When measuring an existing drawer slide, you will need to measure the length and width of the drawer opening itself. Measure across the opening from the inside of one side to the other and then measure from the top inside frame to the bottom inside frame.
This will give you the overall measurement of the drawer opening. Next, you will want to measure the depth of the drawer slide. This can be done by measuring the metal portion of the slide. Start by measuring the overall length of this metal portion and then measure how deep it dents in at each end.
Lastly, assess how wide the slide is by measuring the width of the metal portion of the slide. Once you have all your measurements you can assess which slide works best for the drawer opening.
Can drawer slides be shorter than drawer?
Yes, drawer slides can be shorter than the drawer, however this is generally not ideal. It can lead to the drawer not opening fully and being difficult to pull out. In addition, it can cause the drawer to be unstable and it won’t be able to support heavy items.
For these reasons, it is best to use drawer slides that are the same length or longer than the drawer.
How do I know my drawer size?
The best way to determine the size of your drawer is to measure the inside space of the drawer itself. Measuring the space will give you a better indication of the size of the drawer, rather than trying to figure it out by looking at the outside.
Start by measuring the inside width, length, and depth of the drawer. These measurements can then be used to determine the size of the drawer. For example, a width measurement of 18 inches, a length measurement of 17 inches, and a depth measurement of 3 inches would give you an indication that your drawer is 18″ x 17″ x 3″.
Additionally, many stores will label the size of the drawer on the outside or in the description of the product. Comparing the measurements to this labeling may help you to determine the size of the drawer.
Do drawer slides have to be the same length as the drawer?
No, the size of the drawer slides does not have to be the same length as the drawer. The size of the drawer slides is determined by the desired application and type of drawer. Most of the common side mounted slides are available in different lengths and sizes, so that you can use the slides based on the size of the drawer for which you are using them.
Generally, the width of the drawer slides should be equal to or slightly less than the width of the drawer. This helps to ensure that the drawer will not rub against the sides of the opening or against the slides, which can interfere with smooth gliding operation.
Bottom mounted slides, however, are generally cut to the same size as the width of the drawer.
Can you replace drawer slides on old cabinets?
Yes, it is possible to replace drawer slides on old cabinets. Depending on the age of the cabinets, you may need to find compatible parts that fit the dimensions of the cabinet and drawer. In most cases, you will need to measure the slots in the cabinet and/or drawer and then find drawer slides that will match that size.
If the slide size is not easily obtainable, you may want to look into getting custom drawer slides manufactured. Once you’ve found the slides you need, you can then begin the process of installation.
Before you attach them to the cabinet, you should take the drawer out, clean the inside and make sure everything is in good working order. Once that is complete, then you will attach the drawer slides to the cabinet frame, making sure the ends of the slides attach snugly.
After that is finished, then you will place the drawer back in the cabinet and make sure the slides are in the correct position for use. Additionally, if you are working with plastic or metal slides, you may need to apply some lubricant or grease to reduce friction and make the drawer open and close smoothly.
How do I know what size cabinet pulls to use?
When selecting cabinet pulls, size is an important consideration. To determine which size best suits your needs, it is important to measure the doors and/or drawers that the pulls will be mounted to.
Generally, a pull should sit flush to the doors and drawers in order to provide a more polished aesthetic. Measure the height and width of the door or drawer and take the measurements to your local hardware store to determine which size of cabinet pull is appropriate.
As a general rule of thumb, smaller doors and drawers may work better with smaller pulls, while larger doors and drawers may handle larger pulls. Matching the hardware finish to the rest of the hardware in the space can also help create a cohesive look.
How long do my drawer slides need to be?
The size of your drawer slides will depend on the size of the drawer you are installing them in. The slides should be at least one inch longer than the width of the drawer itself, allowing for an inch of clearance on each side for proper movement.
If you are installing full-extension slides, where the drawer can be pulled all the way out, you should choose slides that are two inches longer than the width of the drawer. In addition, make sure the slides you choose are rated for the weight of the drawer you are installing.
For lighter drawers, lighter slides are generally used. For heavier drawers, you will need to choose drawer slides rated for heavier weights.
How much smaller should a drawer be than the opening?
When considering the size of a drawer versus the size of the opening, it is recommended that the drawer be at least 1/16″ smaller in width and depth than the opening, so that the drawer can fit properly.
The longer the drawer is, the more it will need to be made slightly smaller than the opening so that it slides correctly, though this can vary depending on the specific design. It is also important to ensure that all of the drawer dimensions, including height, are appropriately sized for the opening to ensure a snug but easily maneuvered fit.
Finally, if the drawer contains handles, make sure that the height of the drawer allows for them to be installed without any issues.
How much space do you need for drawer slides?
The amount of space needed for drawer slides will depend on what type of slides you are using and the size of the drawer. If you are using full extension slides, you will typically need at least 3 inches of space in the drawer itself to accommodate the slides.
However, if you are using soft-close or self-closing slides, you may need more space due to the extra mechanism used. You should also take into consideration the size of the drawer when choosing the type of slides – standard slides may not fit wide drawers, so an extra-wide slide may be necessary in this case.
Additionally, you may need extra space for mounting the slides to the sides of the drawer. In most cases, allowing for at least 1” of space between the sides of the drawer and the slides will give you the necessary room for mounting without taking away too much from the size of the drawer itself.
Why won’t my drawer close all the way?
One of the most common causes is that the drawer is overstuffed and contains things that are too large, causing the drawer to become stuck. If the drawer can’t slide past the items inside, it will not be able to close all the way.
You may also be experiencing issues with the tracks on which the drawer slides. If the tracks are damaged or obstructed, the drawer will not be able to close all the way. Additionally, the lack of tension and support on the drawer’s sliding mechanism can also cause issues.
Over time, the weight of the items inside the drawer can loosen the roller, causing the drawer to not be able to close all the way. Finally, the drawer front may be aligned at an angle that interferes with the ability to close.
When closed, one corner of the drawer may be touching the frame before the other end, causing the drawer to not close all the way. In this case, you may need to adjust the drawer front to align it properly.
How do you fix a drawer that sticks out on one side?
And the appropriate fix will depend on the cause. The most likely cause is that the sliding mechanism is out of alignment, and will need to be adjusted. To do this, you’ll need to remove the drawer first, then locate and adjust the mechanism and any adjustment screws.
Another possible cause of a sticking drawer is that the metal tracks and guides may need lubrication. To do this, remove the drawer, spray a lubricant or white graphite (available at hardware stores) along the metal tracks and guides, and then slide the drawer back into place.
It’s also possible that the drawer is just heavier on one side, and not properly balanced. If this is the case, try adjusting the drawer and moving the heavier items to the other side.
If none of these techniques work, it’s possible that some of the drawers may need to be replaced, for a more permanent fix.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
There are three main types of drawer slides: bottom-mount, center-mount, and side-mount. Bottom-mount slides attach to the bottom of the drawer and the interior of the cabinet, allowing the drawer to slide in and out.
Bottom-mount slides are the most common type and are available in many different styles, materials and sizes. Center-mount slides attach to the center of the drawer, and are often found on small drawers or storage cabinets.
Side-mount slides attach to the side of the drawer, and they are typically used on drawers that must extend farther outward, like lateral files or desk drawers. For heavy-duty applications, over-travel drawer slides and under-mount drawer slides provide smooth operations and can support up to 500 pounds.
Soft-close and self-close drawer slides are also available, which provide a dampened closing action to close the drawer gently and quietly. Additionally, concealed drawer slides, also known as invisible, or concealed undermount drawer slides, mount underneath the drawer and can be completely unseen when the drawer is completely opened.