Pantograph for a cabinet - everything you need to know about this type of structure

Icer
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Icer April 27, 2018Specialization: master in the construction of plasterboard structures, finishing work and laying floor coverings. Installation of door and window units, finishing of facades, installation of electrical, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

Today we will figure out how to make your closet more convenient to use using a device such as a pantograph. This is a special system that allows you to raise and lower the bar under the hangers at the moment you need. Thanks to this design, compartments with clothes can be located in the upper part of the closet, freeing up space below for shelves.

Pantograph is a very convenient element in modern clothing storage systems

Features and types of designs

Let us analyze the design in detail, since it is unfamiliar to most of the population.

Pantograph design

Any system of this type consists of several components:

Classic design option

• Side levers . The main load-bearing elements that support the weight of clothing and must be rigid so as not to deform when the structure is raised and lowered;
• Sliding rod . There are hangers with clothes on it. In order not to select a separate size for a niche, the rod is made extendable to change the length. The possible size range is always indicated on the packaging, do not forget to check this aspect when purchasing;
• Fixing elements . With their help, the structure is attached to the walls of the cabinet. They must be strong and wear-resistant; if there is anything to break in the product, it is the fixing units;
• Lifting mechanism . It consists of two parts, which are located where the structure is attached to the cabinet walls and are hidden by plastic covers. Responsible for the easy descent and ascent of the pantograph and must be of high quality in order to last a long time;
• Lever. Available in mechanical models and needed for lowering and raising the structure.

The system is used in wardrobes, as they are made to order and you select the contents. But there are also ready-made models that include a pantograph. One closet can contain two or more similar elements at once, it all depends on the layout and the amount of clothing that needs to be placed.

Cabinet with two pantographs

The principle of operation is simple: when you pull down on the rigid handle, it lowers. And, conversely, push the crossbar up - and it will smoothly rise and lock in the upper position.

Kinds

There are currently two types of pantographs on sale: mechanical and electrical. Let's look at each option separately.

Mechanical models have the following features:

• The system operates using springs that have a certain rigidity. Depending on them, the carrying capacity of one element varies in the range from 10 to 20 kg, you need to select a model according to the weight of things, for outerwear it is better to use more powerful options;
• The design is easy to install and operate . The kit always includes instructions with diagrams of fastening and location of holders in the cabinet. No additional settings or adjustments are needed; after installation, you can use the pantograph;
• Variable rod length . Typically the range is from 450mm to 1250mm, which is sufficient for most cabinets. The length changes quickly, the element is easily fixed in the required position;
• Low cost . The price starts from 2000 rubles, so this option is very popular.

To lower the structure, you need to pull the handle down

Electric drive options have the following features:

• Ease of use. There is no need to pull the handle, just press the button and the crossbar will smoothly lower down. This is especially convenient if there is a lot of clothing hanging on the pantograph and the load on the structure is high;
• Various control options . There are two main types of systems, the first is controlled by a button, which is connected by wire to the control unit, and the second operates from a remote control. Of course, the remote control is more convenient to use, but such a kit will also cost more. On average, the price starts from 8,000 rubles and can even reach tens of thousands;

Elevator mechanism operated by remote control

• Installation must be carried out by a qualified specialist . If you do not understand electrics, then it is better to hire a professional to do the work so as not to damage the expensive electric drive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each product has its pros and cons; as for the pantograph, its main advantages are as follows:

The design also has disadvantages:

• Moving parts wear out over time . First, this leads to the appearance of play in the structure, and over time it completely fails. It is most often impossible to repair a single unit; you have to replace the entire system. An ordinary rod has no service life at all, since it is rigidly attached to the cabinet walls;
• Creaking often occurs during use . This is especially noticeable if the pantograph is located in the bedroom and one of the family members needs to take clothes in the morning. The noise may wake up sleepers;
• High price . If you compare it with a regular barbell, which costs hundreds of rubles, the difference is tens of times. This is not a budget solution, but if convenience is important to you, then the cost is worth it;
• Difficult installation . Installing the system is not very difficult, but if you compare it with a stationary boom, the process is much more complicated and takes many times more time.

Preparing a wardrobe for installation of a pantograph

If you decide to carry out such an upgrade, be prepared for the fact that you may have to change the location of some shelves in the closet. It’s good if they are removable, then this event will not take much time. The maximum that needs to be done is to drill new holes for the shelf supports in a new location. Otherwise, you will need to drill holes for confirmations in the side posts.

Despite the fact that there are already holes at the ends of the shelves, it is recommended to drill new ones with an offset. Don’t be too lazy to do this, since laminated chipboard, from which most inexpensive standard wardrobes are made, has a rather loose structure. If you unscrew and then screw the confirmat into the old hole, the connection may not be reliable. Of course, this doesn't always happen, but why tempt fate? It’s better to play it safe in advance by spending just a few minutes on it.

In principle, this is where the preparation ends, since the process itself is absolutely simple and does not require any special skills or conditions. To perform installation, it is enough to have a pantograph, a prepared niche and the following tools:

1. Drill or electric screwdriver;
2. Tape measure, marker and awl;
3. Magnetic holder, screw bits and screwdriver;
4. Drill Ø3 mm;
5. Hex key.

The procedure for installing a pantograph

The installation of our elevator can be divided into three main stages, which are performed in the following sequence:

1. Marking the side posts - first you need to determine the location of the vertical center line of these parts and draw them. Then you need to mark the lower level of the pantograph with a perpendicular line - measure its total height from the bottom of the mounting box with the lifting mechanism, add 30 mm to this value and measure the resulting distance from the roof of the wardrobe. Then attach the mounting strips one by one so that the central axes of the levers coincide with the middle lines drawn a little earlier. Now you need to put marks with a marker or pencil on the side posts through the holes for the screws in the back wall of the box. At this point, the marking procedure can be considered complete.

2. Drilling racks for self-tapping screws - in general this stage is optional, but it’s better not to neglect it. Prepared sockets for screwing in fasteners will ensure accuracy and quality of installation. To do this, it is recommended to make marks with an awl at the marked points, and then use a Ø3 mm drill to make blind holes 5 mm deep.

3. Fastening the mounting strips with subsequent fixation of the levers with the lifting mechanism on the side posts and fastening the rod with the handle - align the slots in the strip with the previously drilled blind holes in the partitions and screw in the screws. Do not confuse the right and left levers; on some models, the slots are located symmetrically, and you may not immediately notice your mistake, then you will have to twist the parts. To avoid this, watch which way the lever is lowered. Assemble the barbell by connecting the tubes and placing a handle on them. Then lower one of the levers and, holding it in a position that is comfortable for you, screw the rod to it with a mounting screw using a hex key. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side. The pantograph is ready for use.

Such an installation can be carried out even if in the foreseeable future you plan to order a new wardrobe according to individual sizes. The mechanism used is dismantled and installed in newly manufactured furniture. In this case, the pantograph must meet the basic requirements: have a sufficient number of working cycles and match the width of the niche of the custom-made cabinet where it is planned to be installed.

Achieving a competitive advantage in today's oversaturated furniture market is possible only for s.

The upper part of tall, massive cabinets is usually reserved for rarely used and unnecessary things. Old outfits that are inappropriate for the current season are sent there. This is because to access it you need to stand on a chair, stool or use a ladder. But there is a device that can provide free access to the top of the wardrobe and convenience when choosing clothes. Let's look at a pantograph for a closet, what it comes in, how to make and install a furniture lift with your own hands.

How to choose the right one

When choosing a specific model, pay attention to the following aspects:

• Material of manufacture . The most common options are made of chromed steel; they are durable, but over time the coating can wear out and the appearance deteriorates. Another solution is aluminum; this type of product is much lighter, but it also wears out faster. Pay attention to the plastic parts, they should not be too soft;
• Type of lifting mechanism . If the weight of the clothes that will be stored is large, then it makes sense to purchase a reinforced version with a load capacity of 20 kg or even more. And choose not a spring mechanism, but a gas one, in which two shock absorbers do the work; they provide a softer ride of the system;
• Manufacturer . There are plenty of resources on the Internet with reviews of products from different companies. It is better to look for relevant resources and get acquainted with the opinions of those who are already using the model you have chosen;

The drawing, which is on the label of each product, will tell you its main characteristics and dimensions

• Control type . Manual options are much cheaper, but electric ones are more convenient to use. What to choose is up to you, it all depends on the costs you can afford;
• Dimensions and parameters . Three indicators are important: the length of the rod, it must fit the compartment; permissible load (it is better to take the system with a reserve so as not to overload the pantograph and thereby not reduce its service life); the difference between the positions of the rod in the raised and lowered state - check how much it lowers and how far it extends outside the cabinet;
• Durability of the device . It all depends on the material of manufacture and the build quality of the structure. Another sign of quality is the warranty period; the longer it is, the stronger the product.

For narrow compartments, systems are used with fastening on one side of the furniture, their maximum load capacity is 5 kg

conclusions

Now you know everything about furniture pantographs and can choose and install this mechanism in your closet yourself. Let's summarize the article:

• pantograph simplifies access to the upper sections of the cabinet;
• There are mechanical and electrical models;
• You can install the device yourself;
• Convenience and ergonomics are compensated by the high price.

An ingenious engineering design solved the problem of operating tall wardrobes without mezzanines. It is very easy to get any item from your wardrobe if you have a pantograph. Take advantage of modern solutions.

Hello, dear readers! It has happened that when you are getting ready for work in a hurry, you open the closet and cannot find the necessary thing, because... Although it is neatly folded, it lies in the far corner of the closet, and even on the top shelf, which is impossible to get out without improvised means. On our website you will learn about one device in the closet that will change your outlook on using familiar furniture. Of course, we will talk about such know-how of human thought as the pantograph.