To measure a drawer for drawer slides, you need to determine the drawer's length from front to back. This measurement is crucial for selecting the correct slide size.
Determining Drawer Slide Size
The primary measurement required for selecting drawer slides is the depth of the drawer itself.
- Measure the length of your drawer from the back of the front panel to the rear.
This provides the overall length of the drawer box that will fit within the slide mechanism.
Selecting the Correct Slide Length
Once you have the drawer length measurement, you need to choose a drawer slide that matches or is slightly shorter than your measurement.
- Round down to the nearest available slide size.
Drawer slides come in standard lengths (e.g., 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, etc.). You should select the longest slide that is less than or equal to your drawer depth measurement.
Example:
According to the reference, if your drawer measures 15 inches from the back of the front panel to the rear, you should opt for 14-inch drawer slides. This ensures the slide fits properly without being too long for the drawer or the cabinet depth.
Important Considerations
- Always measure the drawer box length, not the overall length including the front decorative panel.
- Ensure the cabinet or opening where the drawer will be installed is deep enough to accommodate the chosen slide length and the drawer. While the drawer length determines the slide length, the cabinet depth determines if the slide and drawer will fit.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure your drawer and select the appropriate size of drawer slides.
