: The door sits inside the carcass, flush with the side panels.

For wall units and standard doors, concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 110 degrees are most commonly chosen. To stop cabinet doors from slamming shut loudly, upgrading to concealed hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (soft close) is the cleanest technical solution. The damper is integrated directly into the hinge arm.

Kitchen Feet and Plinths

The entire kitchen run is levelled using height-adjustable plinth feet. When replacing kitchen feet suitable for Nobilia, pay attention to the mounting socket. These are frequently slotted into a base plate screwed to the bottom of the carcass. The adjustment range is usually between -10 mm and +20 mm to compensate for uneven floors.

Installation and Retrofitting of Full-Extension Runners

Replacing drawer runners can be carried out accurately with the correct tools. You will need a cordless screwdriver (with a PZ or TX bit), a tape measure, a pencil, and if necessary, a spirit level.

1. Removal: Remove the old drawer. Unscrew the existing carcass runners.
2. Measuring and checking: Check the hole pattern. The new runners are aligned in System 32 with the existing 37 mm hole positions.
3. Fitting the carcass runner: Fasten the new runner to the side wall using suitable Euro screws (5 mm diameter) or wood screws (3.5 mm or 4 mm diameter). Ensure exact horizontal alignment.
4. Fitting to the drawer: Depending on the system (ball bearing runners on the sides or undermount runners beneath), the mating components are screwed to the wooden drawer or connected via locking clips.
5. Inserting and adjusting: Insert the drawer into the cabinet. Check the smooth running action and the soft-close function.

FAQ – Compatibility and Replacement Parts

Can Hettich hinges be replaced by other brands? Yes, provided the hole pattern matches. A hinge used as an alternative to Hettich must have a 35 mm cup diameter and use the same dimensions for the mounting plate (cruciform mounting plate). The functionality is identical when these parameters are met.

How do I adjust the opening angle of a hinge? The opening angle (e.g. 110° or 155°) is fixed by the design of the hinge. It can only be modified by replacing the entire concealed hinge or by inserting dedicated opening angle restrictors, provided the hinge technically supports them.

Can dampers be retrofitted to a wall unit? Yes. Either by replacing the hinges entirely with models featuring integrated soft-close technology, or by clipping or screwing separate furniture door dampers onto the carcass side.

How far can adjustable plinth feet be adapted? Standard kitchen feet have a nominal height (e.g. 100 mm or 150 mm) and can be fine-tuned via a threaded section. The adjustment range is typically around -10 mm to +20 mm.