A drawer guide, also known as a drawer slide, is a mechanical device which helps to support a drawer in an enclosed cabinet. It can be put in either the side of the cabinet or the front of the drawer, and it provides stability and guides the drawer as it is opened and closed.
This ensures that the drawer moves evenly, and that it won’t sag or become stuck when it is opened or closed. Drawer guides can either be metal, plastic, or wooden, and can come in different lengths depending on the size of the drawer.
They are generally installed using screws or clips and can be purchased in a variety of finishes to match the look and style of your cabinets. There are also different types of guides available such as full extension and self-closing, which are ideal for cabinets that have heavy items or multiple drawers.
What are the different types of drawers?
Drawers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. The most common type of drawer is a traditional vertical drawer with full-extension slides, found in kitchen cabinets and dressers. Other drawer types include utility drawers, roll-out trays, tip-out trays, corner drawers, and drawer dividers.
Utility drawers are usually shallow and are ideal for storing items like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and other items that require quick access. Roll-out trays provide easy access, and they’re typically used in kitchen cabinets to store cutting boards, pans, and dishes.
Tip-out trays are small, flat trays that can be used for holding items such as sponges and waste bins, and are commonly found in kitchen sinks. Corner drawers are used in corner cabinets and provide additional storage space that traditional drawers don’t offer.
Lastly, drawer dividers provide an efficient way to store items like silverware and can also be used to separate items.
What are the things called that drawers slide on?
The things that drawers slide on are typically referred to as drawer slides or drawer glides. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, and typically have either a side or bottom mount option.
The most common type of drawer slide is the ball bearing slide, which is made up of two sections that move back and forth on small steel balls or rollers. The drawer slides also come in a variety of sizes, styles, and functions, such as full extension or partial extension, self-closing, and soft-close.
Other types of drawer slides include undermount, center-undermount, and integral slides, which are designed to be installed within the sides of the drawer box. No matter the type, drawer slides offer an important function, which is to allow drawers to open and close easily and smoothly.
What are the rollers on drawers called?
The rollers on drawers are called drawer slides or runners. They are typically made of metal and are rectangular or round in shape. They are typically found on the sides or back of drawers, and they allow the drawers to slide in and out easily.
There are two types of drawer slides – ball bearing slides and roller slides. Ball bearing slides are more popular and are used on higher-priced furniture or furniture that requires frequent opening and closing, as they are durable and offer a smoother action.
Roller slides are sometimes used on cheaper furniture, as the rails provide the drawer with its own track, making installation easier and saving space.
What are ball bearing glides on drawers?
Ball bearing glides on drawers are drawer slides made of two steel rails outfitted with ball bearings that grip the drawer and allow it to move in and out smoothly. They are typically made of nylon-coated steel, which makes them more durable than other types of drawer slides.
Ball bearing glides make it easier to open and close drawers by providing a strong and consistent sliding motion. They are also quieter than other types of drawer slides and can support heavier loads than other types, making them ideal for cabinets and drawers full of items like dishes and pans.
Additionally, they are easier to install than other types of drawer slides, making them a popular choice.
Can you replace ball bearing drawer slides?
Yes, you can replace ball bearing drawer slides. Replacing a ball bearing drawer slide is not difficult and can usually be completed in an hour or less. Depending on the type of slides you have, you may need a few simple tools such as a Phillips head screwdriver, a drill and bits, and a flathead screwdriver.
To replace the slides you will want to begin by removing the old drawer slides. Typically, you will need to remove screws along the sides of the slide as well as on the inside of the cabinet. Once you have removed the screws, you can gently pull the drawer away from the cabinet and lift it off of the old slides.
Next, you will want to find the new slides that you have chosen and install them on the drawer in place of the old slides. This will involve drilling pilot holes, if you are installing the slides with screws, and securing the drawer slides with the provided screws.
Finally, to complete the installation you will want to attach the new slides to the inside of the cabinet using the screws and pilot holes you have drilled. Once you have installed the slides, you can shorten them to the desired length, if desired, and then test the drawer to make sure it slides out smoothly.
What is the difference between ball and roller bearing?
Ball and roller bearings are both used to reduce friction between two moving parts by providing a smooth surface for rotation. However, they differ in two main ways.
The first way they are different is in their construction. Ball bearings consist of inner and outer races, which are two metal rings, and small metal balls, which roll between them. Roller bearings, on the other hand, tend to have thicker races, and use cylindrical rollers instead of balls.
The other main difference is in their uses. Ball bearings are more suited to applications which require low thrust and are quite small. They are commonly used in mechanisms like fans, which require more friction from the bearing, since the motion is constant.
Roller bearings, in contrast, are better suited for heavier loads, and are commonly used for things like conveyors and heavy machinery, where movable parts are carrying more weight or large objects.
How do you fix drawer rollers?
Fixing drawer rollers depends on the type of drawer and roller. If the drawer has a plastic or nylon roller, you may need to replace the roller. To replace a roller, unscrew the screws on the bracket and remove the roller.
Take the old roller to a hardware store to get a matching roller. Replace the roller, and then reassemble the drawer.
If the drawer has a metal roller, the roller probably needs to be lubricated. To lubricate a metal roller, you need to unscrew the screws on the bracket and remove the roller. Gently rub a light coating of all-purpose oil or white lithium grease on the roller.
Reassemble the bracket with the roller and screws, and then replace the roller in the drawer.
Can you replace drawer slides on old cabinets?
Yes, you can replace drawer slides on old cabinets. Depending on the type of drawer slide, you may only need to replace the slide itself instead of the whole cabinet. Generally, the dimensions of modern drawer slides are the same as those of older slides, meaning you do not need to purchase a new cabinet or modify the existing one.
To replace the old drawer slide, you may need to remove the drawer and its contents. Make sure to check the screws and hinges, and carefully disconnect the drawer from the slide. If necessary, unscrew the mounting bracket that holds the slide in place, and remove any other hardware pieces.
If you are replacing an existing slide, match the mounting hole pattern of the new slide to the old one. If the mounting hole patterns are different, you may need to redrill the existing holes and install new screws, depending on the type of drawer slide.
Once the replacement drawer slide is in place, reattach the drawer, checking for any obstructions that may cause the drawer to not open or close properly. Install the remaining hardware and check for smooth operation.
Finally, make sure the slide is connected to the cabinet securely, and replace any broken, worn, or missing parts as needed.
What are the 3 types of cabinet doors and drawers?
There are three types of cabinet doors and drawers: Slab doors, recessed panel doors, and raised panel doors.
Slab doors are generally the simplest cabinet door option and offer a flat, plain surface. These are often seen in contemporary settings but can work with any style. Slab door cabinet faces can be left plain or enhanced with the addition of hardware.
Recessed panel doors are similar to slab doors in that they feature flat faces with no additional detailing. The only difference is that recessed panel cabinet doors are constructed with panels or frames set slightly into the front of the door.
This adds depth and texture to the overall look.
Raised panel doors are the most detailed of the three styles with a raised centre panel that stands out from the rest of the door. The centre panel can be either full or partial, and the edges may feature grooves, detailing or bevels.
Raised panel doors can add depth and interest to any setting, but are often seen in traditional or country-style kitchens.
Can you buy just drawer fronts?
Yes, it is possible to purchase just drawer fronts. These companies allow customers to customize the style of their drawer fronts, offering customized sizes and profiles. Additionally, they can often match hardware to existing designs as well.
Depending on the company, customers may be able to select drawer front configurations such as raised panel, flat panel, arch, and valance styles. Furthermore, many companies offer a variety of material options, including solid hardwood, solid MDF, veneer, melamine, and PVC.
When ordering just drawer fronts, it is important to remember to measure the existing drawer openings and accurately record measurements when placing your order. Doing this will ensure that you receive the correct size and style of drawer front delivered to your door step.
What wood is used for drawer fronts?
Drawer fronts are typically made from solid wood or veneer. Solid wood is typically more resilient and durable, as it is more resistant to warping, scratches, and dings. Common wood choices for drawer fronts include oak, cherry, birch, and mahogany.
Each type has its own unique characteristics and qualities, but all are good options for drawer fronts. Veneer is an even more cost-effective option and is made of thin sheets of woods that are glued onto a base material.
Veneer provides a smooth and consistent finish and is often used in combination with solid wood. While veneer is an affordable choice, solid wood has more lasting power.
Can cabinet fronts be replaced?
Yes, it is possible to replace the fronts of cabinets. This can be done if the structure of the cabinet is still in good condition. Cabinet fronts can be replaced with a variety of materials, including wood, laminate, melamine, and even acrylic.
It’s important to make sure that the materials you choose for the cabinet fronts are compatible with the cabinetry frame, hinges, and other hardware. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a material that is easy to clean and maintain.
For someone with the right skills, replacing cabinet fronts can be a moderately simple DIY project. However, you may want to hire a professional carpenter or contractor if you do not have the experience or skills to replace the cabinet fronts yourself.