Instructions For Installing Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides
Install full extension drawer slides if you want simple access to the drawer's deepest section. This kind of drawer slide extends further thanks to a three-piece rail system and ball bearings. These come in a variety of lengths and are available at any home store. You should pick a slide that is just slightly deeper than the side of the drawer or equal to it. Although there are other drawer slide designs available for purchase or DIY construction, I find that I keep coming back to these full-extension ball-bearing slides. In contrast to other methods, I find that I never have to worry about the drawer spilling out or binding. Having said that, installing them is also very simple. If you haven't already, then follow the instructions below to install and make the drawer glide easily:
Step 1: Mark The Placement Of The Slides
Mark an area of 8¼ inches high near the front and back of each side wall by measuring from the cabinet's interior floor. On each of the cabinet's interior walls, draw a level line across the wall using the marks as a guide and a straightedge. Each line should have a mark placed on it 7/8 inch from the cabinet's front edge. This provides space for the drawer front's thickness as well as a 1/8-inch inset.
Step 2: Position & Install The Slides
- Align the first slide's bottom border such that it is above the line. Place the slide's front edge behind the mark, close to the cabinet front.
- Push the extension forward as long as both sets of screw holes are visible while firmly holding the slide in place. Drill small pilot holes in one screw hole close to the front and back of the slide using a drill/driver. Install the slide within the cabinet using the supplied screws. To place the second drawer slide on the cabinet's opposite side, position and install the slides once more.
Step 3: Mark The Drawer Sides
Mark the outer side walls of the drawer box's height in the middle using a tape measure. Mark a horizontal line along the outside of the drawer box on each side with a straightedge.
Step 4: Position The Slide Extension
Each drawer slide's detachable section should be removed and placed on the matching drawer side. Place the slides so that they are flush with the face of the drawer box and in the middle of their respective lines.
Step 5: Attach The Slides To The Drawer & Insert The Drawer
- Mount the slide to the drawer by using a drill/driver and the screws that come with the drawer slides.
- In front of the cabinet, maintain the drawer level. Insert the ends of the slides that are connected to the drawers into the cabinet's tracks. Slide the drawer into position by evenly applying pressure to either side. The drawer may push a little harder on the initial slide-in, but once the tracks are engaged, the drawer should slide out and back in without any problems.
Step 6: Position & Attach The Drawer Face
- On the face of the drawer box, apply wood glue. Place the drawer face with equal spaces along the top and side edges while the drawer is closed. Clamps should be used to hold the drawer face against the drawer box.
- Open the drawer slowly, then secure it in place by inserting 1-inch screws into the rear of the drawer face and through the holes in the drawer box.