To measure roller drawer slides accurately, focus on the drawer box's dimensions, not the drawer front.
Measuring for Roller Drawer Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to correctly measure for roller drawer slides, ensuring you get the right size for your project:
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Focus on the Drawer Box: The key to accurate measurement is to consider the interior box of the drawer, not the decorative front panel.
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Measure the Depth: Using a measuring tape, measure from the back of the drawer box to the front edge. Do not include the thickness of the drawer face/front in this measurement.
- Example: If your drawer box measures 20 ½ inches from back to front, without the face/front.
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Round Down: Once you have your measurement, you need to round that number down to the nearest standard size for drawer slides.
- Example: Continuing with the example above, a drawer box measuring 20 1/2 inches will need 20-inch drawer slides.
Here's a quick table summarizing the process:
| Step | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Measure Box | Measure from the back of the drawer box to the front, excluding the front panel. | The drawer box measures 18 3/4 inches long, excluding the drawer face. |
| 2. Round Down | Round down to the nearest standard drawer slide length. | For the 18 3/4 inch box measurement, you will need to buy 18-inch drawer slides. |
Why Rounding Down is Crucial
- Drawer slides are typically manufactured in standard lengths, and you must choose the next smaller size to ensure the drawer will fit inside the opening correctly and allow for easy installation.
- Trying to use a drawer slide that's too long will make installation difficult, and the drawer may not close properly.
Key Takeaways:
- Always measure the drawer box to determine the appropriate slide length.
- Always round down to the nearest standard slide size.
- A properly measured drawer slide ensures a smooth functioning drawer and easy installation.
