If you have old kitchen drawers that need slides, the most common type is side-mount slides. To install these, you’ll need to remove the drawer from the cabinet, measure the inside and choose the appropriate size slides for your drawers, attach the drawer and screw it into position.
The slides need to be inserted into the drawer first with the slider attached–the part that comes into contact with the cabinet. Then attach the slides to the cabinet and screw them into place. Place the drawer back in place and move it back and forth to make sure it’s on the right track.
If it is, all that’s left is to adjust the slides if they don’t fit perfectly–you can do this by loosening the screws on either side and positioning them accordingly. Once everything is fitted perfectly, you’re all done!.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen drawer slides?
Replacing kitchen drawer slides can range drastically in cost depending on how many slides need to be replaced and the type of slides chosen. The simplest type of slides cost between $8-$15 and come with basic features, making them a good option if budget is tight.
If more features are desired, such as soft and silent closings, then the cost for each slide can increase to anywhere from $25 to $30. Depending on the size of drawers and how many slides are needed, the replacement project could range from $25-$150 or more.
The total cost will also depend on if the homeowner is doing the installation themselves or hiring a professional to do it.
Can you replace regular drawer slides with soft close?
Yes, you can replace regular drawer slides with soft close drawer slides. Soft close drawer slides use a built-in dampening system that gently and quietly closes the drawer when it is 90% shut. This prevents the drawer from slamming shut and helps prevent any damage from occurring.
To replace the regular drawer slides with soft close, you’ll need to remove the existing slides and measure the existing drawer for the new slides. After purchasing the compatible soft close slides, install them following the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure to secure the slides to both the drawer and the cabinet frame.
That’s it – now you have soft close drawer slides.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
Drawer slides come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. The 5 main types of drawer slides are:
1. Side-mount drawer slides: These are the most common and cost-effective type of drawer slides. They are typically made of steel or plastic with roller bearing systems and come in both full-extension and soft-close models.
They mount on the sides of the cabinet and drawer box and allow the drawer to open and close with ease.
2. Bottom-mount drawer slides: These slides are similar to side-mount drawer slides, but instead of mounting on the side of the cabinet and drawer box, they mount on the bottom. Bottom-mount drawer slides allow for easier cleaning and more usable storage space within the drawer box.
3. Undermount drawer slides: These slides are becoming increasingly popular in modern design, as they are quite discreet and hidden out of sight. Instead of mounting on the side or bottom of the drawer box, they slide underneath the drawer.
In some cases, they may require additional hardware, such as a drawer back plate, for proper installation.
4. Push-to-open drawer slides: These drawer slides are a more convenient alternative to standard drawer slides. They feature a unique spring-loaded system that allows the drawer to be opened with a light push.
A handle is not required for this type of drawer slide.
5. Telescoping drawer slides: These drawer slides are ideal for larger drawers where extra length is required for full-extension capabilities. They come in both full-extension and soft-close models and are commonly used in kitchen cabinets.
Can you add metal runners to drawers?
Yes, you can add metal runners to drawers. Metal drawers are an ideal storage solution for a wide range of items. They slide open more easily than traditional wooden drawers, and many have a solid frame for added durability and strong construction.
With metal runners, drawers can also be designed to slide side-to-side, rather than just open and close, allowing for more access to items that are stored inside. Additionally, many metal drawers are designed with integrated locks and can be used to safely store larger items out of sight.
By choosing to add metal runners to drawers, you can ensure that the drawer will open and close smoothly and provide extra convenience and security for all of your storage needs.
How do you install soft close drawer slides on old drawers?
Installing soft close drawer slides on old drawers can be a relatively straightforward process. To begin, you’ll need to measure the length of the drawer and the depth of the interior of the cabinet opening.
This will help you to choose the size and type of soft close drawer slides that will fit best. Once you have the correct size slides, you will horizontally mount and level them on the sides of the drawer, using the appropriate screws.
After that, you’ll need to repeat the same process and mount the slides on the inside of the cabinet opening.
Next, you’ll want to attach the soft close slide to the drawer – usually this is done using screws, although some soft close slides may use a different method, so it’s important to check the instructions that come with your slides.
Once the soft close slides are correctly mounted and secured, it’s time to adjust them. Depending on the type of slides you have, you may have a tension adjuster, but for other slides, you may just have to adjust the screws or nuts accordingly to ensure the drawer smoothly glides in and out on its own.
Finally, check that the drawer glides along the full length of the opening and is not bumping or rubbing against any sides. If all looks good, you’re all set!
Can you replace drawer runners?
Yes, drawer runners can be replaced. Drawer runners are part of the sliding mechanism that allows your drawer to open and close smoothly. Replacing a drawer runner requires you to disassemble the drawer and remove the old runners.
Once that is done, you will need to measure the drawer and select a drawer runner of an appropriate length. You can purchase drawer runners at home improvement stores or order them online. Some runners come pre-drilled with holes and some require you to drill the holes.
You will also need to measure your drawer and select a runner with a matching width. Once you have the correct size runners and have drilled the holes, you can attach the runners to your drawer and reassemble the drawer.
This can be a tricky process as drawer runners need to fit exactly to ensure proper functionality. It is best to read the documentation that comes with the drawer runners before you begin the installation process.
Which drawer slides are easiest to install?
The easiest drawer slides to install are typically self-closing full extension ball bearing slides. They are available in sizes that can accommodate any drawer size and the installation is straightforward and typically does not require any additional hardware.
The slide itself contains mounting brackets that attach to the inside of the cabinet, with the drawer then fitting into the tracks. Depending on the individual slides you may need to adjust the travel, close speed, and lock-in of the slide, as well as aligning the drawer and cabinet.
Once these adjustments are made these slides are easy to install and operate for many years.
Can drawer slides be shorter than drawer?
Yes, drawer slides can be shorter than drawers. However, it is not recommended, as the extra clearance that is necessary for the drawers to slide in and out easily is lost. The ideal scenario is for the length of the drawer slides to match the length of the drawer, or be slightly longer than that.
Additionally, the height of the drawer slide should also match the height of the drawer, otherwise it could cause the drawer to not fit properly in the opening. As such, it is usually best to install properly sized drawer slides for optimal results.
How do you measure for replacement side mount drawer slides?
Measuring for replacement side mount drawer slides can be a bit tricky. To get the right fit, you will need to measure the length of your drawer opening as well as the width. To measure the length, open the drawer and measure the distance from the left of the drawer opening to the right.
To measure the width, measure inside the drawer opening from the top to the bottom. It is important to measure the drawer opening and not the existing slide, because many times the existing slide is not the exact size.
Once you have your measurements, you should find side mount drawer slides that correspond to those measurements. You should also compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s specifications for the replacement slides to ensure a proper fit.
If the correct size isn’t available, you may need to shim the drawer/frame for a secure fit. Finally, make sure you have all the appropriate hardware, such as screws and mounting plates, to ensure that the slides remain securely in place and operate effectively.
What size drawer slides for a 21 cabinet?
The size of drawer slides for a 21 cabinet will depend on the weight of the contents in the drawer, as well as the type of slide being used. Generally, if the drawer is going to be used for light items, such as clothes or silverware, then a smaller slide should be used, such as a 3/4 size.
If the drawer is going to be used for heavier tools and equipment, then a larger size, such as a full-extension side mount slide, will be necessary. It may also be wise to add a few soft close slides, as these will make opening and closing the drawer a lot easier and less susceptible to damage.
How far does a 24 inch drawer slide extend?
Most 24 inch drawer slides will extend out two-thirds (2/3) of their actual length when fully extended, so a 24 inch drawer slide can extend out 16 inches. However, this may depend on the specific type and brand of drawer slide you are using, and if you are using side-mount or bottom-mount slides, as this can influence the general extension of the slides.
If you are unsure, consult the product manual and/or install instructions to ensure that you get the desired extension from your drawer slides.
What length of drawer slides do I need?
The length of drawer slides you need will depend on the size of the drawer and the type of slides you will be using. Standard ball-bearing drawer slides are available in a range of sizes from 10 inches to 24 inches, but there are longer slides available for use in larger drawers.
If you have a cabinet that is wider than 24 inches, then you may need to consider special heavy-duty drawer slides, which are available up to 60 inches in length. In addition, remember that different types of drawer slides have different gap requirements between the cabinet and the drawer, so it is important to double-check the specifications for your particular slide before you make your final decision.
How much clearance is needed for drawer slides?
The amount of clearance needed for drawer slides will depend largely on the size and type of drawer slides that you choose to use. The most common type of drawer slides are known as ball-bearing slides, which need a minimum of 1/2 inch of clearance on each side of the cabinet opening in order to function properly.
Full-extension slides need a little more clearance, usually around 3/4 of an inch. If you are using heavy-duty slides, such as those designed for drawers that are over 24 inches wide, you may need up to 1 inch of clearance.
It’s also important to consider how versatile you want your cabinets to be by choosing the right size of slides. Some slides can accommodate drawer depths up to 26 inches, while others are more compact and are limited to a depth of 18 inches or less.
It’s important to make sure that the slides you choose are compatible with the cabinet and drawer sizes you are working with in order to maximize efficiency and optimize your use of space.
How long should a drawer runner be?
A drawer runner should be long enough to support the entire drawer. The size of your drawer will determine the length of the drawer runner needed. Generally, glass-front drawers use one runner per side of the drawer, while other drawers may need two on each side for greater weight support.
The total length of the drawer runner should be equal to the length of the drawer itself, plus the depth of the drawer, to ensure the runners will extend past the depth of the drawer. Many runner sets may be cut to the desired length as needed, providing greater customization options.
What is the difference between bottom mount and side mount drawer slides?
Bottom mount drawer slides involve having the drawer slide mounted at the bottom of the cabinet, and is the more traditional variety. The drawers hang down from the slides, and usually require a groove cut in the bottom of the drawer.
It is cheaper to install compared to side mount slides, making it popular for DIYers.
Side mount drawer slides involve having the drawer slide mounted at the side of the cabinet in a groove cut out of the side of the drawer. This allows the drawer to open and close smoothly along the entire length of the inside of the cabinet with the extra functionality that the drawer can be completely released from the cabinet.
It is more expensive to install compared to bottom mount slides, but with this type of slide, the entire drawer can be removed and replaced or adjusted if necessary. Additionally, side mount slides provide better support than bottom mount slides since they are attached to both sides of the drawer.
What kind of slides do you use for dresser drawers?
The kind of slides used for dresser drawers depend on the size and weight of the drawers. For lighter drawers, three-quarter extension slides are an ideal option as they provide a full range of visible access to the drawers.
For heavier drawers, such as those with large items, full extension, heavy duty slides are recommended as they can support heavier weights and still provide full access to drawers. It’s important to note that all slides should be securely fastened to the drawer and the dresser frame to eliminate movement and provide a smooth draw.
The slides should also be matched to the opening width and have padding applied to protect the dresser surface.
What is an undermount drawer slide?
An undermount drawer slide is a type of drawer slide used to help drawers open and close smoothly. It is designed to be installed on the underside of the drawer and attached to the cabinet, so it remains hidden when the drawer is fully open.
This type of slide has the distinct advantage of offering drawer openings up to 100%, eliminating the bulky length of a side-mount slide, which has a 20-30% overhang. Its design also requires minimal effort to open and close the drawer, since the weight of the drawer is supported by the slide and cabinet.
Additionally, this type of slide creates a more modern aesthetic as it eliminates any visible hardware. Finally, undermount slides offer many installation options, as they either screw or snap into the bottom of the drawer and onto the cabinet.