How to Mount Drawer Slides in Metal Cabinets

Installing drawer slides is an essential step in assembling metal cabinets and ensuring that the drawers operate smoothly. Properly mounted drawer slides allow drawers to open and close effortlessly, even when fully loaded. While the process of installing drawer slides may seem daunting, it can be easily accomplished with proper planning, the right tools, and careful attention to detail.

Choosing the Right Drawer Slides

When selecting drawer slides for your metal cabinets, consider the following factors:

Type of Slide

There are several types of drawer slides to choose from:

• Ball Bearing Slides – These full extension slides provide the smoothest glide. The ball bearings allow effortless opening and closing of drawers, even when fully loaded. Ball bearing slides are durable and able to support substantial weight.
• Friction Slides – Basic friction slides are the most economical choice. They provide moderate extension and an adequate glide. Friction slides are suitable for light or moderate use.
• Soft-Close Slides – These slides have a built-in dampening mechanism. The drawers close slowly and softly, preventing loud slamming. Soft-close functionality promotes gentle treatment of contents.
• Self-Closing Slides – Self-closing slides are installed at an angle. The gradual slope causes drawers to shut on their own when partially opened. This prevents drawers from being left ajar.

Load Capacity

Consider the weight your drawers will hold. Look for a weight rating well beyond your needs to ensure smooth gliding even when fully loaded. Standard slides support 50 to 100 lbs, while full extension ball bearing slides accommodate up to 150 lbs or more.

Extension Style

Look for full extension slides that allow drawers to be pulled out completely for full access to contents. Other options like over travel, 3/4 extension, or half extension slides do not allow the drawer to open fully.

Mounting Style

There are two main mounting styles for drawer slides:

• Side Mount – These are attached to the sides of the drawer with brackets. Side mount slides support the drawer from both sides.
• Bottom Mount – Bottom mount slides attach to the bottom of the drawer with clips, providing support from underneath.

Side mount slides tend to have higher weight capacities. Bottom mount may be simpler for shallow drawers.

Gathering Supplies

Installing drawer slides requires just a few supplies:

• Drawer Slides – Buy quality ball bearing or soft-close slides in the appropriate size and extension style. Allow 1-2″ extra length for adjustment.
• #2 Phillips Screwdriver – A power drill fitted with a Phillips bit also works well.
• Tape Measure – Essential for measuring and marking drill locations.
• Pencil – Use to mark the holes for drilling. Look for a sharp carpenter’s pencil.
• Drill – A power drill makes quick work of drilling pilot holes. A handheld drill works too.
• 1/8″ Drill Bit – For pilot holes when using wood screws. Match bit size to screw diameter.
• Screws – Self-tapping screws are recommended. Choose screws to match your slides and cabinets.

Preparing the Cabinets

Proper preparation is key to a smooth installation. Before beginning, complete these steps:

• Carefully read the manufacturer instructions included with your drawer slides. Note any specific mounting recommendations.
• Confirm the interior dimensions of your cabinet and drawers. Measure and verify the widths are compatible with your slides.
• Inspect the cabinet interiors and drawer boxes. Look for any high spots, rough areas, or obstructions that may impede slide operation. Sand or plane areas as needed.
• Test fit a slide in the cabinet. Check that the slide extends fully and freely without bumping into cabinet walls or catching on screw heads or hardware.
• Organize your workspace. Have your tools and supplies on hand before starting. Work on a flat, smooth surface for best results.

Mounting the Drawer Slides

Installation methods vary slightly by slide design. Follow manufacturer instructions for your specific slides. The general process is as follows:

Step 1 – Position Slides in Cabinet

• Place slides horizontally in the cabinet interior, positioned exactly where you want your drawer to sit when closed.
• Align one slide along either interior wall of the cabinet. Position the slides at equal heights and equal distance from the front edge of the cabinet.
• Use a carpenter’s square or ruler to ensure the slides are mounted parallel front to back and to each other.

Step 2 – Mark Screw Holes

• With the slides still in position, open them fully until extended.
• Use a pencil to mark the locations of the mounting screw holes found along the length of each slide. Mark at least 4 holes per slide, evenly spaced.
• Also mark corresponding mounting points along the interior sides of the drawer box.

Step 3 – Drill Pilot Holes

• Remove the slides and set them aside.
• Using a 1/8″ drill bit, carefully drill pilot holes at all the marked locations in the cabinet interior sides and drawer box walls.
• Drilling pilot holes prevents splitting the wood when screws are installed.

Step 4 – Attach Slides to Cabinet Interior

• Insert screws into the pilot holes drilled along the cabinet sides. Use self-tapping screws that are long enough to secure the slides.
• Position the slides back into place over the screws. The round pilot holes in the slide align with the screws projecting from the cabinet sides.
• Install washers and tighten screws partially into the slide holes until snug. Do not fully tighten. Slides need room to adjust.

Step 5 – Install Drawer Member

• Next, fasten the movable drawer member piece of the slide onto the drawer box side walls.
• Align the pilot holes in the drawer member with the corresponding marks on drawer box walls.
• Drive screws through washer into the pilot holes to loosely attach drawer member to drawer box.

Step 6 – Test Drawer Fit

• Insert the drawer box into the cabinet, meshing the slides together. Be sure drawer member aligns properly with the stationary slides.
• Carefully open and close the drawer, testing for smooth travel. Adjust slides as needed until drawer operates evenly.
• When aligned, tighten all screws on both stationary and movable slide members. Do not over tighten.

Step 7 – Mount Remaining Slides

• Repeat steps to install matching slides for all additional drawers in the same aligned manner with meticulous measurements.
• Minor adjustments to level and alignment can be made by loosening screws and repositioning slides.
• Use a carpenter’s square across the tops of the drawer fronts to check for even alignment.

Troubleshooting Poorly Operating Drawers

If your drawers do not operate smoothly after installing slides, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Tighten loose screws – Snug up any loose slide hardware. Be careful not to strip screw heads or over tighten.
• Lubricate slides with a dry lubricant spray. Lubricate the ball bearings on ball bearing slides.
• Adjust misaligned slides by loosening screws and incrementally repositioning slides. Recheck drawer travel between adjustments.
• Remove debris like wood chips or sawdust which may be obstructing the slides from moving freely.
• Sand or file rough spots on cabinet or drawer that may be inhibiting movement.
• Replace damaged slides if any parts are bent or broken causing operational issues.

With properly installed quality drawer slides, you can enjoy smooth gliding motion and full access to contents. Take the time to carefully measure, drill, mount, and align slides using the steps outlined. Your drawers will operate optimally even under heavy use and load.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mounting Drawer Slides in Metal Cabinets

Mounting drawer slides effectively requires precision and attention to detail. Review these common questions for helpful insights into proper techniques.

What is the best way to position drawer slides?

• Use a carpenter square and tape measure to position slides precisely and parallel in the cabinet interior. Mark screw holes evenly spaced and at least 4 per slide.

Should I lubricate drawer slides before installing?

• Lubrication is not necessary pre-installation. New drawer slides come pre-lubricated. Only lubricate after installing if slides are not operating smoothly.

What screws work best for mounting drawer slides in metal cabinets?

• Self-tapping screws in a length to accommodate slide depth work well. Pan head screws allow adjustment while tightening.

How can I ensure drawer alignment when installing multiple drawers?

• Carefully measure and mark screw holes consistently for each slide. Verify top drawer fronts are level across using a long carpenter square.

What causes drawers to tip or bind when extended?

• Binding and tipping often results from misaligned slides. Loosen slides and adjust slowly while testing drawer operation to realign.

How far should slides extend from the cabinets?

• Allow slides to extend 1 to 2 inches beyond the cabinet frame. The extra length provides adjustment room while installing drawers.

Should I drill pilot holes for the screws?

• Yes. Drilling 1/8″ pilot holes prevents splitting the wood when driving in screws. Use a drill bit matched to screw diameter.

How much weight can typical drawer slides hold?

• Ball bearing slides have capacities over 100 lbs. Standard friction slides hold 50 lbs or less. Refer to manufacturer ratings to select slides.

Can I adjust self-closing drawer slides?

• Yes. Adjusting the slide mounting angle changes the rate of closing. Decrease angle to speed closing or increase to slow rate.

How do I mount heavy drawers that need robust support?

• Choose heavy duty full extension ball bearing slides rated for the drawer weight. Mount them with extra screws for maximum stability.

Properly installed drawer slides aligned parallel front to back result in smooth operation. Take precise measurements, drill pilot holes, and follow slide hardware directions closely. Your attention to detail will reward you with perfectly mounted drawer slides.

Conclusion

Installing drawer slides is an essential process when assembling metal cabinets. By choosing quality slides suited for your specific needs and cabinet configurations, you can avoid many headaches down the road. Precisely measuring, drilling pilot holes, and methodically mounting slides parallel with even spacing allows drawers to glide smoothly. Taking time to carefully align slides and test fit drawers during installation prevents problems. Properly mounted drawer slides provide years of quiet, effortless access to contents. Investing in high-capacity ball bearing slides for important cabinets provides optimal performance. Follow the steps outlined to successfully mount drawer slides in your metal cabinets and enjoy frustration-free use.