How to Install Slow Closing Cabinets

Slow-closing cabinet doors save hinge hardware and jangled nerves from slamming cabinet doors. Some hinge types are designed to make cabinet doors close slowly and softly. However, if you do not have this kind of hinge on your cabinets, you can still make them slow-closing. A small piston mechanism installed inside the door can cushion the motion of the closing door and allow it to close gently without noise. The cost of soft-close attachments is low, and you need only basic do-it-yourself skills to install them.

Soft-close piston attachment
Drill
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Open the cabinet door. Place the soft-close piston attachment in the upper corner of the cabinet opening on the hinge side. Point the cushioned end of the piston toward the front edge or the cabinet door. The adjustment screw on the back of the piston points toward the back of the cabinet. The attachment is designed so its housing seats into the corner of the cabinet opening.
- 2
  Hold the attachment in place firmly with one hand. Drill a pilot hole through the screw hole in the attachment housing. Each attachment brand differs, but the bit you need is generally around a 3/32 size.
- 3
  Screw the attachment to the cabinet housing using the pilot hole and the supplied screw.
- 4
  Close the cabinet door. If there is a gap between the door and the housing, open the door again and turn the adjustment screw on the back of the attachment a half turn counterclockwise. Test the door again. If it still does not close all the way, turn the adjustment screw another half turn. Continue this procedure until the door closes with no gap.

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