How To Upgrade Drawer Slides - Roller to Full Extension
How To Upgrade Drawer Slides - Roller to Full Extension
Learn how to upgrade your drawer slides from standard roller type slides, to full-extension side-mount ball bearing slides. This step-by-step tutorial makes it an easy DIY upgrade to existing drawers, whether in your kitchen, bathroom, workshop or any other cabinet around your home.
If you're wondering which mounting holes to use when installing your new full extension slides, this is where you can find out.
Related Tools & Hardware:
- 1 Pair Accuride Full Extension Slides
- 10 Pairs of Pro Series Full Extension Slides
- (100) #6 x 1/2" Truss Head Screws
- Imperial & Metric Cabinet Makers Rule (12")
- Bosch PS22 12V Pocket Driver
- Bosch 12V FlexiClick 5-in-1 Drill/Driver
- Bosch 10" Axial Glide Miter Saw
If you want maximum adjustment capability, then you need to use the slotted holes to install the screws in. The inner piece of the slide that attaches to the drawer has vertical slots that allow the drawer to be adjusted up and down. The outer piece of the slide that attaches to the inside of the cabinet has horizontal slots that allow the drawer to be adjusted in and out. If you use these slotted holes to install the slide with then you will have room for fine adjustment after the drawer is installed. The larger round holes can also be used when adjustment is needed. Once the drawer has been adjusted and you're happy with the position, you can install screws into the small round holes to lock everything into position. I usually install a minimum of 3 screws into each component of the slide, with one being at the front, one being around the middle and one at the back of the slide component.
The other consideration is the mounting holes within the metal tabs on the outer piece of the slide. If you use the holes closest to the tip of the tabs then the slide will have more flexibility to move inward slightly if your drawer is a little undersized for the cabinet width. If your side clearance is at 1/2" or 12.5mm then you shouldn't need to worry about these tabs and can place the screws wherever works best.
Not all full extension slides are exactly the same, so I can't tell you the exact holes to use, but hopefully this equips you with the basic knowledge you need to select the proper mounting holes. If you have any questions you can leave them in the comments below.