It might be difficult to outfit new cabinets or update your kitchen, especially when choosing the proper drawer slide. There are numerous options available. Generally speaking, it would be preferable if you evaluated your new drawer slide using fundamental criteria like the advantages and disadvantages of various types of slides. Slider drawers come in a variety of designs; some are straightforward while others are intricate. The following are some additional considerations:
1. Mounting Style
Even before you create the cabinet into which you intend to incorporate heavy-duty rails drawer slides, read and then read again the manufacturer’s instructions. There are three different types of drawer slide mounts: side-mount, center-mount, and under-mount. The distance between your drawer box and the cabinet opening will influence the sort of installation you use.
2. Traveling One-Way Vs. Two-Way
There are two types of drawer slides: one-way and two-way. The drawer slides can only move in one direction, as the name of the feature suggests. Conversely, two-way movement allows them to move in both directions. One-way travel drawer slides are required for some uses in the manufacture of furniture, whilst two-way travel drawer slides are required in other applications. For your furniture-making application, you should pick drawer slides with the appropriate “travel.”
3. The Drawer’s Length
You must measure the box, not the drawer front, to estimate the length of the drawer slide. Measure the box instead from back to front, excluding the face of the drawer. You must take the drawer out of the cabinet, measure your length and width, look inside the cabinet, and, if it fits you, take it with you to get precise measurements. Other sizes are available for special complications, with slide sizes ranging from 10′′ to 28′′.
4. Extension For Drawer Sliding
To gain access to the drawer’s deepest section, install a full extension drawer slide. When complete access is not a problem, the other drawer is used when 3/4 of it is still in the cabinet as a cost-effective alternative. You can access the underside of counters completely thanks to the over-travel type of extension, which enables the drawer to open beyond the maximum length.
5. Weight Rating
Since it is the most important factor, consider a weight that the drawer can readily sustain. A load rating or load capacity specification is typically included. The maximum load or weight that the rawer decrease can support before failing will be disclosed to you. It would be great if you did not exceed the limit because even a small weight gain could cause your drawer slide to malfunction. The amount of weight your drawer can support will also depend on how you fasten it. In certain specialized slides, they are rated at 75, 100, 150, or 200 pounds.
6. Ball Bearings
Selecting drawer slides with ball bearings may be a good idea. Ball bearings will lessen friction, facilitating easier drawer opening. The tracks will hold the balls in place. These balls will allow the drawer to slide more easily when you open it.
7. Completion
If the wrong metal finishing is chosen for a drawer slide, the metal’s performance and durability may suffer. The metallic surface will be helped by finishing with a protective chemical layer to help it resist corrosion and shield it from the elements. For their weather-resistant electro-coat finishes on carbon steel, businesses use black, zinc, and white. It can be difficult to choose a drawer slide with a nice finish, thus it is advised to buy heavy-duty drawer runners from reputable manufacturers for excellent slide finishing.
Even with seasonal fluctuations in humidity, drawer slides built on sturdy rails) do not bend or become sloppy. Additionally, they enhance a drawer’s appearance and speed up the drawer-making process. The result is slick and functional.