How To Install Drawer Slides
How to install drawer slides for your cabinetry:
Sometimes finishing a home projects comes down to the little details. Those new cabinets look great, but you don't know how to set the simple things. In this blog we are going to show you how to install drawer slides.
While there are many different types of drawer slides available to buy or construct, I always return to these full-extension ball bearing slides. Unlike with other systems, you never have to worry about the drawer tipping out or binding. Having saying that, they are also very simple to set up. Check out our simple DIY Drawer guide (hint: no router or table saw necessary!) before following the steps below to have the drawer installed and sliding smoothly.
The Steps to Install:
1) Mark the Placement of the Slides
Measuring from the inside floor of the cabinet, mark a height of 8¼ inches near the front and back of each side wall. Using the marks and a straightedge, draw a level line across the wall on each inside wall of the cabinet. Make a mark on each line that’s 7/8 inch from the front edge of the cabinet. This allows room for the thickness of the drawer front plus an 1/8-inch inset.
2) Position the Slides
Align the bottom edge of the first slide above the line, as shown. Position the front edge of the slide behind the mark near the face of the cabinet.
3) Install the Slides
Holding the slide firmly in place, push the extension forward until both sets of screw holes are visible. Using a drill/driver, drill shallow pilot holes in one screw hole near the front and back of the slide. Using the screws provided, mount the slide to the inside of the cabinet. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to mount the second drawer slide on the opposite side of the cabinet.
4) Mark the Drawer Sides
Using a tape measure, mark the center of the height of the drawer box on its outer side walls. (Note: this drawer is shown without the drawer face, which will be installed at the end of this tutorial.) Using a straightedge, mark a horizontal line along the outside of the drawer box on each side.
5) Position the Slide Extension
Remove the detachable section of each drawer slides, and place it on the corresponding drawer side. Position the slides so that they are centered on their corresponding line and flush with the face of the drawer box, as shown.
6) Attach the Slides to the Drawer
Using a drill/driver and the screws provided with the drawer slides, mount the slide to the drawer.
7) Insert the Drawer
Hold the drawer level in front of the cabinet. Place the ends of the slides attached to the drawers into the tracks inside the cabinet. Pressing evenly on each side of the drawer, slide the drawer into place. The first slide inward can sometimes push a bit tougher, but once the tracks are engaged, the drawer should slide back out and in smoothly.
8) Position the Drawer Face
Apply wood glue to the face of the drawer box. With the drawer closed, position the drawer face with equal gaps along the top and side edges. Using clamps, secure the drawer face against the drawer box.
9) Attach the Drawer Face
Carefully slide the drawer open, and then drive 1-inch screws through the holes in the drawer box and into the backside of the drawer face to secure it in place.
