Image curtsey of REvanPED
At ovesco, we love drawer slides! These handy little components are commonly used to attach and facilitate the movement of drawers in your van, your ute’s canopy, your toolbox, caravan, or trailer. Drawer slides are usually made of metal or plastic and are designed to provide a smooth and controlled sliding motion for the drawer.
Drawer slides are essential in providing the smooth and controlled movement of drawers in furniture, making it easy to access and organise the contents of the drawers. They also help prevent damage to the drawers and furniture by preventing the drawers from slamming shut or getting stuck. Yay for drawer slides!
Which drawer slide do I need?
Drawer slides come in various types and sizes. Each type is suitable for a specific application.
The most common types of drawer slides include locking or non-locking, and side-mount or base-mount.
Locking drawer slides add the option to keep your drawers locked out at full extension and locked in at full contraction. This makes them ideal for slides that you want to keep open for a long time, or when you want to keep things secure and closed while on the move.
Non-locking drawer slides don't have that same function, but they may be better suited for times when you don't have easy access to the locking mechanism, meaning you might struggle to properly lock or even unlock the slide.
Side-mount slides are attached to the sides of the drawer and the frame, while base-mount slides are concealed and attached underneath the drawer and the frame.
How do I install drawer slides?
The installation process for a drawer slide may vary depending on the type and manufacturer of the slide. However, here are the general steps for installing a side-mount drawer slide:
Materials needed:
- Drawer slides (with mounting screws)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Level
Steps:
- Measure the distance from the bottom of the cabinet to the bottom of the drawer. This will determine the height of the drawer slide placement.
- Using a pencil, mark the height of the drawer slide placement on both sides of the cabinet.
- Align the drawer slide with the pencil marks and use a level to ensure it is straight.
- Secure the slide to the cabinet using countersunk screws, making sure the screws are flush with the slide.
- Repeat steps 3-4 for the second slide on the opposite side of the cabinet.
- Place the drawer onto the installed slides and slide it in and out to ensure it moves smoothly.
- Repeat steps 1-6 for the other drawer slide and drawer.
Need help finding the right product to get the job done? Chat with our expert team!
