To size soft close drawer slides, you need to measure the drawer's dimensions, specifically its length/depth and width, relative to the cabinet opening.
Sizing soft close drawer slides correctly is crucial for smooth operation and proper fit within your cabinet. The primary measurements you need are the length (or depth) of your drawer and the width of the cabinet opening compared to the drawer's width.
Based on standard practice and the provided reference, here’s the rundown:
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Determine Slide Length: You need to measure the drawer's length and depth to identify how long your slides need to be. Drawer slides are typically sold based on nominal lengths that correspond closely to common drawer depths. Measure from the back of the drawer front to the back of the drawer box. Choose a slide length that is equal to or slightly shorter than this measurement. Never choose a slide that is longer than your drawer box depth.
- Example: If your drawer is 18.5 inches deep, you would likely select an 18-inch or 19-inch slide, depending on availability and the slide manufacturer's recommendation for that measurement. Many manufacturers list the acceptable drawer depth range for each slide length.
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Check for Required Clearance (Width): For side-mounted slides, which are very common, you need space between the sides of the drawer box and the inside walls of the cabinet opening. You need to subtract the drawer's width from the cabinet's opening width to determine if you can use side-mounted slides and, if so, how thick they need to be.
- Standard side-mounted slides typically require 1/2 inch (or 12.7mm) of clearance on each side of the drawer. This means the total space required between the drawer box width and the cabinet opening width is 1 inch (25.4mm).
- Calculation:
Cabinet Opening Width - Drawer Box Width = Total Clearance - Requirement for Standard Side Mount:
Total Clearance must be approximately 1 inch. - If your total clearance is significantly different, you might need different slides, like bottom-mount or center-mount, or shims to adjust the cabinet opening width.
Quick Reference Table: Sizing Considerations
| Aspect | What to Measure | How it Determines Size/Fit | Key Point (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slide Length | Drawer Box Depth | Determines the slide length needed | Measure the drawer's length and depth to identify how long your slides need to be. |
| Slide Width/Type | Cabinet Opening Width & Drawer Box Width | Determines if side-mount is feasible and the necessary side clearance | Subtract the drawer's width from the cabinet's opening width to determine if you can use side-mounted slides and, if so, how thick they need to be. |
Practical Tips
- Always measure the inside dimensions of the cabinet opening and the outside dimensions of the drawer box.
- Measure accurately! Even small differences can affect slide performance.
- Consider the weight capacity needed for your drawer contents when choosing slides. Soft close slides come in various load ratings.
- Refer to the specific manufacturer's instructions for the slides you plan to purchase, as there can be slight variations in recommended clearances or measurement methods.
By following these steps, particularly focusing on the drawer's depth for slide length and the width difference between the cabinet opening and the drawer for clearance, you can correctly size soft close drawer slides for your project.
