Without drawer channels or drawer slides, you can’t add drawers to a chosen piece of furniture. These furniture hardware pieces are crucial components for using common furniture objects like cabinets, dressers, nightstands, chest of drawers, and study tables. Drawer runners may not be visible but serve a major purpose of better functioning of drawers attached to any piece of furniture!
This article guides you through the importance of drawer runners and how to install them like a professional:
What are Drawer Runners?
Drawer runners or drawer slides are furniture hardware pieces that allow for the easy movement of the drawer. All the furniture pieces that include drawers are horizontally attached with a pair of drawer slides. This easy mechanism lets the drawer slide in and out of the furniture easily.
Drawer runners help reduce the friction between the drawer and the chosen piece of furniture. If the drawers are attached without the drawer hinges to the furniture, you may still be able to open and close the same but it will create friction. This action will soon damage the drawer and furniture. That’s why drawer runners make a necessary addition to the drawers for smooth functionality and preserving the costly furniture pieces!
Types of drawer runners
Soft-close Drawer Runners
Soft-close drawer runners as the name suggests allow you to close the drawer softly. These slides make a popular choice for kitchen drawers and include a catch system that makes the drawer close softly.
Ball Bearing Drawer Runners
Ball bearing drawer runners include steel ball bearings for the smooth operation of drawers. The ball bearings inside the slides allow for less friction whenever the drawer is opened or closed.
Full Extension Drawer Runners
Full extension drawer runners suit most types of cabinets and wardrobes. These drawer slides can be fully extended and can take up the maximum weight load of the drawer as well!
6 Easy Steps to Install Drawer Channels
Follow these easy steps to add drawer slides on your own:
Step 1 - Mark and Set the Placement of Slides
The first step to installing the drawer slides is to select and mark the placement of drawer slides on the inner side of the drawer. The placement of the drawer slide will depend on the size and style of the drawer. Ideally, the slides are added half of the way from the bottom of the cabinet. Mark the placement where the drawer slide will be added at and draw a straight line parallel to the top of the cabinet.
Try placing or positioning the drawer channel where you have made the line to ensure you have made the correct markings. Take the marking again in case you feel there is scope for improvement at the previous markings.
Step 2 - Install the Drawer Channels
Hold the drawer channels firmly at the markings you have made and insert the screw at the slides. Make sure the screws and slides are at the right places and repeat the process for the other side of the cabinet as well.
Step 3 - Mark and Position the sides
Install the other side of the drawer you have selected and mark the same halfway from the length of the drawer. Draw a straight line with a ruler and position the side accordingly.
Step 4 - Position the Chanel extension
After you have marked the sides of the drawer, hold one slide extension from the drawer slide up till the markings are done. It is a good way to check if the drawer slide extension is lined up properly. In case you need to reduce or raise the slide by a couple of millimeters, then simply make a fresh line.
Step 5 - Install the Drawer Channels
Once you are satisfied with the positioning of the drawer slide extensions, mount the same with the screws and repeat the same to the other side of the drawer as well.
Step 6 - Place the Drawer
The final step is to add the drawer to the cabinet. Adding drawer slides is all about placing the slide ends into the tracks of cabinets and inserting the drawer accordingly. Different drawer slides include different mechanisms and you need to consider these factors to ensure that the drawer is inserted correctly and will provide for a smooth motion system.
Note - You can contact the professional to install the drawer runners and ensure you have the functional drawer mechanism for your furniture. Frikly offers the highest quality channels and hinges including the drawer runners that are ideal for updating the interiors of your home and offices!
Also Read: 8 Handy Tips For Styling Your Cabinets With Essential Hardware
