It might seem daunting to install a drawer slide if you have never done it before. However, it can be easy and quick if you know exactly what to do. Drawer slides are the metal rails that allow a drawer to open and close smoothly. You will find it easy to use your drawers if you install them properly. Although it might save a lot of stress getting a professional to do it but, it is also costly. However, with the right guidance, you can do it yourself. You do not need to be an expert or have fancy tools to install drawer slides.
In this article, you will discover the fastest ways to install your drawer slides.
Five Simple Steps to Install Your Drawer Slides
If you follow this guide, you will save time and money when installing your drawer slides.
Step 1 : Get Your Tools Ready Side-Mounted Slides
Before you start, make sure you have all the tools you need. So have your screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, and the drawer slides by your side. You also need to have 2 (¾-inch) plywood scraps, a power drill, and a table saw (or miter saw). The plywood should be at least taller than the highest drawer.
Also, don’t forget the drawer side you want to use. You can get side-mounted, bottom–mounted, center-mounted, under-mounted, or European slides. It all depends on the type of drawers you have. Make sure you get your Sliding rail and slides from a reliable supplier.
Step 2 : Measure the Height of the Slides
The easiest way you can install drawer slides is to attach them at the bottom of the drawer. This way, you only need to remember one height. Ensure the drawer is sitting a little above the bottom of the opening it will go into. It should have a space of about one-eighth of an inch. It will help the drawer slide in and out smoothly without getting stuck.
Always start with square drawers. Whether you bought them, built them, or are fixing them. Just make sure that they need to be square. If the boxes are not square, it will be very hard to install the slides. Your drawers have to be one inch narrower than the opening they will go into. Also, it’s better to make the drawers a bit smaller instead of too large.
Usually, the drawer slides often have adjustable tabs that can fill small gaps, but they cannot make the drawer smaller. If you have more than one drawer, measure the height of each one.
Step 3 : Cut the Plywood
It is better to use a plywood that is ¾-inch thick. Also, it should be a bit wider than the slides so that there is a small lip for the drawer to rest on. You will need two spacers, one for each side of the cabinet. You need your miter saw, or table saw to cut the plywood spacers. So make sure that the cuts are very straight and both spacers are of the same size. Then, use a stop block to confirm that they are exactly the same.
If you want the slides to sit higher than the bottom of the drawer, also cut another pair of small spacers. It should match the height between the bottom of the drawer and the bottom of the slide.
Step 4 : Position the Slides
With the spacers you have cut, place them inside the cabinet to the height of the slides. Then insert the slides and screw it to the top of the spacer. Make sure it is straight and secure.
Step 5 : Insert the Drawers
Now that the drawer slides are attached to the cabinet put the tall spacer board inside. Then, insert the drawer on the lip you created with the ¾-inch spacer. Make sure you pull the drawer out of the cabinet a few inches. After that, extend the Drawer slide until it aligns where you want it.
Next, screw the slide into the drawer box at the front. Then, pull the slide almost all the way out so the back of the drawer box is still resting on the plywood spacer. After that, you can then screw in one of the rear screws.
Cut the plywood spacers again and repeat and repeat the steps if you have other drawer slides you want to install. Remember to take out the drawers you have already installed so they do not get in the way. It is only after you have installed the slides that you can slide them back in. When all the drawers are in place, make sure they open and close properly. If there are any minor issues, the small adjustments on the slides can fix them. Also, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before making these adjustments.
Final thoughts
You can install drawer slides easily and quickly with this guide. Remember to take the time to fix your slides. It may not be so simple the first time, but you can get better at it. It’s only a matter of time before you become a drawer slide expert.
