Installing Liberty soft close drawer slides involves attaching one part to the cabinet and the other to the drawer, then connecting them. This process ensures smooth operation and the soft-close feature.
Here's a guide to installing Liberty soft close ball bearing drawer slides:
Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Liberty Soft Close Drawer Slides
- Screws (usually included with slides)
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Drill with appropriate bits (for pilot holes and driving screws)
- Safety Glasses
Understanding Your Drawer Slides
Liberty soft close slides typically consist of two main parts for each side of the drawer:
- Cabinet Member: The longer part that attaches inside the cabinet.
- Drawer Member: The shorter part that attaches to the side of the drawer.
These two parts usually separate for easier installation.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these steps carefully to install your slides:
- Separate the Slide Members: Extend the slide until you can locate the release lever or clip. This is usually a small plastic or metal lever. Press or lift the lever according to the slide's design to separate the cabinet member from the drawer member. Do this for both slides.
- Prepare the Cabinet: Decide on the desired height for your drawer. Use your measuring tape and level to make marks inside the cabinet where the top edge of the cabinet slide members will be placed.
- Install Cabinet Members:
- Using your pencil, make a mark on the inside of the cabinet at your desired height.
- Align the top of the cabinet member with the mark.
- Make sure it is 1/16 inches from the front of the cabinet. This slight setback prevents the drawer face from rubbing the cabinet frame.
- Use a level to ensure the slide member is straight horizontally.
- Mark the screw hole locations through the holes in the slide member.
- Drill small pilot holes at the marked spots to prevent wood splitting.
- Secure the cabinet member to the cabinet using the provided screws.
- Repeat for the cabinet member on the opposite side, ensuring it is level and at the same height as the first.
- Prepare the Drawer: Place the drawer member (the shorter part) onto the side of your drawer. Ensure it is positioned correctly relative to the front of the drawer – often flush or slightly set back, depending on the slide design and drawer overlay.
- Install Drawer Members:
- Align the drawer member on the side of the drawer. Use a square or measure from the bottom/front edge of the drawer to ensure consistent placement.
- Mark the screw hole locations.
- Drill small pilot holes.
- Attach the drawer member to the side of the drawer using screws.
- Repeat for the drawer member on the other side, ensuring it's installed at the same height and position as the first.
- Insert the Drawer: With both the cabinet and drawer members installed, align the drawer members with the cabinet members. Gently push the drawer into the cabinet. You may feel a slight resistance as they connect. Push firmly until the drawer is fully seated.
- Test and Adjust: Open and close the drawer several times to ensure it glides smoothly and the soft-close feature engages properly. If it binds or doesn't close correctly, check your alignment and squareness. You may need to loosen screws, make minor adjustments, and re-tighten.
Tips for a Smooth Installation
- Measure twice, drill once! Accuracy is key for smooth-operating slides.
- Use pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood, especially in hardwoods or plywood edges.
- Ensure slides are parallel to each other both horizontally and vertically.
- Confirm the 1/16" setback from the cabinet front as recommended for proper face alignment.
By following these steps, including the crucial measurement details for the cabinet member placement, you can successfully install your Liberty soft close drawer slides for effortless and quiet drawer operation.
