Bottom mount and side mount drawer slides are two types of hardware used to mount drawers, enabling them to open and close smoothly. The main difference between the two is that bottom mount slides are mounted underneath the drawer, while side mount slides are mounted along the sides of the drawer.
Bottom mount slides are typically easier and quicker to install since they require the use of only four screws, one on each corner. They also provide better support than side mount slides, as the entire weight of the drawer is supported at the bottom.
On the other hand, they are not as stable, as the drawer may become loose over time if the screws become loose. Furthermore, they are not visible when the drawer is opened, making them less aesthetically pleasing.
Meanwhile, side mount slides mount along the sides of the drawer, making them slightly more difficult and time-consuming to install. That being said, they provide more stability over time, as the drawer is less likely to become loose.
Additionally, they are more noticeable when the drawer is opened, and can add a nice touch of design to the drawers, depending on the type of slides chosen.
Are undermount drawer slides good?
Undermount drawer slides can be a great addition to your drawers. They are a popular choice for those looking for a modern appearance, as the slide is hidden beneath the drawer, creating an unobstructed, sleek look on the outside.
They also boast softer operation and smoother gliding action than other drawer slides, with a sturdy construction providing support for heavier drawers. Undermount drawer slides also tend to be easier to install as they mount onto the side of the cabinet and connect directly to the drawer.
While they come at a higher cost than other options, they can be a great choice for those looking to upgrade their drawer slides.
Can I use side mount drawer slides as undermount?
No, side mount drawer slides are different from undermount drawer slides which are the type of slides designed to be installed underneath the drawer, thus being invisble when the drawer is closed. Side mount slides are designed to be installed to the sides of the drawer and the cabinet.
They usually have a lip that goes over the drawer so they can be seen when the drawer is closed. They are less expensive and easier to install than undermount slides, but they should not be used as a replacement for undermount slides.
Which drawer slides are easiest to install?
The easiest drawer slides to install are ball bearing telescoping slides. They offer easy setup, smooth gliding, and full extension. Mounting hardware is also often included with these slides, making them even easier to install.
Telescoping slides are quiet and able to handle heavy loads. These slides come pre-assembled and can typically be installed without having to disassemble them first. They fit any traditional drawer style, so if you ever need to switch out your drawers, the slides will stay in place.
Additionally, most telescoping slides have a large variety of lengths to choose from, making them an easily customizable solution for almost any space.
How do I choose a drawer slide?
When choosing a drawer slide, it’s important to consider several factors. Firstly, you need to determine the weight of the drawer and how much weight it will be carrying. This information will help you decide which type and size of drawer slide to choose.
If the drawer will be carrying a heavy load, like for a kitchen or garage cabinet, you may want to choose a more robust slide that can handle the weight.
You also need to consider the type of drawer slide you need. Slides come with either two-way or three-way action, meaning they can be opened from either side or three sides. If your drawer will only be accessed from one side, you may need to look for two-way slides.
On the other hand, if the drawer is located in a hallway and will be accessed from multiple sides, you may need to look for three-way slides.
It is also important to consider the size of the drawer slide needed. Slides come in a variety of sizes and it’s important to choose the right size to fit your application. For example, if the drawer opening is 10 inches wide, then a 10-inch slide is needed.
Finally, you need to consider the material of the slide. Most slides are made of stainless steel, but some are made of plastic. Depending on your taste and budget, you can decide which material is best for your needs.
By considering these factors, you can make an educated decision about which drawer slide is the best for your needs.
How much space is needed for undermount drawer slides?
The amount of space needed for undermount drawer slides depends on the type and style of slide chosen. Generally, a full extension slide requires a minimum of 1” on either side of the drawer opening and the back side of the cabinet or box needs to be 1/8″ to 1/4″ deeper than the openings width.
A three-quarter extension side typically requires at least 1/2″ space on either side of the drawer opening and the back of the cabinet or box needs to be at least 1/4″ deeper than the width of the drawer box opening.
For side-mounted slides (both full and three-quarter extensions), a minimum of 1/2” space is needed along the length of a side wall and the slides must be mounted parallel to the cabinet or box opening.
Finally, a bottom-mounted slide requires a minimum of 1/2” along the bottom edge of the drawer and at least 1/2” along the sides. The slides must also be mounted parallel to the opening.
What are the different types of drawer slides?
Drawer slides are an essential component for most drawers, providing stability and ease of opening and closing. There are a variety of different types of drawer slides to choose from, based on the size, weight, and design of the drawer.
The three main types are side-mount, center-mount, and under-mount drawer slides.
Side-mount drawer slides are the most common and can accommodate lighter weights. They attach to the sides of the drawer and are the simplest type to install.
Center-mount drawer slides are a type of under-mount slide, which attach to the bottom of the drawer and affix to the side panels or the middle of the cabinet box opening. They can support heavier weights than side-mount slides and are often used on larger drawers.
Under-mount drawer slides are installed beneath the drawer, allowing the drawer to open and close smoothly, even when heavy items are placed inside. They are also often used in larger drawers as they give more stability and are simpler to install.
The type of slide you choose for your drawers should depend on the size, weight, and when possible, the intended use of the drawer. Soft-closing and ball-bearing slides are also types of slides that provide added convenience.
Soft-closing slides slowly pull the drawer closed and are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom drawers. Ball-bearing slides have semi-circular bearings that provide smooth sliding and can accommodate heavy weights.
What kind of slides do you use for dresser drawers?
For dresser drawers, you would typically use side-mount drawer slides. Side-mount drawer slides attach to the sides of the drawers and to the inside of the dresser frame or housing. They are typically made of metal and have a track for the drawer to slide on that is attached to the dresser casing.
Side-mount drawer slides come in different sizes depending on the size of the drawers and the weight that the drawer slide must support. Depending on the dresser, you may opt for full-extension drawer slides which allow you to open the drawer the full length of the drawer slides.
These slides also tend to be stronger and more durable than standard drawer slides. Lastly, there are many variations of drawer slides on the market with features such as soft-close or ball-bearing slides which can provide a smoother, quieter operation.
How do you install drawer slides on old drawers?
Installing drawer slides on old drawers requires some basic knowledge of carpentry and some careful measuring. The first step is to measure the drawer opening and decide on the size of the slides needed.
Once the slides are purchased, the old slides if present should be removed from the drawer sides. It is important to also ensure the sides of the drawer are in good condition, so they can properly support the new slides.
If adjustments are necessary, this should be done with sandpaper.
Next the new slides need to be fitted to the drawer sides by using the screws provided. If the slides have a locking mechanism, this should also be fitted at this point. Once the slides are attached to the drawer sides, the slides need to be fitted to the cabinet.
This involves fixing the outer slides to the inside of the cabinet frame, making sure the slides are level and that the drawer fits properly into the frame. Once the slides are in place the drawer should be tested to check that it slides smoothly.
Finally the drawer stop can be added to the drawer slides. This is necessary to prevent the drawers from falling out of the cabinet. The stop is usually fitted to the outer slides of the drawer and will act as a gentle brake.
Once this is inserted, the drawer can be closed and tested to make sure the slide operates correctly.
What can I use to make wood slide easier?
In order to make wood slide easier, there are several options available. For surfaces that are made of wood, one can use a lubricant such as silicone spray, wax, or furniture polish. When using these products, it is important to keep in mind the type of wood used and the type of lubricant being used to ensure the best result.
Another option for making wood slide easier is to use a buffer or orbital sander with a medium-grit sandpaper. This can be used to smooth out the surface of the wood and make it more slippery. A belt sander can also be used to smooth out the surface and make it easier for objects to slide.
Additionally, adding felt pads or carpet sliders to the bottom of furniture can also help make it easier to slide.
How do you relieve stiff drawers?
There are several things you can do to relieve stiff drawers.
1. Inspect and lubricate the slides. Check that the drawer slides are still connected and in good condition, then add a light oil or special wood-slide lubricant to ensure that they move freely.
2. Add sliders to the bottom of the drawer. Small plastic sliders designed specifically for drawers can be attached to the bottom of the drawers to help them move freely.
3. Adjust the drawer. If the drawer stops at certain points, try adjusting one end of the drawer up or down and retesting the motion.
4. Instal new drawer glides. Outdated wood runners can wear down, making drawers difficult to open and close. Look for upgraded heavy-duty ball-bearing glides, which are easier to operate and may also include soft-close mechanisms to help drawers close without slamming.
These are just a few of the ways to help relieve stiff drawers.
What is a good lubricant for wood?
A good lubricant for wood is any sort of food-grade mineral oil like mineral oil or canola oil. These mineral oils are natural and odorless, so they don’t create a smell when used on wood. Additionally, these lubricants are widely available and very affordable, making them a great choice for lubricating and preserving wooden items.
They help protect the wood from drying out and cracking, making them ideal for use on cutting boards, salad bowls, and other kitchen items. Simply apply a few drops of the oil to a soft cloth and rub it in thoroughly, allowing the wood to dry before using.
Mineral oil is non-toxic and safe to use, so it’s an excellent choice for any household.
What causes drawers to stick?
Drawers can stick for a few different reasons, the most common being a build-up of dirt and dust, furniture pieces rubbing against each other, or moisture affecting the wood. Dirt and dust can accumulate in the tracks of the drawer and make it difficult to open and close.
If there is furniture situated near the drawer, it can rub against it, inhibiting its movement. Moisture can also get into the wood of the drawer or the runners, causing them to swell and expand, creating a sticking issue.
If there is any kind of liquid damage or spills that have occurred, they can cause the wood to weaken and warp, further affecting the drawers. Additionally, if the drawers are overloaded with items, they can stick and become difficult to open and close.
Is wd40 a lubricant?
Yes, WD-40 is a lubricant. WD-40 itself stands for Water Displacement, 40th Formula. It is a multi-use product that has been around for nearly 60 years and is used in a variety of industries and applications including automotive, marine, home, and industrial maintenance and repair.
As a lubricant, WD-40 is capable of loosening corroded, rusted, and stuck parts; such as gas caps, hinges, and other mechanisms. Additionally, it can create a barrier to prevent further corrosion, help prevent squeaking and binding, and can even be used to clean and protect tools and surfaces.
When used as directed, WD-40 is non-flammable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, which makes it a safe and dependable tool to have in any work environment.
Where should you not use WD-40?
WD-40 is a multi-purpose lubricant, lubricator, and cleaner, so it can be used for a wide range of projects. However, it is important to note that there are certain applications that WD-40 should never be used for.
WD-40 should not be used on any type of locks, door hinges, or firearms. It may seem like WD-40 would be effective on these items, but it can actually cause rust and corrosion, which could damage the items permanently.
In addition, WD-40 should not be used on cycle chains, as it can cause the chain to become too slippery and could result in the bike rider losing control of the bicycle.
Furthermore, WD-40 should not be used on antique furniture, painted surfaces, or hardwood floors, as it can damage the finish and erode the wood.
Lastly, WD-40 should not be ingested, inhaled, or sprayed on your skin, as it can be very dangerous. Therefore, it should only be used in well-ventilated areas, and all directions should be carefully followed.
What works better than WD-40?
While WD-40 is a common product used on a variety of surfaces to help them become more free-flowing and less resistant to movement, there are other high-performance lubricants and products designed specifically to penetrate surfaces and lubricate and unstick them.
Generally, WD-40 works best on light-duty jobs like lubricating door hinges or removing stickers and mopping up small messes. For the heavier duties such as dissolving corrosion or penetrating grease and oils, there are other products that may work better.
These heavy-duty lubricants are designed to penetrate much deeper while still protecting surfaces against further corrosion or damage; some even provide a coating to help protect surfaces from future contact.
Many of these lubricants also last longer than WD-40, and some are even biodegradable. Dry Teflon-based lubricants are a smart choice for electrical components that require a safe insulator due to their low electric conductivity, and graphite-based lubricants are the best for extreme heat and pressure.
For lubrication in very hot or cold temperatures, opt for a synthetic or silicone-based product.
Which is better WD-40 or silicone spray?
It depends on the application for which you are using the spray. WD-40 is a multi-purpose product designed to protect metal from rust and corrosion, penetrate stuck or jammed parts, and to displace moisture from metal surfaces.
WD-40 can also be used to lubricate moving parts, clean tools and countless other uses. Silicone spray is used for a variety of things, including providing lubrication, waterproofing and protecting metal surfaces.
The key difference between the two is that silicone spray will often leave a residue behind, while WD-40 evaporates quickly, leaving no trace or build-up behind. Silicone spray is also generally not recommended for plastic or rubber as it may react poorly or cause deterioration over time.
If you’re looking to protect metal surfaces, WD-40 probably is your better option, while silicone spray might be better for lubricating parts or waterproofing – it all depends on the application and your needs.
