For most side-mount drawer slides, you need a specific amount of clearance on each side of the drawer box to ensure smooth operation.
According to common requirements for side-mount slides, you need 1/2” to 17/32” of clearance on each side of the drawer. This specific measurement is critical for the slides to fit correctly and function without binding or excessive play.
Understanding Drawer Slide Clearance
Drawer slides require clearance for several key reasons:
- Allowing the slide mechanism to fit: The slide hardware itself occupies space between the drawer box and the cabinet opening.
- Preventing binding: Adequate space ensures the drawer doesn't rub against the cabinet sides as it's opened and closed.
- Accommodating minor variations: Slight imperfections in the drawer box or cabinet construction can be absorbed by the necessary clearance.
Clearance Requirements at a Glance
The required clearance can be summarized as follows:
| Measurement Type | Required Clearance |
|---|---|
| Clearance Per Side | 1/2 inch to 17/32 inches |
| Total Width Difference | 1 inch to 1-1/16 inches (Drawer vs. Opening) |
This means that the total width of your drawer box should be smaller than the width of the cabinet opening by the sum of the clearance needed on both sides. Based on the 1/2" to 17/32" per side requirement, the drawer box should be 1” to 1-1/16” smaller than the overall opening width to fit properly with most side-mount slides.
Practical Application
When building or installing drawers, measure your cabinet opening precisely. Then, subtract the required total clearance (1" to 1-1/16") to determine the correct width for your drawer box.
For example:
- If your cabinet opening is 18 inches wide.
- Subtract the total clearance (let's use 1 inch for simplicity, but aiming for 1-1/16" is often better).
- Your drawer box should be built 17 inches wide.
Always check the specifications provided by the manufacturer of your specific drawer slides, as requirements can occasionally vary slightly, although 1/2" per side is a very common standard.
