Spare Parts & Compatible Fittings for IKEA Pax — Overview

Spare parts suitable for IKEA Pax are based on the industrial System 32, which works with a standardised hole spacing of 32 mm and 5 mm drill holes.

Modular wardrobe systems are the standard in modern furniture assembly. When wear and tear occurs on a large piece of furniture, such as a two-person wardrobe, after years of intensive use, a complete replacement of the carcass is usually unnecessary. Instead, defective fittings can be replaced in a targeted manner. Since the industry relies on fixed standards, fitters and joiners have access to a wide selection of components that are compatible with IKEA and specific series such as Pax or Utrusta.

This guide breaks down the technical specifications that are crucial for choosing matching replacement parts and fittings.

What to Look Out for Regarding Compatibility

The foundation of compatibility is System 32. This design principle works like a universal coordinate system on the workbench: if the spacing in the grid is correct, every standardised component integrates seamlessly into the construction.

For selecting spare parts suitable for Pax, the following dimensions must be checked:

• Hole spacing: Vertically exactly 32 mm from hole centre to hole centre.
• Distance to front edge: The first row of holes sits 37 mm from the front carcass edge as standard.
• Drill hole diameter: For shelf supports and Euro screws, the diameter is generally 5 mm.
• Cup hole: For concealed hinges, the standard diameter in the door front is 35 mm.

Matching Fittings as an Alternative to IKEA Pax and Komplement

The choice of the right fitting depends on the exact millimetre measurements of the carcass and the fronts. furnica offers technical components that function as direct replacements for IKEA fittings.

Concealed Hinges

The standard doors of wardrobe systems are fitted with concealed hinges. A suitable concealed hinge requires a 35 mm drill hole.

• Opening angle: Standard hinges feature an opening angle of 110°. If drawers are retrofitted inside the wardrobe, a wide-angle hinge with 155° or 165° is strictly required so that the opened door does not collide with the extending drawer.
• Cranking type: Classic single wardrobes use full overlay (the door fully covers the carcass side). If two doors share a central partition, half overlay is required.
• Mounting plates: Attachment to the carcass is done via a cruciform mounting plate compatible with the 32 mm hole pattern.

Drawer Runners and Slides

The depth of the carcass dictates the length of the runner. Many wardrobes feature an external depth of 60 cm, which corresponds to a usable internal depth of around 58 cm. Guide runners with a nominal length of 500 mm or 550 mm are used here. For a wardrobe with a carcass depth of 50 cm, one typically relies on runners with a length of 450 mm.

Technically, a distinction is made between two extension types:

• Full extension: The drawer can be pulled 100% out of the carcass. This is essential for deep wardrobes to access the rear storage space.
• Partial extension: The runner stops at around 75% of its length.

When carcasses are modified into bespoke living solutions, for example as the base for a TV sideboard or a TV lowboard, the same rules apply to the runners. Here, the weight of the stored items determines the choice of runner – heavy-duty runners with a load capacity of 30 kg to 45 kg provide the necessary stability.

Flaps and Top Units

If the wardrobe system is extended upwards with top units, upward-opening fronts are often used. For this purpose, flap fittings are installed. To hold the front securely open, a gas strut is required. The pushing force is measured in Newtons (N). The correct rating (e.g. 150 N or 250 N) is calculated from the weight and height of the flap. For large-format MDF or solid wood fronts, gas struts for heavy flaps are required, as standard models cannot hold the weight.

Complementary Components for Conversions

Wardrobe carcasses are often modified to integrate home office solutions. When a compartment is used as a desk substitute, a desk cable grommet ensures clean routing of cables through the back panel or shelf.

Installation and Retrofitting: Technical Implementation

Fitting compatible replacement parts requires precision, but it can be carried out efficiently with the right tools.

Required tools:

• Cordless drill/driver
• Cross-head screwdriver (PZ for Pozidriv or PH for Phillips)
• Rule or calliper
• Optional: drilling template for 35 mm concealed hinges

Step-by-Step: Replacing a Concealed Hinge

1. Dismantling: Loosen the screws of the cruciform mounting plate on the carcass. Then remove the defective concealed hinge from the 35 mm hole in the door.
2. Inspection: Measure the distance between the screw holes on the door. The standard spacing of the fixing screws next to the 35 mm cup is usually 45 mm or 52 mm.
3. Mounting the plate: Screw the new mounting plate precisely into the existing 5 mm holes of the hole row in the carcass. Use Euro screws for this.
4. Inserting the hinge: Press the cup of the new hinge into the door front and screw it in place. Ensure it sits squarely at a right angle to the door edge.
5. Adjustment: Hang the door (with clip-on hinges, simply press onto the mounting plate). Use the three adjustment screws on the hinge arm for alignment: depth adjustment, height adjustment, and lateral adjustment (overlay).

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Compatibility

Is there a drilling template specifically for the IKEA Utrusta 110-degree hinge? Since the hinges of the Utrusta series correspond to the industrial standard, you do not need a brand-specific template. Any standard drilling template for 35 mm concealed hinges and System 32 is compatible and marks the correct drilling points for the cup and the mounting plate.

Which drawer runners fit if the wardrobe has a depth of 50 cm? With an external carcass depth of 50 cm, the usable internal depth is usually around 48 cm (minus back panel and front). Guide runners with a nominal length of 450 mm are compatible here. A full extension runner ensures complete access to the entire drawer.

Are furniture legs for kitchen and wardrobe systems standardised? Yes, plinth legs usually work with standardised threads or screw-on plates. If you are looking for adjustable feet as replacements for IKEA kitchens or wardrobes, look for models with an M8 thread or a 4-point screw plate. These can be adjusted smoothly in height to compensate for uneven floors.

What should I look out for with shelf supports? Measure the diameter of the hole row in the carcass. Most modern systems use holes with a 5 mm diameter. Shelf supports with a 5 mm pin are suitable for Pax. For heavy loads, metal shelf supports are recommended instead of plastic.