Drawer Box Kitchen With Soft Close With Rear Mounting Bracket

The all-time drawer slides are either a side mount or undermount that feature soft close. And in our tests, Vadania were the best side mounts, Lontan our budget option, and with Blum's not available the Knobonly undermount a solid alternative.

There'due south no reason a drawer should open hard, close with a slam or partially open.

Which requires choosing drawer slides that accept all of the right features, are the right length, and operate correctly. From retrofit drawer slides for cabinets and furniture to new slides larn how to pick (and install) the most durable new slides for your project.

And while soft close drawer slides are a complex mix of dampers, springs and bearings remember they are really the only selection for new projects.

Length: make sure the length fits the chiffonier (become 1-inch shorter when in doubt)
Features: Decide from these v: soft close, self close, weight, extension and mountain
Brand: stick to proper name brands with superlative reviews as not all slides perform the same
Dampers: are pistons in soft close drawers that stop the drawer from slamming
Springs: are integrated into the slide to pull the drawer shut the final inch

Steps to install a drawer slide:

#1:Decide on a drawer slide and features
#2: Use a drawer slide jig to make installation piece of cake
#3: Use heavy duty screws for a firmer hold
#iv: Always use rear mountain brackets for face frame cabinets
#4: Programme 30 minutes a drawer for a proper installation
#5: Suit, adjust, adjust until the drawer opens perfectly

Best Drawer Slides
Why Do the Best Drawer Slides Accept Soft Closing?
Tools To Install Drawer Slides
Drawer Slide Review
Other Soft Close Drawer Slides Reviewed
The Best Soft Close Slides Won't Work If Installed Incorrectly
Fundamental Features of Soft Close Drawer Slides
Undermount Soft Close Drawer Slides Overview
Soft Shut Drawer Slide Ratings
Measuring Soft Close Drawer Glide Opening and Closing Forcefulness
Mutual Questions on Soft Close Drawer Slides
How to Install Soft Close Drawer Slides
Ownership Guide for Soft Close Drawer Slides
Drawer construction considerations for soft close drawer slides
Best Drawer Slides: Convert existing drawers to soft close drawer slides
Frequently Asked Questions for Soft Close Drawer Slides
Summary: Best Drawer Slides

Best Drawer Slides

From budget to skill, replacing or installing new drawer slides is the most circuitous part of edifice or remodeling furniture and cabinets.

But when choosing new drawer slides thefirst criteria is always picking the correct type of slide.

Fortunately, the best drawer slides types are either:

Side mount slides that get on the side and take a 1/ii″ clearance on each side. These slides use heavy duty metallic and ball bearings for durability and high weight chapters.
Undermount slides become on the bottom (concealed) and are invisible once installed.

All-time Drawer Slide For New Cabinets and Furniture

While there are many different styles of drawer slides the undisputed best drawer slide, equally known by woodworkers, is an undermount slide.

Here'due south why undercounts are amend:

Larger dampers and heavier springs
Are less likely to bind as the rollers are under the drawer and not on the side of the drawer
Offer full extension
Install easier than side mounts

And since these slides won't exist seen, they allow you to focus on creating beautiful

All-time Drawer Slides For Retrofitting Cabinets and Article of furniture

Odds are practiced you have seen a chrome brawl begetting slide on the side of a drawer.

And for both new drawers and replacements there is a reason these side mount drawer slides are so popular: durability, price and functionality.

With millions of cabinets using epoxy bottom mount slides a full extension side mount is often the best replacement pick. Why? Well, a bottom mount slide has a 1/ii″ of side clearance and and then do side mount ball bearing slides.

The flim-flam? Exist sure to apply a drawer slide jig, accept clamps on hand and well-nigh importantly PATIENCE every bit replacing drawer slides is a medium-complexity project.

Best Drawer Slides For a Dresser

When choosing drawer slides for a dresser the number one consideration is budget.

While a $40 per drawer slide will result in a smooth-operating dresser, there are arguably better ways to spend that money.

The effect? A budget side mount with soft shut is a wise option that volition provide for years of problem complimentary operation but without breaking the bank.

Why Do the Best Drawer Slides Take Soft Closing?

Note: Around minute 4 in the video you'll see the Blum undermount slides. This is a great reference by the Crafted Workshop on soft shut slides and making drawers for them.

Beginning upwards is agreement what a soft shut drawer slide is – and isn't.

And so, equally you'd expect, a soft close drawer slide does ii things. Starting time, it prevents drawers from slamming through use of a damper that catches the drawer and slows the endmost force. Then second, using (preferably) two big springs the soft shut mechanism gently pulls the drawer closed.

Is information technology the same as cocky endmost? No.

But will a quality soft close drawer slide proceed well-nigh drawers closed? Yeah.

Tools To Install Drawer Slides

It doesn't affair how well congenital your new drawer slides are if they are installed incorrectly.

Since drawer slides must be installed in three directions correctly the following tools are a must:

Drawer slide jig and clamp
Compact cordless drill with magnetic commuter
Upgraded screws (Rok #viii are my preference)
Rear mount brackets for face frame applications

The last tool? Patience. Exist sure to take your fourth dimension and wait mistakes and adjustments.

Drawer Slide Review

Vadania VK1245 Soft Close Drawer Slides

Overview

The Vadania side mount soft close drawer slides came in as 1 of the best drawer slides in my side mount soft close drawer slide review.

And for practiced reason as they had the best count of brawl bearings and i of theonly steel soft close catch.

Just out of the package the Vadania slides immediately set themselves apart from the Lontan, Accuride and Promark drawer slides:

Sleek blackness finish perfect for modern applications (vs. the standard galvanized of other manufacturers)
Well oiled
Damper and steel catch for immovability

Features

Side mount drawer slide
Full extension to access the back of the drawer
Available in ten″ to 24″ lengths
Ball bearing drawer slides for smoothen functioning
Black terminate for modern await
Integrated soft close damper
Tool-less drawer removal with moving picture of locking side lever

Easy to open with minimal pull
Smooth operation
Mod black finish
100 pound capacity
Two springs for top closing force
Full extension
Loftier quality, high count of bearings
Steel grab vs. competitor plastic

Visible after installed (undermounts are not)
Price

Lontan 4502S3 Soft Close Drawer Slides

Overview

I was surprised with this drawer slide.

First, they come up individually or in packs of 2, 6 and 10 at half the price of most other drawer slides.

And, while they what I consider a "generic" slide equally they aren't from one of the established manufacturers, their construction was Tiptop NOTCH when stacked upward against the other slides.

And, in a make test, I've put these ahead of the well known Accuride as they just performed improve and were surprisingly quieter when opened and airtight. As you lot know, or don't, that volition matter when you first open and shut the door as a "clicking and clacking" sound is ane of the hallmarks of poor performing ball begetting slides (soft close or standard).

Lastly, with their nifty bundled toll, I've as well installed these in a recent garage workshop makeover. And afterwards loading one drawer (~15″ x 22″) to capacity with heavy screw boxes it has performed fantastic. I've fifty-fifty attempted to slam the drawer and information technology's damper has worked each fourth dimension.

Features

Side mount drawer slide
Full extension drawer slide
Bachelor as unmarried slides and bundles of two, six or x (with toll discounts the more you lot buy)
Lengths of xvi, 18, twenty, and 22″
Brawl bearing drawer slides for smooth performance
Integrated soft close damper
Tool-less drawer removal with flick of locking side lever

Open up easily with no "tug" required
100 pound capacity
Two springs vs. one found in other slides
Total extension
High bearing count
Serenity operation
Great price

Supplied screws were wrong kind
Plastic soft close grab vs. steel

Blum 563H Soft Close Drawer Slide

Overview

There'due south a reason nigh cabinets offer undermounts equally upgrades: they simply perform improve.

Because an undermount drawer slide places the weight of the drawer on horizontal rollers (versus steel ball bearings) the drawer action is SMOOTHER.

For instance, the Blum 563H won't require the hard pull to open similar you'd discover in a low quality side mount soft shut slide. And, since they aren't metal-on-metal, you lot'll detect they are quieter as well.

So what's the catch? You'll demand to make a few custom measurements as these slides don't utilize a standard 1/two″ side clearance. Instead, you'll have a slightly wider drawer and crave an extra 1/4″ or so clearance under the drawer to fit the slide.

Nevertheless, Blum sets itself apart from other slides with:

The immovability you need for a long-term drawer slide
Reliability for decades of use
BHMA certification provides for high initial and long term closing quality
Easy to open and smoothen opening and closing with roller bearing pattern

And, Blum slides are manufactured in the USA.

Features

Undermount drawer slide
Full extension drawer slide
Available in 18″ and 21″ lengths
Roller bearing structure for smooth functioning
Hidden once installed with no part showing
Tool-less removal by unlocking the front end drawer locks
Integrated soft close damper
Large dampers for smooth performance

Made in USA
BHMA certified
Easy to open with minimal pull
Smooth operation
Invisible in one case installed
100 pound chapters
Drawers are easy to remove
Full extension
Includes rear mounting brackets (with kit)

Cost
Building drawers for undermount slides takes more planning

The All-time Soft Close Slides Won't Work If Installed Incorrectly

I know yous want to become to the drawer slides.

But, before we do I want to share a few tips on what else to buy.

Or, no affair how expert the slide is won't operate correctly, it might fail later, or yous may perchance intermission it during installation:

Drawer slide jigs are a must to properly marshal your drawers during installation. Most cost less than 1-two pairs of slides and the Kreg KHI-SLIDE is near popular.

Rear mount brackets are a must for face up frame applications as they make installation faster and improve drawer functioning with infinite adjustment. I've used the ProMark and Lontan and prefer the ProMark every bit it has a larger rear screw plate.

Drawer screws sent by most manufacturers are inadequate. Then, I apply Rok #viii truss head screws in both drawer slides and soft close cabinet hinges as they take a superior hold.

So, add these 3 to your shopping list and y'all'll experience a MUCH SMOOTHER installation.

Key Features of Soft Close Drawer Slides

So how do y'all know a good soft close slide from a mediocre one?

Here are vi things to look for:

Open force: a soft shut drawer slide shouldn't require a hard tug to open. This will exist your first complaint with a number of slides.
Endmost force: the soft close slide must grab and pull a heavy drawer close. And for this, two springs are a must.
Quality of construction: The # of ball bearings, smoothness and tightness of rails, and fit and terminate of slide all affair to long term reliability.
Operating noise: ball begetting slides can "click and clack" when closed. But fortunately some manufacturers accept taken the time to install well-designed bumpers to prevent this.
Weight capacity: all rated themselves as 100 heavy duty soft close drawer slides. For 100+ pounds see our heavy duty drawer slide guide.
Extension: soft close drawer slides are nearly all total extension drawer slides with the exception of very short lengths (eg. 10″).

Finally, when it comes to length fortunately all slides are available in popular lengths. And near side mounts are plant from lengths of 12-24″.

Undermount Soft Close Drawer Slides Overview

Who makes under mountain drawer slides?

Blum has owned the market for this style of drawer slide. And for good reason with their intense focus on delivering quality products and continuing innovation.

And, Blum also specifically targets the consumer segment – more so than other vendors who focus on manufacturing suppliers.

But there's always contest, and so permit's look at who else makes these slides:

Grass, similar Blum, has a huge selection of drawer slides just (from my feel) is focused on commercial distribution and applications
CSH Hardware – who supplies many of the big box stores with a lower price alternative to Blums
Male monarch slides – makers of high end push-to-open soft close drawer slides

Pairing push to open with soft close drawer slides

Don't want hardware on the front end of your drawers?

Well, yous're in luck if yous have a frameless blueprint to your cabinets. By adding push button to close to an undermount soft close drawer slide you can gently push the drawer front and the drawer volition glide partly open.

While these aren't cheap, you tin factor in the savings of not having to purchase boosted hardware (and install them).

Who makes these? A few options:

King under mountain button to open up slides that have this feature built-in
Blum TIP-ON is an accessory to their TANDEM slides that tin be added to any compatible drawer to upgrade to button to open.

Heavy duty undermount soft close drawer slides

While heavy duty drawer slides, for me, starting time around 150 pounds there are a few options for soft close drawer slides at 125 pounds:

Blum heavy duty nether mountain with 125 pound capacity

Soft Close Drawer Slide Ratings

Nosotros'll go through each drawer slide in particular, but subsequently my testing I ranked the slides as follows. A few aren't piece of cake to find, so I've included links for buying now – and most are almost economical in a 6 or 10-pack (just divide past quantity to get per unit of measurement).

Lastly, don't forget rear mounting brackets, screws and a drawer slide jig, like the Kreg branded jig, when installing these soft shut drawer slides:

Measuring Soft Close Drawer Glide Opening and Closing Force

Disclaimer: This is my personal testing method and consider equally such since it was not performed in a controlled lab!

The #1 usability effect with soft close close drawer slides is they can be hard to open.

And the #1 functioning issue is the springs aren't potent enough to pull a drawer and it's contents closed.

Since this information isn't published with any drawer slides I decided to invest a few dollars in a estimate used to calibrate the trigger pressure level of guns. And the results validated what I "felt" were the best soft closing drawer slides without introducing the dynamics of an installed drawer.

Step #1 - Measuring the Closing Strength

In this step I took each of the six slides in this review (except the Blum – I'll update the review later) and mounted them exactly the same on a custom jig.

For the exam I used the Wheeler Professional Forcefulness Gauge.

Test highlights:

All vi slides were measured 10 times for both tests
Examination #1 was to measure out ounces of closing strength at i.five″ from closed. And I chose this equally it is just past the point where all vi slides were "released" and under the power of their springs (maximum force per unit area).
Test #two was to measure ounces of endmost force 0.5″ from closed. Basically, was strength maintained near fully closed as the springs neared resting position.

Step #2 - Measuring Open Forcefulness

Look, I've installed aftermarket soft close drawer adapters and they close well. Just they accept a surprising force to open.

So, I tested out the open force of each slide every bit well. For this examination I left the slide mounted in the jig and performed ten "open" cycles.

High Endmost Force Plus Low Opening Force Equals the Best Drawer Slide

Vadania and Lontan easily won this test. And having installed both in drawer projects I wasn't surprised.

The Best closing force went to Gobrico only they had the hardest Open up strength. And a drawer that takes a hard tug to open is non usable.

While the EASIEST to open up went to Vadania.

While the findings weren't surprising, they did show that ii springs are a must (ruling out two slides – the K&V and Promark).

Again, this examination was a bootleg test to requite some measure out of closing and opening force. It would exist slap-up for the industry to standardize a exam to inform consumers in cycle tests of 100,000 opening and closings!

Common Questions on Soft Close Drawer Slides

1. Can I Upgrade to Soft Close Without Replacing the Slides

Have drawers you want to upgrade but don't desire to supersede the slides?

If you have one of the millions (billions?) of drawers with bottom mount epoxy slides you're in luck.

In a thing of minutes a Rok Hardware Add On Soft Close Adapter can upgrade your existing drawers.

Practice they work? If installed co-ordinate to our addition soft close adapter guide they tin can piece of work great. While not equally smoothen to open up as a Blum under mountain they do the job.

The only downside? They were a little tight to start with on opening but loosened up.

2. What are undermount soft close drawer slides?

Looking at a cabinet opening at that place are 3 possible surfaces to mount the drawer slide to:

Top mount for slides like keyboard trays
Side mountain for brawl begetting slides
Bottom for, agree on, there are a bunch of mountain types here. A bottom mountain drawer slide will exist screwed to the drawer bottom just be visible on the side (I refer to these as roller or Epoxy slides). And then there are middle mount slides where the drawer runs on a unmarried slide in the, you lot guessed it, center of the drawer slide. Merely finally, there are nether mount that are fully curtained (Blum) and are installed on both sides of the drawer and are fully "nether" the drawer.

So now that you understand the types of drawer slides, an undermount slide is different in that:

An undermount slide installs on both edges (vs. a center mount where it's only in the heart)
Under mount slide is fully concealed.
Finally this blazon of slide requires a special drawer construction and widths that cistron drawer side thickness, drawer lesser depth and side clearance

3. So should I use side mount soft close drawer slides?

Certainly.

Since not every budget or project can accommodate to an undermount soft shut glide, the best culling is to use a side mount soft close.

Every bit referenced elsewhere in this article proper selection, use of mounting brackets, the right screws and some patience is required. And while true for undermount installation, it's doubly important for a side mount drawer slide (of any kind).

4. Are full extension drawer slides soft close?

Fortunately, all soft close drawer slides I've seen comprise a full extension opening. Then yes, a full extension drawer can be establish with soft close.

Non sure what drawer extension is? Well, consider:

Extension refers to how much of the drawer is "extended" past the confront of the cabinet when fully opened.
For example, partial extension drawer slides only open up … partially. Most commonly, these slides open up 75% or "iii fourths". And yous run into the issue here as you tin't access the back of the drawer.
On the other hand, a full extension drawer slide extends so the rear of the drawer is at least flush with the face of the cabinet.

5. But how difficult is installing soft close drawer slides?

With so much focus on installation problems, maybe you're thinking these aren't the drawers for me.

Only let's consider, first, the alternatives:

Bottom mountain drawer slides only offer soft shut with an adapter. And bottom mounts, while admittedly the easiest to install, still require adjustment and rear mounting brackets.
Standard side mount drawer slides are still ball bearing construction and must be installed with the same precision. While slightly easier as the soft close mechanism isn't a concern, even so vertical and horizontal adjustment is required.
I just tin't recommend a center mount slide – these exist in my woodworking opinion as ways to cheapen factory furniture.

In another mode of saying it: no drawer slide is easy to install. Due to alignment needs a soft close drawer slide is slightly more difficult to install. But on the other stop of the installation y'all'll accept the satisfaction of slam-costless drawers.

vi. I don't want knobs or handles - are in that location push to open soft shut drawer slides?

Before answering that question let'due south first sympathise cabinet construction:

A face frame cabinet cannot utilize push button to open up drawer slides every bit the drawer front is straight in contact with the "frame" of the cabinet.
However, a frameless cabinet is designed such that the drawer slide determines the position of the drawer front. Every bit such, the drawer front has room behind it to be "pushed in".

Then with that in mind, there are push to open soft close drawer slides. And one of the best soft close drawer slides with this feature is the Male monarch push button-to-open soft close drawer slide. While not the cheapest, considering toll savings on knob or handle hardware you might be able to justify them for the expect.

7. 22 inch soft close drawer slides or 24 inch? What length practice I need?

In that location's a short reply to the length question when determining what slide length you need.

To measure length:

Frameless cabinets do not require a rear mounting subclass, so the slide length is the depth of the cabinet minus the thickness of the drawer front.
Face frame cabinets crave rear mounting brackets, so the slide length is the depth of the chiffonier (from the frame forepart) minus i/2″ for rear bracket

While most cabinets I've installed drawer slides in require a 22 inch slide (I build for face frames), an undermount design is usually 21 inches and bathroom cabinets tend to be 18″.

Just exist sure to measure each cabinet every bit construction might vary. And that'southward especially true in centre island cabinets.

8. What about replacing drawer slides with soft close?

A retrofit soft close upgrade project is a great DIY project.

Other than choosing a slide, here'southward what you'll want to know before jumping in:

Remember this volition require hands and knees work with potentially a trip or two into the cabinets.
Quality, quality, quality. Certain, y'all can spend $5-10 less on that drawer slide, but consider the time y'all'll be investing for an upgrade and replacement. Yous don't want to practice this project twice.
Invest in a drawer slide jig, #8 Rok screws and a good quality cabinet clamp.

For choosing a drawer slide y'all'll want to consider:

Clearance on each side of the drawer must exist ane/ii″ or you'll exist looking at a rebuild of the drawer.
Cabinet construction
Slide length
Weight of the drawer contents.

For extra broad or deep drawers a soft close slide might not be the best option.

9. Will a 10" soft close drawer slide work?

While I haven't tried this length of slide, I have read the reviews on shorter soft close slides.

And they generally aren't adept.

So, exist cautious with this length of slide and consider that they might not open fully. In fact, Vadania'southward website markets them equally a partial extension slide. Only all things considered, for a drawer with viii″ of travel before it connects to the soft closing device is soft closing actually a need?

10. What's the scoop on heavy duty soft close drawer slides?

Before we get started with heavy duty, a drawer slide with a 100 pound rating is "medium duty" in my book. A heavy duty slide really starts around 150 pounds, and these beefy slides become up to thou pounds or more.

So, while there are heavy duty drawer slides with a soft close characteristic upwards to 125 pounds it's questionable if they will "slam shut" in the first identify.

Personally, and in my feel, the drawers that slam shut are the lightweight drawers. So ask yourself: is a 100 pound drawer probable something y'all'll open up frequently? Is it slamming really a business concern?

11. How almost low profile soft shut drawer slides for shallow drawers?

For furniture and desks one common drawer slide need is for a low profile drawer slide. And by design, these slides are virtually always side mount slides as the bottom of the opening is open.

So are there low profile soft close drawer slides? Not that I take found, due to the soft close mechanism space requirements. However a few options could be:

Employ a lesser mount slide with an adapter.
Nonetheless, an undermount soft close could work, but you volition lose another 3/eight″ of interior drawer depth.

12. Springs and hydraulics - simply how does a soft close drawer slide piece of work?

After examining a variety of side mount drawer slides 1 affair is clear: the manufacture is trying to find the best way to make these work.

Only there are a few things in common:

When the drawer is opened a spring-loaded mechansim (there's always 1 spring!) is pulled forrad.
And so, at virtually 1-1/ii″ a latch on the inner drawer slide is opened and the drawer continues to open.
When the drawer is closed, this latch is re-engaged with the soft close mechanism.
And this is where the mechanism driving this latch "kicks in" and pulls the door shut.

Basically, a soft close drawer slide has a moving 'sled' with a spring assist that pulls the drawer shut.

Why would you need a hydraulics then? Well consider what happens when you lot slam a drawer close. With excessive force your action would push this sled dorsum likewise quickly and the drawer would slam.

Now, most interestingly, consider that a soft close slides role is dictated by this leap. Or, pair of springs on the higher rated slides. Thinking dorsum to the alignment discussions in this commodity information technology should be evident you lot'll need to take a solid alignment for this spring-loaded sled to have the best closing force.

13. Self closing drawer slides are the same as soft closing drawer slides - right?

These are two different concepts when it comes to drawer slides.

Showtime, even the best soft closing drawer slide does have a "hold in" strength generated by the spring. But it isn't considered a cocky closing drawer slide.

Instead, a self closing drawer slide is best described equally a "stay closed" drawer slide.

The divergence?

On a side mount brawl bearing slide there is a rubber catch at the very rear of the outer drawer rail. When the drawer is closed the inner rail fits over this catch and is held in place.

14. Why are drawer slide brackets required on confront frame cabinets?

The respond to this question is a flake of basic geometry.

And the elementary fact that soft close slides require a perfectly parallel installation for optimal performance.

Permit's first with what happens when yous don't use a drawer slide bracket on a soft close slide:

You'll demand to cut backing blocks on each side of the drawer slide that are precisely the right thickness to keep the slides parallel. Now that doesn't mean the same thickness every bit the gap behind the face frame, it ways to obtain a parallel slide install.
Shims. And a lot of them. Because neither is the chiffonier guaranteed to be square nor is the drawer, you'll need to employ shims to achieve a perfect fit.

Now, with a drawer bracket you'll take consummate freedom to position the slide anywhere you want.

No shims.

No side mounting blocks (that need to exist advisedly installed to the chiffonier side, no less).

Less fourth dimension installing.

And a better result. Withal wondering if they are worth the extra few dollars?

15. Can I use a soft close drawer slide on a trash can cabinet?

Yes, but I'd temper expectations of the slides performance. Due to the higher weight loads with a trash tin can you lot'll be pushing both the effective width and weight of most slides.

But, if you're building a trash can pullout one slide that might be worth the extra investment is the Blum Heavy Duty Soft Close Slide that offers up to 125 pounds of back up. And even so includes total extension capability and the Blum brand reliability.

16. What'due south the best way to install a Blum undermount slide for a slide-out shelf?

Want to add a custom slide-out to a base of operations chiffonier? This is a not bad way to admission pots and pans with a soft close sliding drawer. Here'due south a few considerations:

You'll desire to plan for hinge clearance so your slide and drawer clear the cabinet door. On a confront frame cabinet I like to use a strip of wood just behind the face frame to allow for hinge clearance (picture below).
Watch drawer width maximums – over 20″ and the soft close mechanisms might not take enough force to pull the drawer close.
Final, if y'all demand still need hinge clearance yous tin try a face mount hinge that fits a Blum confront mounting plate (start with the 33-series hinges)

17. How to fix soft shut drawer slides

If installing drawer slides wasn't frustrating enough, when they fail it's even more than frustrating. When this happens, though, there are ii things to check:

Why did the drawer slide fail?
Is the slide damaged beyond repair?

While these two are related, the truth is finding out why a drawer slide failed is catchy.

Checking for drawer slide damage

To start you'll want to take a look at the drawer slide, cabinet and drawer itself to find out what went wrong:

Missing ball bearings – check for missing brawl bearings on the innermost rail fastened to the drawer.
Broken latch – on the innermost rail, bank check the latch that engages the soft close sled. If the plastic is broken it'southward time to replace.
Cleaved damper or spring – while not as common, check the springs and damper with the drawer not installed. Verify under no load it engages, stays opened, and smoothly closes.
Installation problems – if the drawer slides aren't installed parallel and equidistant to each other the slides will not work. And most usually, when you try to insert the drawer slide rails you may cease upwards forcing the slides. If this just happened, re-check your measurements.

Repairing or replacing the drawer slide?

Since a soft close drawer glide is a precision piece of hardware any malfunction is all-time solved by replacing the slide. Sure, you lot can probably supersede a missing begetting or mend a broken latch. But it will likely fail again.

However, it's vital to right any installation issues. If you didn't apply rear mounting brackets on a face frame cabinet then buy them. And if your alignment is off and then fix it!

18. What's with the disconnect lever on side mount drawer slides?

If you oasis't removed a side mount drawer slide from a cabinet yous've likely non encountered the disconnect mechanism. And it can lead to an embarrassing moment where you don't know how to remove the drawer.

Here's a few tricks:

Most all side mountain slides have a disconnect lever on each side of the slide.
And, they work in reverse directions since slides are "flipped" when installed on the left and right of the drawer opening.
However a few side mount slides accept a push-in detent.

So with the drawer fully extended, look at the side of each drawer for this lever and push it either upward or downward to release the slide rail.

How to Install Soft Close Drawer Slides

Unfortunately a number of soft close drawer slides are damaged due to improper installation. But this can be avoided with the right training, tools, and accessories.

Follow these steps to install soft close drawer slides:

Step #1 - Ensure proper drawer side clearance

This stride is then important that if it cannot be done properly you lot may consider not using soft close drawer slides. Since the soft close mechanisms operate with damper mechanisms they require precise alignment and spacing on each side of the drawer.

If the drawer is likewise wide, the pressure will foreclose the drawer from closing. But if the drawer is too narrow the slides will not operate in parallel and cause binding force per unit area.

For this reason, ensure your drawers have precisely the proper side clearance.

Step #2 - Use rear mounting brackets for face frame cabinets

This footstep is uncomplicated but very important. Before installing your drawer slides in face frame cabinets y'all volition desire to buy rear mounting brackets.

Why is this of import? Well, attempting to build-up shims for the side of the cabinets is time consuming and will create an issue related to Step #1 – the side clearances will be extremely hard to proceed perfect.

Merely the good news? Rear mounting brackets are just a few dollars a drawer.

Step #3 - Drawer jigs are your best friend

Starting into the installation, the start footstep is placing drawer jigs on either side of the chiffonier to support the drawer slides.

A few considerations:

Using 2 jigs allows yous to set, measure and verify equal gaps during the cabinet-side of the installation.
However, the real value of two jigs comes in for face up frame cabinets when attaching the slide piece to the drawers. Once the cabinet slides are installed, opposite the jigs to betoken out. And so prepare the drawer itself on the drawer jigs and pull the drawer slide out.
Making sure the drawer summit is properly gear up, simply screw the slide to the drawer (on each side).

Without jigs you'll need to measure and experiment (unfortunately, required for frameless cabinets). I similar the Kreg Jig Pack With Clamps every bit a value pack with the jigs, clamps and a cabinet knob drill guide too.

Step #4 - Accommodate gently and never strength a slide

There is no such affair as a ball bearing side mountain that needs a hard shove to install. Due to the construction of these slides that's inviting the slide to intermission.

And all also often that calls for a negative review of the slide.

Instead, program for many adjustments, gentle installation, and stop when frustrated. And that volition happen.

Step #5 - Utilize the right screws and install them all

Program for the screws that came with your slides to exist junk. And instead, buy a higher quality spiral like the Rok #eight screws that will provide a ameliorate grip. Because the last matter y'all'll want is to re-adjust drawers in a twelvemonth subsequently inexpensive screws showtime to come loose.

Buying Guide for Soft Close Drawer Slides

Decide Your Chiffonier Construction

Considering installation of drawers is a complicated task yous'll need to empathize your cabinets construction. Why does this affair? Well consider:

- On a frameless cabinet the slide volition attach directly to the side of the cabinet.
- While a face frame cabinet will require the slide to attach to the face frame and then the back of the cabinet (with a rear mount bracket).

So what'southward a face up frame chiffonier? Simple. If your cabinet has a "frame" like a picture on the front of the cabinet box you have a face frame cabinet. Inversely, no frame means you own a frameless cabinet.

Get the Slide Length Correct

Zero will start your drawer installation projection off worse than having the wrong length slide.

But to assist you lot out, hither's my cheat sheet to choosing the right length of soft shut drawer slide:

The drawer slides should exist the same length equally the drawer.
Slides should never be shorter than the drawer
While slides tin be longer than the drawer, for face frame cabinets they must leave room at the back of the cabinet for mounting brackets.
Plan for rear mounting brackets on face frame cabinets. They can take up to ane″ of depth from the drawer and the slide must reach into them sufficiently to hold the drawer weight.

Finally, as a signal of reference almost all kitchen cabinets require a 21-22″ slide and most bathrooms utilize 18″ slides. If you are replacing slides then simply mensurate the existing drawer depth.

Drawer Slide Brackets Are a Must for Face up Frame Cabinets

Brawl begetting drawer slides with a soft shut machinery require perfection or they won't piece of work.

For this reason you'll admittedly need to use a rear mounting subclass on face frame cabinets or adventure a nightmare installation. And here are three reasons you'll be glad y'all buy your slides with brackets:

Rear brackets allow modest left-to-right drawer adjustments with ease.
The alternative to a rear mount bracket is shimming.
Drawer installation time can be cut by as much as 80% (seriously!).

I've installed thousands of bottom mount drawer slides in my woodworking career. And I would refuse to start installing drawers in face up frame cabinets without a subclass.

Drawer Slide Screw Considerations

While all quality drawer slides will include screws that doesn't hateful they are all-time for your installation. A few things I like to keep in listen:

For rear mounting brackets I like to use larger diameter, aggressive thread screws.
On face frame cabinets you lot'll need to drill a airplane pilot hold to avert splitting the wood or breaking a screw off.

Lastly, yous'll need to make sure to install screws generously. One time the drawer is installed and gliding smooth carefully install boosted screws and test the drawer performance continually. Due to drawers property upward of 100 pounds I always utilise ii large screws in rear mounting brackets. You lot can check out our guide to cabinet screws for more on what I like to use.

Check that the slide won't interfere with the drawer construction

This is a trade-off as some of the best slides require room under the drawer. Just, side mount soft close slides are visible. Nosotros'll get to this in a minute, I adopt to trade off a little under-the-drawer space for a subconscious slide. And you can make the drawer a tad wider.

Fundamental thing to notation here? Not all slides will work with existing drawers. And, don't assume the same if you are making drawers. I've made this fault (once).

Drawer construction considerations for soft close drawer slides

Looking at undermount slides? You'll want to make your choice before y'all build the drawers. Or make sure they are compatible (with modifications) for a retrofit.

Planning height of drawer

Some drawer slides require a alter to the interior height of the drawer bottom. Why? Well, it allows for an undermount slide to be concealed. The trade-off is less drawer space.

All the same, since nether mountain drawer slides need minimal clearance I typically brand the drawer 1/2″ less than the height of the opening. This maximizes the drawer sidewall and avoids any installation issues with the drawer rubbing the pinnacle of the face frame (or cabinet pinnacle).

Considerations for attaching slides

A few slides will require a custom dado cut to allow the slide to be fastened. This isn't a large bargain equally it'due south typically curtained. Planning heavy duty use of the drawer? If you are debating use of woods a hardwood side volition hold upwardly better over fourth dimension to the weight and screws.

Y'all can also purchase pre-cutting drawer slides if yous don't accept admission to plywood, a truck or a tabular array saw to make them.

Best Drawer Slides: Convert existing drawers to soft close drawer slides

There is an easy fashion and a hard fashion to practice this. Want the easy way? Friction match the slides you currently take to the soft close slides.

Starting time cheque for compatibility

Drawer slides, yous will find, come in three different varieties. Accept this into consideration when you switch to a different slide – unless you are making new drawers. Three styles of slides:

Under mount / center mount slides – these slides come up in a wide variety of designs and may or may not allow the existing drawer to support a like under mount soft closing slide.
Bottom mount – yous likely accept these if you see a slide at the lesser of the face frame or there is a large wheel at the front of the cabinet-attached slide. Consider side mount soft shut slides if these are your slides.
Side mount slides – unless you lot are using heavy duty drawer slides then chances are you're looking at a standard 1/two″ side clearance with ball bearing slides.

Retrofit considerations

Converting existing drawers to soft close slides starts with a few basic measurements:

Width and superlative of drawer opening
Width and height of drawer
Depth of chiffonier
For under mounts, clearance betwixt the drawer bottom and the side of the drawer

Fortunately, 90% of drawers that aren't soft shut have a one/2″ gap on each drawer slide. The easiest solution for these cabinets are side mount, ball-bearing way soft close.

However, if you have the budget and power to conform the drawer, I highly recommend the BLUM line of soft close slides. My favorite feature with these are they are "bump to shut". These slides are and so smooth you can give the drawer a gentle bump and they glide close.

Frequently Asked Questions for Soft Shut Drawer Slides

Tin can I upgrade existing drawers to soft close?

Most existing drawers tin can be upgraded to soft shut if they have a 1/2″ side clearance. Or, a soft close adapter can be used for bottom mount drawer slides to add together soft close without need for the drawer slide to be replaced.

How do yous measure out for soft close drawer slides?

Showtime, identify the rear clearance requirements of your drawer slide. This clearance typically ranges from 1/8″ up to one-1/2″. Then, measure from the back of the cabinet to the front edge of the confront frame or cabinet box. Using this as your maximum length notice the next shortest slide. For example, if your clearance is 1/two″ and the cabinet depth is 23″ then the longest slide is 22-one/2″. And then rounding down y'all will want to utilise a 22″ slide. Lastly, remember the clearance changes past manufacturer and frameless cabinets typically do not have a rear clearance requirement.

What is the all-time soft close drawer slide?

After years of installing drawer slides my preferred soft close drawer slide is the Blum Tandem with Blumotion. Due to a large damper, strong endmost machinery and easy to open action these slides are perfect for high quality kitchen and article of furniture hardware. And, Blum is a trusted industry manufacturer with decades of experience and potent brand reputation.

What are the easiest drawer slides to install?

The easiest drawer slides to install are bottom mount drawer slides. Kickoff, since a lesser mountain slide can just be installed on the lesser border of the drawer side the drawer installation is fast and without any existent options. Second, the cabinet installation is simple and forgiving every bit the cabinet side has to simply exist mounted affluent with the face frame or face of the cabinet. And last, these slides practise non require a precise alignment between the left and right slides since they use a roller and not ball bearings.

Are soft close drawers hard to open up?

Some soft close drawers are hard to open. In fact, in my experience, depression quality side mountain soft shut drawer slides are commonly the hardest to open. As y'all'll see in the strength test of this article one slide required over iv pounds of "pull" per side to open (viii pounds total + drawer weight).

Tin you supercede drawer slides with soft close?

In that location are two ways to supervene upon drawer slides and upgrade to soft close. The start is to install an after-market adapter that will work with the existing slide. But the 2nd is to replace the existing slide with a side mountain soft close drawer slide that volition provide for a smoother shut and (normally) less open force than an adapter. However, to upgrade an existing drawer to a soft close undermount slide you'll need to rebuild the drawer.

Summary: Best Drawer Slides

While college priced than standard drawer slides, using one of the best soft close drawer slides will amend the usability and enjoyment of whatsoever drawer they are installed on. Hopefully this article was able to evidence you the differences in the variety of manufacturers and which slide is all-time for your next project.

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Source: https://thehomewoodworker.com/best-soft-close-drawer-slides/

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Common Questions on Soft Close Drawer Slides

1. Can I Upgrade to Soft Close Without Replacing the Slides

2. What are undermount soft close drawer slides?

3. So should I use side mount soft close drawer slides?

4. Are full extension drawer slides soft close?

5. But how difficult is installing soft close drawer slides?

vi. I don't want knobs or handles - are in that location push to open soft shut drawer slides?

7. 22 inch soft close drawer slides or 24 inch? What length practice I need?

8. What about replacing drawer slides with soft close?

9. Will a 10" soft close drawer slide work?

10. What's the scoop on heavy duty soft close drawer slides?

11. How almost low profile soft shut drawer slides for shallow drawers?

12. Springs and hydraulics - simply how does a soft close drawer slide piece of work?

13. Self closing drawer slides are the same as soft closing drawer slides - right?

14. Why are drawer slide brackets required on confront frame cabinets?

15. Can I use a soft close drawer slide on a trash can cabinet?

16. What'due south the best way to install a Blum undermount slide for a slide-out shelf?

17. How to fix soft shut drawer slides

Checking for drawer slide damage

Repairing or replacing the drawer slide?

18. What's with the disconnect lever on side mount drawer slides?

How to Install Soft Close Drawer Slides

Step #1 - Ensure proper drawer side clearance

Step #2 - Use rear mounting brackets for face frame cabinets

Step #3 - Drawer jigs are your best friend

Step #4 - Accommodate gently and never strength a slide

Step #5 - Utilize the right screws and install them all

Buying Guide for Soft Close Drawer Slides

Decide Your Chiffonier Construction

Get the Slide Length Correct

Drawer Slide Brackets Are a Must for Face up Frame Cabinets

Drawer Slide Screw Considerations

Check that the slide won't interfere with the drawer construction

Drawer construction considerations for soft close drawer slides

Planning height of drawer

Considerations for attaching slides