Removing an undermount soft close drawer can be a tricky process, depending on the type of drawer and cabinet you have. Generally, the instructions below should help you successfully remove an undermount soft close drawer:
1. Open the drawer fully and identify the two drawer slides on either side of the drawer (usually on the inside of the cabinet).
2. Unscrew the screws attaching the drawer slides to the drawer. Then remove the drawer slides and set aside.
3. Carefully lift the drawer out of the cabinet by pinching the sides of the drawer and lifting up. The drawer may be secured with a few screws or clips, so you may need to unscrew them prior to removing it.
4. Once the drawer is out of the cabinet, take a look inside the cabinet to spot any additional screws, bolts, or clips that may remain from the drawer slides.
5. Remove any additional hardware and then close the cabinet.
Once all the hardware has been removed, the undermount soft close drawer should be removed from the cabinet. To reinstall the drawer, you can simply reattach the drawer slides and refasten the screws and clips.
Alternatively, you can choose to replace the existing drawer slides with different ones, such as concealed undermount soft close slides.
How do you remove a drawer slide without a lever?
Removing a drawer slide without a lever can be a tricky task, as the traditional lever can make it easier to separate the slide from the drawer. However, it is possible to do this without a lever. First, remove all drawers beneath the one with the faulty slide.
With all drawers removed, locate the two screws on either side of the drawer slide that hold it in place. Remove these screws with a Phillips screwdriver. With the screws removed, disconnect the wires connecting the runners at the back of the drawer slide, if they are present.
After disconnecting the wires, tilt the drawer and tap on the exposed part of the drawer slide to release it from the drawer. The drawer slide should come right out. If it is still stuck, you may need to gently pull on the drawer slide to release it.
Once the drawer slide is out, you can reinstall a new one.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
Drawer slides are components used to open and close drawers. They come in a variety of types and materials. The most common type of drawer slide is the side-mounted slide which is the most basic type of drawer slide.
This type of slide usually consists of two metal rails that are mounted on the sides of the drawer with a roller mechanism in the middle which allows the drawer to move easily and smoothly.
Another type of drawer slide is the bottom-mounted slide. This type of slide is similar to the side-mounted slide but the rails are mounted on the bottom of the drawer, providing additional stability and making it easier to slide the drawer in and out.
Soft-close drawer slides are designed with a mechanism that helps the drawer close softly, reducing the noise and minimizing wear and tear on the drawer. These types of slides are great for heavy drawers that are frequently used.
Full-extension drawer slides allow the user to pull the drawer out all the way, allowing for easy access to items stored in the back of the drawer. This type of slide is often used in kitchen cabinets and pantries or in large drawers.
Finally, drawer slides can also be divided into categories according to the material used. Steel slides are the most common type and provide good stability, although they can be prone to rusting. Aluminum slides are lightweight and provide a smoother opening and closing action.
Plastic and nylon slides are a cost-effective option and are great for drawers filled with lighter items.
Are all drawers removable?
No, not all drawers are removable. Some furniture pieces come with stationary drawers that are permanently attached. Additionally, certain pieces of furniture are custom made and the drawers may not be removable.
However, there are some pieces of furniture that come with removable drawers which can be taken out and put back in easily. These types of drawers may also come with dividers and dividers for compartments which can help make the organization of items in the drawers easier.
What is the difference between bottom mount and undermount drawer slides?
Bottom mount drawer slides are generally easier to install and use as compared to undermount slides, as the former is attached on the bottom side of the cabinet. Bottom mount drawer slides are also often referred to as side-mount drawer slides and are the most commonly used style of slide for cabinetry and furniture.
Undermount drawer slides, on the other hand, are attached to the underside of the cabinet and are installed directly onto the cabinetry’s framework. To properly install undermount drawer slides, you must have precise measurements of the installed hardware as well as the cabinetry’s interior.
Undermount slides are usually more expensive than bottom mount slides as they require more precise installation, are usually quieter and provide a smoother operation. Due to the undermount system’s precise measurements, if works well with drawers that have a large capacity.
Additionally, due to the position of the slides being attached to the cabinet’s undersides, it creates a sleeker aesthetic as the drawer slides are not visible from the front of the cabinet.
What is a undermount drawer slide?
An undermount drawer slide is a piece of hardware used to support and move drawers, allowing the drawer to completely open without protruding out of the cabinet. They are typically made of metal and installed on the bottom underside of the drawer allowing the drawer to be pulled out past the cabinet and hang down.
This type of slide is gaining in popularity because of its smoother operating than the traditional side mounts. Undermount drawer slides are significantly quieter than side mounts, as the lower mount and rail system does not rub against the interior of the cabinet for a softer, more fluid drawer action.
Additionally, undermount slides allow for larger drawers as the drawers do not need to be smaller in order to fit the side mounts. This type of slide can also improve access to better utilize the space inside the cabinet, and even reduce the number of exposed screws in the cabinet for a neater and more efficient look.
Which drawer slides are best?
The best drawer slides depend on the specific requirements of your application, but the most commonly used types are side-mounted and undermount slides. Side-mounted slides are attached to the side of a drawer box, and travel in tandem with the drawer.
These offer a traditional look and are widely used across all cabinet types. Undermount slides are mounted underneath the drawer, and allow for the drawer to open and close without having to adjust the slides.
This type of slide provides a seamless look to your furniture and is often used for modern cabinetry. For heavy-duty sliding needs, such as for desk drawers or larger storage drawers, full-extension slides are recommended.
These slides travel the full length of the drawer, allowing you to gain access to the entire drawer space. Soft close slides are also available, which use the same mounting systems as traditional slides but offer a smooth closing action that helps to prevent slamming.
Ultimately, the right type of drawer slides will depend largely on the size and material of the drawers, as well as the weight rating of the products.
How do full extension drawer slides work?
Full extension drawer slides are a type of hardware that allow the drawer to extend fully outward and to be pulled out parallel with the cabinet. This type of drawer slide allows you to access items at the back of the drawer more easily.
They are typically comprised of two parts: a frame that is fixed to the cabinet, and a runner that is attached to the drawer. The runner slides along the frame and is connected via a ball bearing system, allowing it to move smoothly in and out of the cabinet.
The addition of a lever or latch locks the drawer in place. This type of drawer slide is typically used in kitchen cabinetry, but can be found in other types of furniture as well.
Why is my soft close drawer not working?
If your soft close drawer is not working correctly, there are several potential culprits. First, make sure the drawer is aligned correctly. Occasionally, drawers become misaligned due to excessive weight or loose hardware.
If the drawer is misaligned, it can interfere with the sliding mechanism, preventing it from working correctly.
Next, check to make sure all of the hardware is securely attached and adjusted correctly. Some soft close drawers use a special adjustment screw, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the tension on the closing mechanism.
If the screw is too tight, the drawer won’t close properly.
Additionally, check the track mechanisms. Generally, there will be some type of spring installed along the sides of the track to provide the tension that enables soft-close drawers. If these become bent or twisted, the drawer won’t properly close.
In that case, usually the spring can be bent or replaced to fix the issue.
Finally, if none of these steps solve the problem, you may need to replace the drawer itself. It may be that the soft-close mechanism is damaged beyond repair, or that the drawers are too old to continue functioning properly.
In that case, replacing the drawers is the only way to ensure they continue working correctly.
Is it worth getting soft close drawers?
Yes, it is worth getting soft close drawers. Soft close drawers are designed to provide a slow, safe and silent closure, preventing the locking and jarring of cabinet doors caused by the slamming of traditional drawer closing systems.
This is especially important if you have kids in the home, as it can help prevent injury from slamming drawers. Soft close drawers also provide a more finished and polished look to a cabinet or other piece of furniture, and they eliminate the need for handles and knobs that can be awkward or difficult to install.
In addition, they can bolster the resale value of a piece of furniture or cabinet, making it more attractive to potential buyers. All in all, soft close drawers are a worthwhile addition to furniture and cabinets, making them safer and more aesthetically pleasing.