Installing side mount drawer slides involves attaching two parts of the slide mechanism – one to the inside of the cabinet and the other to the side of the drawer – to create a smooth sliding action.
Installing side mount drawer slides correctly ensures your drawers open and close smoothly and securely. The process involves preparing both the cabinet and the drawer for the slide components.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Measuring Tape | For accurate measurements and marking. |
| Pencil | For marking lines. |
| Level | To ensure slides are installed straight. |
| Drill/Driver | For pre-drilling holes and driving screws. |
| Screwdriver | For final screw tightening. |
| Spacer Block | Optional; helpful for consistent placement. |
| Safety Glasses | Always recommended when drilling. |
Preparing the Cabinet
The first step is to install the cabinet member of the drawer slide, which is the longer part that remains attached to the cabinet wall.
- Marking the Line: Decide on the height for your drawer. Use your measuring tape and level to draw a horizontal line on the inside of the cabinet wall where the bottom edge of the slide will rest. Repeat this on the opposite cabinet wall.
- Positioning the Slide: If you're using side-mount slides, install them approximately 1/2 inch from the front edge of the cabinet. This slight setback prevents the slide from being visible when the drawer is closed.
- Aligning the Slide: Align the bottom edge of the first slide directly above the line you marked. Position the front edge of the slide behind the mark near the face of the cabinet, maintaining the 1/2 inch setback.
- Securing the Slide: Use screws appropriate for your slide and cabinet material to attach the slide through the designated holes. Start with a screw in the front hole, then check alignment with your line and level before adding screws in the middle and back holes. Repeat for the slide on the opposite cabinet wall, ensuring they are parallel and at the same height.
Preparing the Drawer
Next, you will install the drawer member of the slide, which attaches to the side of the drawer box. This is usually a shorter piece that detaches from the cabinet member.
- Separate the Slides: Most side mount slides can be separated. Find the release lever or button on the slide (usually plastic) and press or lift it while pulling the two parts apart.
- Positioning on the Drawer: Place the drawer member of the slide against the side of the drawer box. The placement is crucial: the slide should be positioned so that when the drawer is inserted into the cabinet, the drawer member aligns perfectly with the cabinet member. The front edge of the drawer member typically sits flush with the inside face of the drawer front, or the front edge of the drawer box if there's an overlay drawer front.
- Securing the Slide: Align the bottom edge of the drawer member using a measurement from the bottom of the drawer box (this measurement should correspond to the line you drew on the cabinet wall, minus the thickness of the drawer bottom and the slide itself). Use screws to attach the slide to the drawer side. Ensure it is parallel to the bottom edge of the drawer. Repeat for the other side of the drawer.
Final Steps
- Insert the Drawer: With both parts installed, align the drawer member with the cabinet member and gently push the drawer into the cabinet. You might feel a slight resistance or click as the two parts engage.
- Test and Adjust: Pull the drawer in and out to check for smooth operation. If it sticks, rubs, or doesn't close properly, check the alignment and parallelism of the slides on both the cabinet and the drawer. Minor adjustments can often be made by slightly loosening screws, nudging the slide, and re-tightening.
Following these steps, including the crucial 1/2 inch setback from the front edge of the cabinet for the side-mount slides, will help you achieve a professional and functional drawer installation.
