A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Accuride Drawer Slide for Your Project

Why Choose Accuride Drawer Slides

Accuride ball-bearing drawer slides are meticulously designed to meet the highest engineering standards, they offer unparalleled quality, reliability, and versatility, making them the go-to choice for a wide range of applications.

Choosing the right Accuride ball-bearing drawer slide is crucial to ensure smooth operation, durability, and functionality in your project. Whether you are upgrading kitchen cabinets, designing a storage system, or working on a commercial project, selecting the appropriate drawer slides is essential for a successful outcome. We want to provide you with valuable information and practical tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing Accuride ball-bearing drawer slides for your project.

Consider Load Capacity and Mounting

One of the primary factors to consider when selecting drawer slides is the load capacity as well as whether you need side-mounted or under-mounted slides. Evaluate the items that will be stored in the drawers and estimate their combined weight. It is crucial to choose drawer slides that can comfortably handle the load without compromising performance or safety. Be sure to account for potential future growth in weight requirements to avoid damage and the need for replacements or repairs down the line. Accuride slides are categorised into three levels: light-duty - up to 50kg, medium-duty – 51-99kg and heavy-duty – 100kg+.

Determine Drawer Slide Length:

The length of the drawer slides should align with the depth of the drawers in your project. Measure the depth of the drawers and select drawer slides that extend fully to allow easy access to the contents. Avoid choosing slides that are too short, as they may limit the drawer's opening range or hinder its functionality. Consider using drawer slides with over-extension capabilities if you need full access to the back of the drawer.

Assess Slide Extension Type:

Accuride drawer slides come in various extension types, each offering different levels of access and convenience. The most common types include:

75% Extension: These slides allow the drawer to extend partially, typically about 75% of its depth. They are suitable for applications where full access is not essential or when space constraints need to be considered.

Full Extension: Full extension slides enable the drawer to extend its entire length, providing complete access to the contents. They are ideal for projects where maximum accessibility is desired, such as kitchen cabinets or storage units.

Over-Travel Extension: 100%+ over-travel slides extend beyond the full length of the drawer, allowing you to access items at the back without obstruction. These slides are beneficial when complete visibility and easy retrieval of items is paramount.

Two-way Travel: These slides can extend their full length in both directions. This feature comes in handy for applications like kitchen islands or home bars, where you need to access the contents from either side.

Consider the specific requirements of your project to determine the most appropriate extension type for your drawer slides.

Evaluate Slide Features:

Drawer slides often come with additional features that can enhance functionality and convenience. Consider the following features:

Easy Close / Soft-close drawer slides use a hydraulic damping system to ensure a controlled and gentle closing motion. They prevent drawers from slamming shut, reducing noise, and protecting the contents.

Self-Close slides feature a closing mechanism with springs but lack a damping cylinder. The drawer member engages in a similar manner as soft-close and upon engagement, the drawer swiftly completes the final inches of its closing distance.

Touch-release slides enable you to access the drawer without a handle or pull. By just pressing on the drawer front, a spring-activated mechanism engages to push the drawer outward and simply closes by pushing the drawer all the way back in.

Detachable Slide Members: Some drawer slides have detachable slide members, allowing for easy installation, removal, or maintenance of the drawers.

Locking Mechanism: If security is a concern, consider drawer slides with a locking mechanism. These slides keep the drawers securely closed and prevent unauthorised access.

Disconnect Feature: Drawer slides with a disconnect feature allow you to remove the drawer from the slides for easy cleaning, repairs, or customisation.

Consider Environmental Factors:

Lastly, consider the environmental conditions in which the drawer slides will be used. If the project involves areas with high humidity, exposure to moisture, or frequent cleaning, opt for drawer slides specifically designed to withstand such conditions. Stainless steel drawer slides with corrosion-resistant properties and appropriate surface finishes are ideal for these environments.

WANT FURTHER INFORMATION?

We have listed the features of each slide in a table for light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty to help you identify the best slide for your project. By carefully considering these factors and discussing your project needs with JET PRESS, you can choose the right drawer slide that meets your project's specific requirements. JET PRESS is committed to providing high-quality drawer slides and offering personalised support to help you make an informed decision for your project. Please feel free to contact us
on +44 1623 551 800 or at webenquiries@jetpress.com

We invite you to visit our sister company's website - Components Direct where you'll find our extensive range of products available to purchase online.