Installing drawer slides is one of the essential steps when building or repairing drawers. Drawer slides are the hardware that allows drawers to move in and out smoothly. However, even with experience, there are common mistakes that people make when installing them. These errors can cause drawers to stick, wobble, or not close correctly. In this article, we will discuss some of the common mistakes made when installing drawer slides and how to fix them.
Choosing the Wrong Drawer Slides
The first mistake people make is using the wrong type of drawer slides. It has several types available, including side-mount, center-mount, and under-mount slides. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, side-mount slides are easier to install, but they may not be as smooth as under-mount ones. Center-mount slides are less common, but they can be more stable than others. Choosing the wrong type of slide can cause problems with the drawer's movement.
It's essential to understand the differences between types of drawer slides and choose the one that best suits your needs. Consider the weight and size of the drawer, as well as how often it will be used. You should also consider the type of material you're working with, as some slides work better with certain materials.
Not Leveling the Drawer Slides
Another common mistake is not leveling the drawer slides. Drawer slides rely on a level surface to work correctly. If they are not level, the drawer will not slide smoothly and may even get stuck. This mistake can be particularly frustrating because it can be challenging to fix once the slide is installed.
Always level the drawer slides before installation. You can use a level or a straightedge to check for levelness. Make sure the surface where the slides will be attached is also level. If it's not, you may need to adjust the surface or use shims to level it.
Not Measuring Correctly
Measuring is a critical step when installing drawer slides. If you don't measure them correctly, they may not be in the correct position, causing the drawer to stick or not close correctly. This mistake is particularly common when building custom drawers, where the measurements can be more challenging to take accurately.
To avoid this mistake, double-check your measurements before installing the drawer slides. Measure both the drawer and the cabinet to ensure that the slides are in the correct position. You should also measure the distance between them to ensure that the drawer will fit correctly.
Not Using Enough Screws
Drawer slides need to be securely attached to the drawer and the cabinet. If you don't use enough screws, the slides may not be stable, causing the drawer to wobble or fall out of the cabinet. This mistake is particularly common when people try to save time and money by using fewer screws than recommended.
Use the recommended number of screws for installation. The manufacturer's instructions will specify the number of screws required for each slide. Make sure to use the right size and type of screws, depending on the material you're working with.
Not Aligning the Drawer Slides Correctly
Finally, another common mistake is not aligning the drawer slides correctly. If they are not aligned, the drawer will not slide smoothly, and it may even get stuck. This mistake is particularly common with side-mount slides, where the position of the slide can be challenging to see.
To avoid this mistake, always double-check that the slides are aligned correctly before installing the drawer. You can use a straightedge to check the position. Make sure that they are in the same position on both sides of the drawer.
Installing drawer slides is a critical step when building or repairing drawers. However, even with experience, mistakes can happen that can cause problems with the drawer's movement. Choosing the wrong type of slide, not leveling the slides, not measuring correctly, not using enough screws, and not aligning the slides correctly are common mistakes that people make when installing drawer slides. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your drawers will slide smoothly and last for years to come.
Contact A&H Turf today to ensure that your drawer slides are installed correctly. As your complete source for home-building projects, we have the expertise to ensure that your drawers will slide smoothly and last for years to come. You can trust us to get the job done right the first time.