Different Types of Drawer Slides

Different Types of Drawer Slides
You want to determine what type of drawer slide you will be using before you decide on your drawer. The size and installation of the drawer slides will have a lot to do with the size of your drawer box.

Ball Bearing
Ball-bearing drawer slides are the most commonly used type of drawer slide. These are made with steel ball bearings that will roll within a thick track. This is what allows your drawer to move in and out slowly with less friction. This is easy to install but it requires precision when you are building your drawer box. This slide will not work properly if your drawer box is sized incorrectly.

Undermount

How to Choose the Right Drawer SlidesAn under-mount drawer slide is mounted to the side or bottom of the cabinet with an "L" shaped back and a sliding track. In this case, there is only a special clip attached to the drawer box. This clip will lock it onto the track. This means that this drawer slide isn't visible when you open the drawer so it provides a more sleek look. It is easier to remove this drawer when you need to.

Center Mount
A center-mount drawer slide will have a rail down the middle of the drawer box with rolled on the side of the cabinet. this keeps the drawer aligned. This is commonly seen in cabinets that are home to pull-out trash cans. center mounted drawer slides will support less weight than the other types.

Roller
Roller slides are attached along the corners of the drawer box and have a wheel that allows them to roll back and forth along the track. This is found in furniture or cabinets that are less expensive. These are easy to install but are not as reliable. They will break easier than other drawer slides.