Properly spacing out drawer slides is crucial for drawers to open and close smoothly without binding or hitting each other. You achieve this by accurately measuring and marking the slide positions on the cabinet interior, often utilizing tools like spacers or story sticks to ensure consistency.
One effective method, as shown in woodworking practices, involves using spacers tailored to the specific dimensions needed. For instance, if designing drawers with a certain height, you might use a spacer cut to a measurement like 5.03 (as mentioned in the reference: "Next one is very much the same except it's a shallower drawer comes to 5.03 5.03") to set the vertical distance between the bottom edge of one slide and the top edge of the slide below it, or potentially between drawer box bottoms. This method ensures uniform spacing across all drawer levels in a cabinet.
Why Accurate Spacing is Essential
- Smooth Operation: Slides need to be parallel and at the correct height to glide effortlessly.
- Proper Fit: Ensures drawer boxes fit within their allotted space without rubbing.
- Consistent Appearance: Drawer fronts align correctly, providing a clean, finished look.
- Prevents Binding: Incorrect spacing is a primary cause of drawers sticking or being difficult to open.
Methods for Spacing Drawer Slides
Several techniques can be used to achieve accurate spacing:
1. Using Spacers
As highlighted in the provided reference, spacers are simple yet highly effective.
- How it Works: Cut pieces of scrap wood or use pre-made jigs that match the desired vertical distance between slides (or drawer bottoms/tops).
- Application: Place the spacer on the cabinet side above the previously installed slide or reference line. Rest the next slide (or mark its position) directly on top of the spacer. This replicates the spacing precisely every time.
- Example (from reference): The mention of "5.03 5.03" suggests using a spacer or measurement of 5.03 units (likely inches or cm depending on context) to establish the spacing for multiple drawers.
2. Measuring and Marking
This is a fundamental method requiring careful measurement.
- How it Works: Measure from a reference point (like the cabinet bottom or a previous slide) and mark the position for the next slide using a tape measure and pencil.
- Application: Mark the bottom edge or center line of where the slide should be installed on both cabinet sides.
- Tip: Use a level or straight edge to connect marks across the cabinet width or verify marks are level vertically.
3. Story Sticks
A story stick is a piece of wood marked with the exact locations for all slides.
- How it Works: Lay out all drawer heights and desired spacing onto a single stick.
- Application: Transfer the marks from the story stick directly onto the cabinet sides.
- Benefit: Eliminates repeated measuring, reducing the chance of cumulative errors.
4. Commercial Jigs
Various commercially available jigs are designed specifically for mounting drawer slides accurately and efficiently.
- How it Works: These jigs typically clamp onto the cabinet side and have built-in guides or rests for the slides.
- Benefit: Provides speed and accuracy, especially when building multiple cabinets.
Key Considerations for Spacing
- Slide Type: Different slide types (e.g., bottom mount, side mount) have different clearance requirements. Side-mount slides often require a specific gap on each side of the drawer box (e.g., 1/2 inch total for full-extension slides).
- Drawer Box Dimensions: The height of your drawer boxes dictates the minimum spacing needed, plus any necessary clearance above and below.
- Drawer Front Overlap: Account for how much the drawer front will overlap the cabinet opening. This affects the vertical positioning of the entire drawer box and slide assembly.
- Cabinet Opening: Measure the total available vertical space within the cabinet opening.
- Clearance: Always factor in a small amount of clearance (e.g., 1/16" to 1/8") above the drawer box to ensure it doesn't rub the cabinet frame or the drawer above it, especially critical with warmer temperatures or humidity changes.
By combining accurate measurements, tools like spacers (such as using a 5.03 dimension as shown in the reference), and careful planning, you can achieve perfect spacing for your drawer slides, leading to well-functioning and aesthetically pleasing drawers.
