Repair the kitchen –
Sustainable, affordable & without buying new
Get your kitchen back into top shape – step by step!
4 common problems and how you can solve them
1. Drawer jams – what to do?
A sticking or blocked drawer is one of the most common problems in the kitchen – especially in older kitchens. Over time, drawer runners can warp, wear loose or become damaged, causing the drawer to run askew or become difficult to open. Dirt, trapped objects or worn sliders are also common causes.
If you want to repair your kitchen, you do not necessarily need to replace the entire cabinet carcass – often it is enough to replace the damaged runner or switch directly to a modern system.
Typical causes of a jammed drawer:
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The runners are bent or broken
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Sliding rollers are blocked or damaged
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The drawer is incorrectly fitted or overloaded
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Foreign objects (e.g. cutlery, packaging) are jamming the running area
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Dirt, grease or crumbs are obstructing the runner
This is how to solve the problem:
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Remove the drawer and inspect the runners thoroughly
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Replace defective rails – ideally with a set from our range
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If required, convert to soft-close or tip-on rails for greater convenience
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When installing, ensure exact alignment – so that everything runs smoothly again
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Optional: add interior pull-outs or new glides to improve usability
Kreg drilling jig – for precise drawer installation
With the Kreg drilling jig you can install drawer runners quickly, neatly and precisely – without any lengthy measuring. It helps you position runners at the same height and the correct depth.
Ideal for repairs or when retrofitting modern systems such as soft-close- or Tip-on runners.
Tall cabinet pull-outs – easy access to supplies
Tall cabinets offer plenty of storage space – but what is stored at the top often remains difficult to reach. With a tall cabinet pull-out, you can bring everything down to a comfortable height. Whether as a pantry pull-out or with individually swivelling baskets – you always have a full overview.
Advantages:
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Convenient access to supplies, spices or canned goods
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Ideal for narrow alcoves and tall cabinets
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Soft-close technology for comfortable handling
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Particularly space-saving in a slim design
Base cabinet pull-outs – finally order under the worktop
Tall cabinets offer plenty of storage space – but what is stored at the top often remains hard to reach. With a tall cabinet pull-out, you bring everything to a comfortable height. Whether as a larder pull-out or with individually swivelling baskets – you always have a full overview.
Advantages:
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Convenient access to provisions, spices or tins
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Ideal for narrow niches and tall cabinets
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Soft-close technology for comfortable handling
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Particularly space-saving in a slim design
Parallel swivel fittings – store heavy kitchen appliances cleverly
Heavy kitchen appliances such as slicers or bread slicers do not need to remain permanently on the worktop. With a parallel swivel fitting, they can be conveniently stored in the base cabinet – and, when required, brought out to worktop height.
Advantages:
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Ergonomic solution for heavy appliances
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Space-saving storage in the base cabinet
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Easy operation with release mechanism
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Secure locking during use
Empfohlene Produkte für die Schubladenreparatur:
2. Repair or replace skirting boards – simple, flexible & durable
🔧 How to repair your plinth strip – step by step to a neat solution
A damaged or loose plinth strip in the kitchen not only looks untidy, it can also draw dirt, moisture and even pests behind the cabinet. Fortunately, the repair is often quick and easy to do – even without specialist knowledge. This is the best way to proceed:
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Carefully remove the plinth strip
Using a flat tool or spatula, you can gently lever the strip off – with older kitchens, a firm grip is often enough, especially if it was only clipped or glued in place. -
Check the fixing
Check whether the previous system consisted of clips, screws or adhesive pads. For clip mounting: replace broken or worn holders – this is often where the cause of the detachment lies. -
Clean the surface
Remove old adhesive residues, dirt or crumbs thoroughly. The strip will only hold permanently on a clean surface – whether glued or pushed into place. -
Reposition and fix the strip
Reinsert the plinth strip precisely – either by clipping it in, screwing it on or using a suitable adhesive tape. Adhesive is particularly suitable if you live in a rented flat or do not want to drill. -
Replace the plinth strip if necessary
Is the decor damaged or does the strip no longer match the height or the floor? Then replacement is worthwhile. New, flexible models can often be cut to size precisely and blend unobtrusively into the overall look.
Under-cabinet & built-in lights – targeted light for work surfaces
Good illumination of work areas is essential in every kitchen. With under-cabinet and built-in lights you provide light exactly where you need it – e.g. under wall units, in display cabinets or alcoves. The slim lights blend discreetly into the overall look and can usually be retrofitted without any problem.
Advantages:
- direct light without shadowing
- space-saving installation under or in furniture
- many models available with dimming function or sensor
LED strips & tracks – for stylish ambience
For a modern kitchen atmosphere, LED strips and LED tracks provide the perfect solution. They create lighting accents in plinth areas, under worktops or behind splashbacks – all individually tailored. While LED strips are particularly versatile, LED tracks offer a structured lighting effect with even illumination.
Advantages:
- Versatile applications – also decorative
- Energy-saving and durable
- Ideal for indirect light & atmospheric effects
Modern Switches & Dimmers – for even more comfort
It becomes really practical when you can control your lighting conveniently and flexibly. With modern sensor switches, touch dimmers or infrared solutions, you can regulate light intensity and the on/off function intuitively – and often even without touching them at all.
Benefits:
- Lighting control by hand movement, touch or remote control
- Dimmable for different lighting moods
- Easy to integrate into existing systems
💡 Kevin from Heimwerkertools
Tip: When bonding the skirting board to tiles or laminate, be sure to thoroughly degrease beforehand – otherwise even the best mounting tape will not hold permanently.
A scratched sink or a dripping trap is no cause for joy – but the solution is simpler than many people think. Modern sinks and waste fittings can be fitted even without prior knowledge yourself. Especially in older kitchens, replacement is worthwhile – both visually and technically.
Replacing the siphon in the kitchen – what you need to know
A leaking or outdated siphon can be replaced quickly by yourself – provided you pay attention to a few important details:
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Check dimensions: The standard is DN40 (40 mm). The siphon must fit the waste outlet and wall connection.
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Choose the design: Classic bend or space-saving slim siphon – depending on cabinet depth.
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Dishwasher connection? Then you need a siphon with an additional appliance connection.
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Fit seals properly: Tightening by hand is enough – overtightening will damage the seal.
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Test for leaks: Run water and check all joints for drips.
Replacing the sink in the kitchen – quick, clean, done yourself
An old sink can often be replaced more easily than you might think. With a little preparation and the right accessories, the replacement can also be carried out without specialist knowledge:
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Check sink dimensions: Most inset sinks fit standardised cut-outs – ideal for standard base cabinets (e.g. 60 cm).
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Remove the old sink: Loosen fixings, remove silicone residue, and clean the cut-out thoroughly.
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Install the new sink: Secure it with an installation frame or clips, align it evenly, then seal it.
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Connect the tap & waste fitting: Use the existing connections or replace them if necessary – is everything watertight?
4. Plinth adjustable leg broken? Here's how to bring your kitchen back into balance
A wobbling base cabinet is more than just a minor defect – it can block drawers, pull doors out of alignment or even disrupt the entire look of the kitchen. The cause is often a broken or sagging plinth adjustable leg . Fortunately, the solution is quick and straightforward – especially in modular kitchen systems.
Here is how to do it:
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Remove the old foot
Whether screw-in or push-in system: defective plinth feet can usually be removed easily. Look out for any brackets or threaded adjustments. -
Fit the new plinth adjuster
Depending on the system, insert the replacement foot, click it into place or screw it directly into the cabinet base panel. Important: The load-bearing capacity must match the cabinet width. -
Adjust the height to the millimetre
Using a screwdriver or the integrated height adjustment, align the cabinet precisely – a spirit level is your best friend here. -
Check the other feet
Especially on uneven floors: check all feet to distribute the load evenly. This prevents stresses in the furniture and ensures a stable stand.
✅ Conclusion: Repair instead of buying new – with just a few simple steps to a functional kitchen
Many kitchen problems can be solved quickly, inexpensively and entirely without a tradesperson by yourself. Whether it is wobbling cabinets, a dripping siphon, loose plinth panels or sticking drawers – with the right products and a little time, a worn kitchen can once again become a reliable, functional space.
Repairing is worthwhile – you save money, extend the service life of your furniture and enhance the appearance of your kitchen. And best of all: many repairs are easier than you think.
2. More space on worktops – use your walls cleverly!
Wall brackets for shelves – functional & stylish
With wall brackets open shelves can be easily mounted on the wall – perfect for creating additional storage space for spices, jars or decorative items. This lets you make clever use of unused wall space without blocking valuable worktop space.
Thanks to various designs, wall brackets suit every kitchen style and allow you to combine shelf boards flexibly – entirely according to your needs and taste.
Cabinet hangers for wall cabinets – securely & invisibly fixed
Cabinet hangers are the ideal solution for securely and discreetly fixing wall cabinets or top cabinets to the wall. Whether classic hanging loops for drilling in, practical models for hanging on, or almost invisible cabinet hangers – they ensure a secure hold and a clean look in your kitchen.
With a suitable wall rail or mounting plate, installation is quick and reliable – perfect for a tidy, well-thought-out kitchen design.
Hook rails – practical organisational aids for mugs, tea towels & kitchen accessories
With hook rails you can create order in your kitchen quickly and easily. Whether for mugs, kitchen utensils, tea towels or pot holders – wall-mounted, you have everything within easy reach and at the same time gain more space in drawers and cupboards.
Whether classic in metal or modern combined with wood – hook rails are functional and a stylish detail for your kitchen wall.