What Size Drawer Slides Do I Need: A Quick Measuring Guide

One of the most essential tasks in maintaining smooth and efficient drawer operation is selecting the correct size drawer slides. Whether you're installing new drawers or replacing existing slides, proper sizing ensures durability and functionality. For further insights, take a look at these Tips For Kitchen Cabinet Installation.

Tools Needed

• Tape measure
• Screwdriver (if needed for drawer removal)
• Notepad and pen

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Drawer Slides

Remove the Drawer

To start, you need to remove the drawer from the cabinet. Fully extend the drawer and lift it to release it from the slides. If the drawer does not easily lift out, use a screwdriver to detach the existing slides.

Measure the Drawer Box

Measure the length of the drawer box from the back to the front, excluding the face of the drawer. This measurement determines the slide length. Always round down to the nearest whole inch. For example, a drawer box measuring 20 ½ inches requires 20-inch slides. For a more in-depth guide on creating and measuring cabinets from scratch, see How to Make Cabinets: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide.

Measure the Width

Next, measure the width of both the drawer and the cabinet opening. This will help determine whether full-extension guides or bottom-mount guides are needed. If the difference in width is 1/8 inch or less, full-extension guides are suitable; otherwise, opt for bottom-mount guides. For additional tips related to drawer slides, visit Garage Workbench | John Harwell's Personal Page.

Inspect for Signs of Wear

Check both the cabinet and the drawer for any signs of wear or damage. This can help identify if smaller slides are necessary due to issues caused by size mismatches in previous installations.

Seek Assistance if Needed

If you are unsure about your measurements, it’s a good idea to take the drawer to a hardware store. Expert staff can help ensure you select the correct slide size. For specific guide lines on various drawer sizes and slide lengths, you may refer to this Guide for Computation of Record Volume.

Choosing Drawer Slides

Types of Drawer Slides

• Undermount Slides: Mounted to the underside of the drawer, wrapping around its edges.
• Side Mount Slides: Mounted directly to the sides of the drawer and cabinet frame.

Selected Size Scenarios

Common Measurement Guidelines

• Always measure to the nearest whole inch, rounding down if necessary.
• Replace drawer slides as a complete set to avoid instability and potential breakage. For more information on this topic, refer to the threadDrawer Slide Length???.
• Custom drawer slides may be necessary for non-standard drawer and cabinet dimensions.

Accurately measuring drawer slides is crucial for a smooth installation and long-lasting drawer operation. By following these straightforward steps and understanding the different types of slides and their requirements, you can ensure your drawers function flawlessly and withstand daily use.