Installing face frame drawer slides involves attaching the cabinet members to the inside of the cabinet frame and box, and the drawer members to the sides of the drawer box. It's a straightforward process requiring careful measurement and alignment to ensure smooth operation.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- Face frame drawer slides (cabinet and drawer members)
- Mounting brackets (usually included with slides)
- Wood screws (appropriate size for slides and cabinet material)
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Drill/Driver
- Awl or center punch
- Optional: Drawer slide jig or marking tool
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The process is typically divided into installing the cabinet side and the drawer side of the slides.
1. Installing the Cabinet Members and Brackets
This is the part of the slide that attaches inside the cabinet. Face frame slides often use a bracket that mounts directly to the face frame and/or rear of the cabinet.
- Mark Placement: Determine the desired height for your drawer and use a level to mark a horizontal line on the inside of the cabinet's face frame where the top edge of the bracket will align. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Attach Face Frame Bracket: Position the face frame bracket at your marked line. Use an awl to mark screw hole locations. Pre-drill if necessary, then secure the bracket to the face frame using screws.
- Attach Cabinet Slide Member: Slide the cabinet member of the slide onto the face frame bracket according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Position and Secure Rear: Extend the cabinet member into the cabinet depth. If using a rear mounting bracket, attach it to the end of the slide member and mark its position on the rear cabinet panel or blocking. Secure the rear bracket (or directly attach the slide if no rear bracket) to the cabinet interior, ensuring the slide is level from front to back.
- Check Alignment and Finalize: As highlighted in the provided reference, once you have attached the brackets (or slide members) on one side and determined that they are properly aligned, install the remaining screws. This confirms the slides are securely and correctly positioned before moving on. Repeat these steps for the other side of the cabinet, ensuring both sides are level and parallel.
2. Installing the Drawer Members
This is the part of the slide that attaches to the sides of your drawer box.
- Separate Slides: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to separate the drawer member from the cabinet member. There is usually a lever or catch to release them.
- Mark Placement on Drawer: Place the drawer member against the side of the drawer box. The exact placement (height) depends on the slide type and manufacturer, but it's often aligned along the bottom edge or a specific distance up from the bottom edge of the drawer side. Mark the screw hole locations. Repeat on the other side of the drawer.
- Attach Drawer Members: Pre-drill if necessary, then secure the drawer members to the sides of the drawer box using screws. Ensure they are parallel to the bottom edge of the drawer box and to each other.
3. Final Assembly and Testing
- Insert Drawer: Carefully align the drawer members with the cabinet members installed in the cabinet opening. Gently push the drawer in until the slides engage.
- Test Operation: Open and close the drawer multiple times to ensure it glides smoothly and fully extends. Check for any binding or misalignment. Adjust if necessary.
Tips for Success
- Measure Twice, Drill Once: Accurate measurements are crucial for slides to work correctly.
- Use a Jig: Consider using a drawer slide installation jig for consistent and precise placement, especially if installing multiple drawers.
- Check Level and Parallelism: Use a level frequently and ensure slides are parallel to prevent binding.
- Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your drawer slides, as designs can vary slightly.
Following these steps, including the critical alignment check mentioned in the reference, will help you successfully install face frame drawer slides for smooth-operating drawers.
