If your drawers are jamming, sliding, not opening smoothly, or making a loud noise, it’s likely that your drawer slides are worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Measuring your slides accurately is a critical step in ensuring that they fit and perform at their best.
Whether you’re replacing old slides or installing sliding systems in new furniture, getting the measurements right can help you avoid assembly errors, extend the life of your drawers, and ensure a smooth experience for everyday use. Measuring slides correctly is not only a basic operation, but also a core part of ensuring the functionality and overall aesthetics of the drawer.
Signs of problems with drawer slides
If you are experiencing any of the following problems with your drawers, it is likely that the slides are deteriorating or damaged and need to be replaced urgently:
Drawers are difficult to slide or completely jammed
Drawers don’t fit when closed
Metal rubbing or screeching noises during use
Rusted, warped or misaligned slides.
These problems not only affect the experience of use, but may also cause further damage to the structure of the furniture. Replacing slides in a timely manner is an essential step in maintaining the functionality of your drawers.
Measuring steps for drawer slides
To ensure an accurate fit of replacement or new slides, please follow the standard measuring procedure below:
Step 1: Remove the Drawer
Remove the drawer by pulling it out completely and locating the release catch or button on the end of the slide.
Step 2: Measure the slide length
Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the length (in mm) of a single side slide from the front to the back. Common standards are: 250mm, 300mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm, etc.
Attention:
The measurement is for the slide body, not including the drawer front.
If it is a three-section rail, please measure the total length when it is fully compressed.
Step 3: Confirm the installation space
Measure the internal width of the cabinet and the width of the drawer body, the gap between the two should be 12.7mm (i.e. 6.35mm on each side), which is the gap requirement for standard side-mounted slides.
Step 4: Record Slide Type and Hole Position
Observe whether the slides are two or three sections, and mark the position of the mounting holes, so as to purchase a slide model with compatible holes.
Common Slide Types and Selection Suggestions
Slide Type Installation Position Load Capacity Recommended Scenarios
2-section Slide Side-mounted Light-loading Simple Drawer, Stationery Cabinet
3-section Slide Side-mounted Medium-loading Domestic Cabinetry, Office Furniture
Concealed Slide Bottom-mounted Medium-loading High-end Kitchen, Wardrobe System
Self-Closing Slide Side-bound / Bottom-mounted Medium-heavy-loading High-end Furniture, Anti-collision Design
Cushioning Slide (Quieting) Bottom-mounted Medium-heavy-loading High-end Customised Drawer System
When selecting, it is recommended to prioritise three-section slides or cushion slides to enhance user experience and product quality.
