Soft close slides are mechanisms that regulate the movement of a drawer so that it can close more quietly, smoothly, and safely. They typically consist of a roller, guide, and brake system. The roller system uses bearings to control the movement of the drawer while the guide system is designed to keep the drawer running along the same track.
The brake system helps to assist the drawer so that it can close without slamming shut. Soft close slides use friction to stop the movement of the drawer and help it to close smoother and more quietly.
For example, when a drawer is almost fully closed, a friction strip will exert pressure on the roller system, reducing the drawer’s speed and creating a soft closing action. This soft close effect also helps to reduce wear and tear on the hardware.
What are soft closing drawer slides?
Soft closing drawer slides are drawer slides that allow drawers to close gently and quietly. They are a type of hardware device used to provide smooth opening and closing of furniture drawers. Soft closing drawer slides have a spring inside them that helps close the drawer slowly and softly.
The spring provides cushioning so that when the drawer reaches the end of its travel it will be stopped gradually rather than coming to an abrupt stop. Soft closing drawer slides are becoming increasingly popular in homes and offices since they allow for drawers to close in a much quieter and softer manner than standard drawer slides.
In addition, soft closing drawer slides can also help to extend the life of drawers since the soft closure helps to prevent slamming which can cause damage over time.
What is the difference between self closing and soft closing drawer slides?
Self-closing and soft closing drawer slides are two types of hardware that are utilized in drawers. Self-closing drawer slides feature a spring-loaded mechanism, which causes the drawer to shut with a little bit of force when the drawer is pushed to its closed position.
This type of slide is most often found in commercial kitchen drawers, and is great for busy, high-traffic areas where drawers must be rapidly opened and closed. Soft closing drawer slides, on the other hand, feature a damping mechanism, which gives the drawer a “soft close” when it is pushed to its closed position.
This type of slide is most often used in residential settings, and is quieter and more comfortable than self-closing slides for areas where drawers are used more frequently.
What does a soft close fund mean?
A soft close fund is a type of closed-end fund (CEF) that limits the number of new shares that can be issued over a certain period of time. They are typically initiated by money managers in order to provide the existing shareholders with some continuity of returns, and to limit the number of new investors who can join the fund.
The period of time in which investors can invest in the soft close fund is usually further limited than the open-ended fund. In addition, a soft close fund typically has restrictions on the types of investors who can participate; generally only “accredited investors” (those deemed financially sophisticated) or employees of the fund are eligible to invest.
Once the soft close period has expired and the amount of shares allocated to investors has been reached, any additional investments would need to go to the “primary market” (the traditional open-ended mutual fund).
How do you use a soft close?
A soft close is a feature that can be used in many different activities and situations to help manage expectations and create a smoother and more organized experience.
One of the most common uses for a soft close is in online auctions. For example, when an auction is set to end at a certain time, a soft close will allow bids to be placed up until the final few seconds before the auction ends.
This gives bidders an additional chance to place a bid if they were unable to earlier, and ensures that the final outcome of the auction is fair.
Soft closes can also be used in any situation that requires a set beginning and ending, such as for a public event or for a meeting. This helps keep everyone on the same page by ensuring that everyone knows when the activity or event is scheduled to start and end.
Soft closes can also be used to help manage expectations in relationships. For example, setting “soft” boundaries with a partner or friend can help ensure that everyone knows the terms of the relationship and when the relationship is likely to end.
This can be especially important when dealing with unhealthy relationships, as setting these boundaries can help discourage unhealthy behavior and create healthier interactions between the individuals involved.
Overall, a soft close can be a useful tool in a variety of situations, as it can help manage expectations, promote fairness, and create a smoother experience for all involved.
Are self closing hinges the same as soft close?
No, self closing hinges and soft close hinges are not the same thing. Self closing hinges are hinges that will automatically close a door or window when it reaches a certain angle. Soft close hinges are hinges that allow the door or window to close very slowly and smoothly.
Soft close hinges have small dampeners inside them that slow the door down until it closes completely. Soft close hinges are designed to prevent the door from slamming shut and making a loud noise. They also help to protect the door and the frame from damage caused by frequently closing the door with a lot of force.
Self closing hinges are usually used for doors that need to stay closed for safety reasons, such as interior storage closets or exterior doors that protect heated or cooled areas, while soft close hinges are used for doors that people will be regularly opening and closing in the home.
Are soft close and self close drawer slides the same?
No, soft close and self close drawer slides are not the same. Soft close drawer slides are a type of self close drawer slides, but self close drawer slides do not necessarily come with the soft close feature.
Soft close drawer slides are designed to use a dampening element to slow the rate of closure, preventing the drawer from slamming shut. Self close drawer slides, on the other hand, do not have a dampening element, so they will close with whatever speed they are opened at.
Self close drawer slides may come with a different type of closing mechanism, such as a latch that snaps the drawer closed, or a roller that pulls the drawer closed.
Is soft close drawers worth it?
The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. Soft-close drawers offer the convenience of reducing noise and the risk of damaging cabinetry or fingers that can occur with a slamming door.
Soft-close drawers also prevent items from bouncing off the shelves when they are pulled shut, reducing the likelihood of items getting damaged. Furthermore, soft-close drawers often look more polished and luxurious, adding a sense of sophistication and luxury to your kitchen.
Overall, soft-close drawers are a great investment if you’re looking to add a modern touch to your kitchen and reduce the risk of any mishaps with slamming drawers. They will not only increase the overall value of your kitchen but also make it a more comfortable and pleasant place to work in.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
There are a variety of different drawer slides available, each suited to different needs and applications. These include:
1. Under-mount slides: These are typically soft-close, making them ideal for drawers with light to moderate loads.
2. Full-extension slides: These offer the fullest range of motion, allowing drawers to be fully extended away from the cabinet, making them ideal for heavier loads or access to items in the back of a drawer.
3. Side-mount slides: These slides are mounted to the side of the drawer rather than beneath it, providing a more traditional look.
4. Soft-close slides: These slides combine the convenience of soft-close closing action with the strength and stability of ball-bearing slides.
5. Center-mount slides: These slides are most often used in chests and dressers. They are usually very low-profile, making them great for heavier drawers that don’t require full extension.
6. Ball-bearing slides: These slides use lubricated grooved balls to provide incredibly smooth and strong sliding action. Ball-bearing slides are extremely popular and cost-effective.
7. Push to open: This type of slide eliminates the need for hardware, allowing you to open the drawer simply by pushing on it.
8. Light-duty slides: These are good for items that are rarely accessed and don’t require full-extension capabilities.
Each type of drawer slide has its own unique features and benefits, making it important for you to consider your needs to ensure you select the right slide for your application.
How do I choose a kitchen drawer slide?
Choosing the right kitchen drawer slide is an important part of creating a well-functioning kitchen. The options available can often be confusing and overwhelming, so here are some easy tips to help you make the right choice.
First, consider how much weight the drawer will need to hold. The heavier the weight, the more solid the slide needs to be. Typically, drawer slides are made to support a certain weight rating and should be chosen accordingly.
Heavy-duty slides are often used for drawers that contain heavier items, while lighter slides are fine for lighter items.
Next, think about the size of the drawer. Measure the width and length of the drawer to make sure you are choosing the right size slide. If the drawer is longer than the slide, you can pair multiple slides together to make a longer length.
Finally, decide which type of slide you want. You can choose between self-closing, soft-close, automatic soft-close, and full extension slides. Self-closing and soft-close slides are great for drawers that don’t need to be open all the way, while full extension slides allow the drawer to pull out fully.
Automatic soft-close slides are available if you want a more advanced, hands-free closing function.
Above all, make sure you are choosing a slide that is made from quality materials, such as steel and aluminum. This will ensure a longer lifespan, as well as smoother and quieter operation. With these simple tips, you can ensure that you choose the best kitchen drawer slide for your home.
Which drawer slides are easiest to install?
Self-closing drawer slides are generally the easiest to install. They are usually adjustable, meaning that you can alter the speed at which the slides close, as well as their full extension (the drawer is fully opened).
The installation process usually involves a template, rail or bracket-work, guides, and pulling the drawer closed against the rail. Due to the adjustable nature of self-closing drawer slides, it’s easy to make adjustments for a good fit, even if the space is a bit off.
It’s important to note, however, that self-closing drawer slides are not necessarily the best option for heavier drawers, as they may not be able to take the weight. Ball bearing slides and track slides are better suited for heavier drawers.
Do soft close cabinets increase home value?
Yes, soft close cabinets can increase the value of a home. Installing or updating cabinets is one of the best ways to add value and appeal to your home. Soft close cabinets are especially desirable because they not only give the kitchen an updated look, but they also increase convenience by making doors and drawers close more quickly and quietly.
In addition, it adds an extra layer of safety in the home since they are designed to prevent fingers from getting pinched or injured. All of these factors make soft close cabinets an attractive feature to potential buyers, which can help increase the home value when it comes time to sell.
How much more are soft close drawers?
Soft close drawers are typically more expensive than traditional drawers, though the price difference may vary depending on the manufacturer, materials used, quality, and design. For instance, high-end soft close drawers might cost 50-75% more than standard drawers.
However, soft close drawers are typically rated to be of higher quality, so you may get a better overall value for a longer life-span. Additionally, many people find that the convenience and added safety of soft close drawers more than makes up for the higher price tag; soft close drawers are much quieter and less likely to slam shut and cause injury or damage.
Can you change old drawers to soft close?
Yes, it is possible to change existing drawers to a soft close system. The process of doing so will depend on the type of drawer and the age of the drawer. For older drawers, you’ll need to replace the existing slides with soft close ones.
The slide type can vary from one drawer to the next, so it’s important to ensure you’re purchasing the correct type. If you’re replacing the slides for a newer drawer, you may be able to purchase a kit that comes with a soft close mechanism and a new set of slides.
Installing the replacement slides is a fairly easy process, but it can be intimidating if you don’t have much experience. In this case, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure it’s installed correctly.
Once the slides are installed, the soft close feature should be operational.
Why are my soft close drawers hard to close?
One possibility is that the drawer slides and locking mechanism were not properly installed or have come loose, in which case you may need to adjust the slides and reset the locking mechanism. Another cause could be worn out or defective drawer slides, especially if the drawers are more than a few years old.
In this case, you’ll need to replace the drawer slides. If the drawers seem sluggish when you open and close them, the drawer glides may need to be lubricated with a high-quality drawer slide lubricant.
Finally, if the drawers are full of items, they may be too heavy for the slides to adequately handle, so you may need to remove some of the items in the drawers or switch to a heavier-duty drawer slide.
Do drawers cost more than cabinets?
It depends on the size, materials and features of the drawers and cabinets that are being compared, as well as where they are being purchased. Generally speaking, drawers tend to cost more than cabinets because they often require more complex construction, more precise measurements and more materials than cabinets.
Also, it is often necessary to purchase additional hardware such as hinges, drawer slides and pulls in order to mount the drawers properly and securely, which can also add to the cost. Depending on the quality of the materials and the level of craftsmanship involved, the drawers may be quite a bit more expensive than the cabinets.
Are drawers more expensive than cupboards?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the type and size of the drawer or cupboard, the material used to construct it, and the brand of furniture. Generally, though, most drawers will be more expensive than cupboards.
Drawers tend to require more materials, a more ergonomic design, and finer details, making them more expensive to construct and purchase. Furthermore, drawers usually require more hardware (such as drawer slides, locking mechanisms, and handles), as well as hinges, which can also add to the cost associated with creating and installing them.
Additionally, drawers are usually smaller than cupboards and often come in specialized shapes, which can make them more difficult and costly to build. In comparison, cupboards often require fewer parts and are easier to construct, so they can be less expensive than drawers.
Ultimately, the purchase price of either a drawer or cupboard will depend on the details of the design, the brand, and the material used.