How to Select The Correct Drawer Slides?
When selecting a drawer slide, here are the stages to consider in your selection journey.
How to Choose your Load rating
When first selecting the correct drawer slide, also known as ball bearing slides, for your application you must consider the correct amount of force that you are loading onto the application which is supported by the slide.
Measurements are taken between and at the midpoint of the drawer member and are given in KG.
Horizontal (flat) mounting
Horizontally (flat) mounting the slides reduces the load capacity to at least 25% of the vertical (side) mount capacity. Not all slide models can be used in flat mount applications. Be sure to evaluate the mounting scheme thoroughly and test as needed. For horizontally mounted slides look for the symbol below on the product page. Linear slides are ideal for flat mounting because the moving member is fully supported on ball bearings at all times. Speak to our sales team for slides that can be flat mounted.
External Factors AFFECTING choosing the correct load rating
Shock/vibration
Subjecting slides to shock and vibration may adversely affect their performance. Applications that are subject to these conditions should be tested to evaluate the effect on slide performance. If conditions are severe, select a heavier-duty slide.
Application factors
When installed in a drawer or cabinet that’s lightweight and flexible, drawer slides can contribute to the structural rigidity of the unit. To ensure that the slide is able to provide this support, select a model with a slightly higher load rating and larger cross-section than you would ordinarily need for the application.
Environmental factors
Accuride slides are designed for indoor use and should be protected from excessive moisture, chemical fumes, dirt and corrosion. The Accuride self-cleaning ball retainer protects slide raceways by removing foreign particles between ball bearings and the lubricant provided is sufficient for normal slide life.
Use care when applying finishing agents as the overspray may affect slide movement. Should you need to clean the slides, you can re-lubricate them with a quality grease-rated "EP" for extreme pressure.
Extreme temperatures can also affect the lubricant and plastic or rubber components. Commercial drawer slides are designed to be used for extended periods in temperatures between -17°C and 70°C.
Please note: In general, wider drawers require a slide with a higher load rating and a cross-section designed to withstand lateral stress. Check with individual products, to see which slides are recommended for particular drawer widths and depth. if you require further support please contact us and our team will be happy to help.
Mounting Recommendations
Recommended
OK
Not Recommended
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Slide extension or travel
Extension and travel refers to how far the drawer extends from the cabinet.
- 75% extension: drawer opens approximately 75% of the total length of the slide
- 100% extension: drawer opens the same amount as the slide length
- 100+% extension: over-travel is achieved. The drawer opens in excess of the slide length
- Most full (100%) extension slides have nominal over-travel.
- Linear motion slides move in a straight line and within the slide’s own length
- Two-way travel - provides access from both sides of the drawer
75% or Part Extension
100% Extension
100% Plus Extension
Side space
Side space is the amount of available room between the drawer side and the cabinet or the chassis and rack. The correct side space dimension is critical for optimal movement. We recommend allowing between +0.2mm and +0.5mm over the nominal slide thickness. Some slides may need more room, but this will be stated on the individual installation guides.
Slide profiles
More than one slide profile (or height) may be appropriate for a given application. JET PRESS offers several low-profile design options for applications in which a smaller slide profile would enhance the appearance of the completed unit.
Determine Special Features you may require
Disconnect allows simple connect or disconnect from the slide assembly
- Lever - disconnect is achieved by releasing an internal lever and by pulling the drawer firmly through the resistance of the ball retainer
- Push latch - a latch is pressed to release the drawer and disconnect is achieved by pulling the drawer firmly through the resistance of the ball retainer
Locks hold the slide either closed or open and a lever must be actuated to move the slide
Hold-in and hold-out keeps the slide open or closed until the extra force is applied
Self-close slides include a spring attachment designed to close the slide and prevent bouncing back
Touch release slides open with pressure to the front of the slide
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-1.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=Hold-out%20(1)-1.jpg "Image of a Hold-out Drawer Slide")
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Cycle tests
All drawer slides undergo cycle tests according to the expected frequency of use. See individual slides for details on the cycle test rating. The load ratings will change according to the length of the slide. Mounting slides in different configurations will affect the performance and load rating, please see below. We advise clients to test slides in the intended application.
Installation
Most slides are designed to be mounted in pairs on the sides of drawers or the moving unit. When installing the slides, care should be taken to ensure that they are mounted parallel to each other, in vertical and horizontal axes. The measurements taken are between and at the midpoint of the drawer member and are given in kg.
Before mounting slides other than as designed, carefully consider any potential adverse effects on the slide.
Mounting holes
Mounting holes are indicated and dimensioned on product technical sheets. Only those holes shown with a dimension are to be used for mounting. Non-dimensioned holes are tooling holes that often vary in shape and location on slide members. Please refer to 2D CAD drawings for dimensional tolerances
Length
Slide length is measured as the longest dimension of a fully closed slide. As a rule, always use the maximum length possible in an application.
gs dRAWER SLIDES
Here is a selection of GS Drawer Slides Available:
Plastic Drawer Runners
Are you looking for Plastic Drawer Runners? Unlike ball-bearing or heavy-duty slides, these runners are ideal for lightweight drawers where cost efficiency and easy assembly are priorities. We supply Plastic Dowel Fix Drawer Runners, designed for wooden drawers and manufactured from 100% recycled PPC plastic.
View Plastic Dowel Fix Drawer Runners
Speak to our Experts
For help with selecting the best drawer slide for your application, please call to speak to one of our experts on +44 1623 551 800 or submit the form. Our team is always happy to help.