How to Measure Drawer Slides - What Size do You Need?How do you determine the length of a drawer slide? how to determine drawer slides sizes
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Understanding how to measure drawer slides is the first step to a proper installation.It's a must before building drawers or replacing slides.
The good news is there is a wide variety of drawer slides, many manufacturers and some basic cabinet considerations to consider.Learning how to measure for drawer slides is more than just the length.
Step 1 - Understand your cabinet construction, step 2 - Pick your slide type, and step 3 - Measure Cabinet Depth.
The need for rear mounting brackets will be determined by your cabinet construction and how much space you have left for them.
I'm not sure what a face frame cabinet is.A face frame is the same as a picture frame.A strip of wood is all around the frame of the cabinet and sits on top of it.
Pick the mount because drawer slides have different requirements for measurement.
If you are undecided and have the skill, I recommend the undermount slides.
On the other hand side mount slides are easier to measure than the drawer opening.
To find the distance from the front of the cabinet to the back, use a tape measure.Then think about:
If you are building face frame cabinets remember to leave room for at least a 1/2′′ thick mounting block in the back to attach the drawer slides mounting brackets.
Most drawer slides range from 16′′ to 22′′.Once you have your cabinet depth, rear sockets brackets and mounting location, you can match finalize your drawer slide length.
The drawer height and width are controlled by the drawer slide.
Since there are a lot of drawer slides, you may need to do a little more research on your slide types.
An undermount slide work is best for drawers that are at least 4′′ deep.
The side mount drawer slides are usually ball bearing and have a standard clearance on each side.There are some considerations for the slides.
I like to leave a full inch of clearance at the back of the drawer.Due to mounting brackets and features like push-to-open a tight fitting drawer will cause more issues than the extra space is worth.An undermount drawer slide has a different rear clearance and drawer length.While a side mount slide is more universal there are considerations such as low profile to consider.A side mount drawer slide allows for maximum slide height as it doesn't require the "tip in" requirement a bottom mount does.If you don't know if you want to build the drawer or purchase the slides, you should build it.
I like to leave a full inch of clearance at the back of the drawer.Due to mounting brackets and features like push-to-open a tight fitting drawer will cause more issues than the extra space is worth.
The drawer slides are connected to the side of the cabinet directly, so no rear mounting brackets are required.
It is important to choose the drawer slide type first.An undermount drawer slide has a different rear clearance and drawer length.Low profile is one of the considerations that should be considered when choosing a side mount slide.
Depending on your drawer slide, the dimensions of the drawer will vary.A side mount drawer slide allows for maximum slide height as it doesn't require the "tip in" requirement a bottom mount does.If you don't know if you want to build the drawer or purchase the slides, you should build it.
It isn't hard to learn how to measure drawer slides, but it can be difficult to decide which is the best slide.Picking your slide type first is the best tip for measuriwng drawer slides.