How to Measure Drawer Slide

When installing or replacing drawer slides, measurement is key. Regardless of whether you are building new furniture or just refacing existing drawers, understanding how to correctly measure a drawer slide will guarantee smooth operation and durability. Throughout this article, we’ll guide you through measuring for the ideal drawer slide and how each measurement will impact installation.

Know the Various Kinds of Drawer Slides

It is a good idea, before taking measurements, to know that there are several types of drawer slides, such as side-mount, center-mount, and under-mount. Each of these has very slightly different measurements, but the principles are essentially the same. Make sure you select the correct type for your drawer configuration.

Measure the Drawer Length

The first thing you need to measure is the drawer length. This is the measurement from the front of the drawer to the rear. When you are selecting a drawer slide, you will want the slide to be slightly shorter than the drawer. Generally speaking, drawer slides need to be an inch or two shorter than the drawer length to provide smooth operation and clearance.

Measure the Drawer Width

Next, you need to take the drawer width, which is the distance from one side of the drawer to the other. This is the measurement that is used to decide on the drawer slide width. It’s important to select a slide that is the same width as the drawer so the drawer will have a proper fit and slide easily in its casing.

Measure the Drawer Depth

Drawer depth is the distance that the drawer goes back into the cabinet or furniture. To get a proper fit, you must measure from the front to the back of the drawer. This will allow you to get a drawer slide that will fit perfectly and will not limit the distance the drawer opens. You must also make sure that you get slides that will extend all the way out without other objects or the cabinet inhibiting them.

Consider the Drawer’s Weight Capacity

Weight is also something to take into consideration when choosing drawer slides. Various slides hold various weight capacities, so ensure that you buy slides that will be capable of holding the weight of your drawer and its contents. For drawers that are heavy, utilize heavy-duty drawer slides that will be capable of holding the additional weight without any sacrifice in performance.

Choose the Correct Slide Extension Type

Then, you need to decide on the type of extension for your drawer slide. Three main types of extensions are:

Partial extension: Permits the drawer to extend partially from the cabinet.
Full extension: Allows the drawer to open fully, providing complete access to the drawer contents.
Over-travel extension: Goes beyond the full extension, with the additional convenience and reach.
The right type of extension relies on your own requirements and just how much access you require to the drawer.

How to Measure for a Drawer Slide: Quick Steps Recap

Measure the drawer length from front to back.
Measure side to side from drawer width.
Measure from back to front on the drawer.
Take note of the drawer’s weight for proper slide support.

Conclusion

Select the type of extension that best meets your requirements for the drawer. Doing so will ensure that your hardware is an exact fit, performs well, and will serve you for decades to come.

Why Оборудование Huiso for Your Requirements?
We at Huiso Hardware specialize in providing high-quality hardware solutions to fulfill a variety of needs. If you are producing furniture on order or replacing old hardware, we have an extensive selection of strong and durable hardware. Our hardware can be used for light or heavy usage, and we also provide custom bulk orders as per your project needs.

As a leading hardware products producer, we are proud to give you precise, top-quality solutions for your furniture needs. You can choose standard or customized products from us, and rest assured that every one of them is made with the highest standards of quality and durability.