5 Easy Steps to Install Soft Close Drawer Slides

Upgrading your drawers with soft-close drawer slides is an excellent way to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your cabinetry. These ingenious devices transform mundane drawers into self-closing wonders that glide smoothly and silently, eliminating the need for forceful slams or jarring stops. Not only do they add a touch of sophistication to your home, but they also protect your drawers and their contents from unnecessary wear and tear.

Installing soft-close drawer slides may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right tools, it’s a project that even DIY enthusiasts can tackle with ease. By following a few simple steps, you can transform your drawers into effortlessly gliding, whisper-quiet masterpieces. The process requires minimal technical expertise and can be completed within a few hours, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of soft-close drawers without breaking the bank.

Before embarking on this project, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials and prepare your workspace. You’ll need a set of soft-close drawer slides, a screwdriver or drill, screws, a level, a measuring tape, and a pencil. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and provides ample room to maneuver. With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the convenience and elegance of soft-close drawer slides.

Choosing the Right Drawer Slides

Selecting the appropriate drawer slides for your soft-close system is crucial. The type of slide you choose will impact the functionality, durability, and smoothness of your drawers. Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection:

1. Drawer Weight and Size

The weight of the drawer and its contents will determine the load capacity required for the drawer slides. Drawer slides are typically rated for a specific weight range, so ensure that you choose slides that can adequately support the intended load. Larger drawers will also require longer slides to provide sufficient support and stability.

Consider the following guidelines:

Drawer Size	Load Capacity
Small (up to 18 inches)	75-100 lbs
Medium (18-24 inches)	100-150 lbs
Large (24-36 inches)	150-200 lbs

Preparing the Drawer

Before installing soft close drawer slides, it’s essential to prepare the drawer to ensure a proper and functional installation.

Step 1: Remove the Old Drawer

Remove the old drawer from the cabinet frame. Disconnect any existing slides or hinges and set the drawer aside.

Step 2: Measuring and Marking the Drawer

Measure the width and length (depth) of the drawer. Transfer these measurements to the drawer’s bottom panel, marking the center point for both the width and length. This will be the reference point for mounting the slides.

Marking for Slide Placement

Use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the desired distance from the front edge of the drawer to the center of the slides. Mark this point on both sides of the drawer.

Measurement	Description
Front edge to center of slide	Distance from the front edge of the drawer to the center of the slide bracket

Transfer these marks to the drawer’s side panels, ensuring they are perfectly aligned with the marks on the bottom panel. These marks will guide the positioning of the slides.

Measuring and Marking the Drawer

Before installing the soft close drawer slides, it is essential to accurately measure and mark the drawer to ensure proper fit and operation.

Step 1: Measure the Drawer Depth

Using a measuring tape, determine the depth of the drawer from front to back. Record this measurement.

Step 2: Mark the Drawer Slide Position

Center the drawer slide on the inside edge of the drawer side. Mark the mounting holes on the slide using a pencil or marking tool.

Step 3: Create the Mounting Holes

Using a drill with the appropriate size drill bit, create pilot holes for the mounting screws. Make sure the holes are straight and perpendicular to the drawer surface.

The specific steps for creating the mounting holes may vary depending on the type of drawer slide you are using. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for precise guidance.

Step 4: Test the Drawer Slide

Slide the drawer slide into the mounting holes and tighten the screws. Test the drawer to ensure it opens and closes smoothly without any binding.

Installing the Drawer Slide Brackets

After choosing the appropriate drawer slides and determining the correct placement, it’s time to install the brackets that will hold the slides in place.

Drawer Box Brackets

Align the drawer box bracket against the inside edge of the drawer box, ensuring it’s parallel to the front and back. Use two screws to secure it firmly in place.

Repeat this process for all four corners of the drawer box, creating a stable base for the drawer slides.

Drawer Rail Brackets

Position the drawer rail brackets on the inside face of the cabinet frame. Use the pre-drilled holes as a guide and secure the brackets with two screws per side.

Ensure that the brackets are level and parallel to each other, maintaining an even spacing to ensure proper slide movement.

Aligning the Drawer Rails

This is a crucial step to guarantee smooth operation of the drawer. Use a level to ensure that the left and right drawer rails are perfectly aligned both horizontally and vertically.

Adjust the positioning of the brackets by loosening the screws slightly and shifting them until the rails align seamlessly. Once the rails are perfectly aligned, tighten the screws securely.

Horizontal Alignment	Vertical Alignment
Use a level to ensure both rails are parallel to the cabinet frame.	Place the drawer into the slides and check that it sits level inside the cabinet.

Attaching the Drawer Slides to the Drawer

Once the slides are cut to size, it’s time to attach them to the drawer. This is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure that the slides are aligned properly on the drawer. The front edge of the slide should be flush with the front edge of the drawer, and the back edge of the slide should be flush with the back edge of the drawer. Second, make sure that the screws are tightened securely. You don’t want the slides to come loose and cause the drawer to fall out.

To attach the slides to the drawer, you will need the following tools:

A drill
A screwdriver
Screws
A level

Once you have all of your tools, follow these steps:

1. Place the slide on the drawer, making sure that it is aligned properly.
2. Drill pilot holes through the slide and into the drawer.
3. Screw the screws into the pilot holes.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other slide.
5. Once both slides are attached, use a level to make sure that the drawer is level. Adjust the screws as needed to level the drawer.

Adjusting the Drawer Slides for a Smooth Close

Once the drawer slides have been installed, it’s important to adjust them for a smooth and even close. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Test the Drawer

Open and close the drawer fully to determine its overall operation. Check for any rubbing or binding.

2. Adjust the Front-to-Back Position

If there is too much play or if the drawer does not close completely, adjust the front-to-back position of the drawer slides. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the slides in place, slightly slide the drawer forward or backward, and retighten the screws.

3. Adjust the Side-to-Side Position

Adjust the side-to-side position to ensure the drawer opens and closes straight. If the drawer is not aligned properly, loosen the screws on the sides of the slides and adjust the drawer, then retighten the screws.

4. Adjust the Height

Adjust the height of the drawer slides to ensure it sits at the correct level within the cabinet. Loosen the screws on the top or bottom of the slides, adjust the drawer height, and retighten the screws.

5. Adjust the Tension

Most soft-close drawer slides have adjustment screws to control the tension of the closing mechanism. Turn the screw clockwise to increase the closing force and counterclockwise to reduce it. Adjust the tension until the drawer closes smoothly and evenly.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some tips to resolve common issues with soft-close drawer slides:

Issue	Solution
Drawer closes too slowly	Increase the tension adjustment screw.
Drawer closes too quickly	Decrease the tension adjustment screw.
Drawer does not close completely	Adjust the front-to-back position of the slides.
Drawer does not open smoothly	Check for any obstructions or binding in the slides. Adjust the side-to-side position or lubricate the slides.
Drawer wobbles	Make sure the screws holding the slides are securely tightened.

Installing the Drawer Pull or Handle

Once the drawer slides are installed, you can install the drawer pull or handle. Here are the steps:

Determine the placement of the pull or handle on the drawer front.
Mark the screw holes using a pencil or awl.
Use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws.
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the screw holes for a more secure hold.
Insert the screws through the pull or handle and into the pilot holes.
Tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
Test the pull or handle to ensure it is securely attached and opens and closes smoothly.

Table: Recommended Drawer Pull or Handle Screw Sizes

Screw Size	Drawer Thickness
#6	1/2 inch to 3/4 inch
#8	3/4 inch to 1 inch
#10	1 inch or thicker

Note: Choose screws that are slightly longer than the thickness of the drawer front to ensure a secure hold.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Drawers not closing smoothly

Check if the drawer slides are properly aligned and installed. Ensure that the drawer is not obstructed by any objects or debris.

2. Drawers not closing all the way

Adjust the tension on the soft-close mechanism by tightening or loosening the screws at the back of the slide.

3. Drawers closing too slowly or quickly

Similar to the previous issue, adjust the tension on the mechanism to fine-tune the closing speed.

4. Drawers squealing or grinding

Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the slides, such as the bearings or tracks.

5. Drawers sagging

Check if the slide rails are securely attached to the cabinet and drawer. Tighten any loose screws or bolts.

6. Drawers not opening smoothly

Inspect the drawer glides for any obstruction or damage. Clean or repair any affected components.

7. Drawers jumping off the tracks

Ensure that the drawer glides are installed correctly on both sides of the drawer. Adjust the drawer alignment if necessary.

8. Drawer slides not engaging

Check the alignment of the drawer slides and make sure they are parallel to each other. Inspect the release lever mechanism for proper function. If the slides still do not engage, loosen the screws holding the slides in place and slightly adjust their position until they engage smoothly.

Common Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Drawer not closing smoothly	Misalignment or obstruction	Align slides, remove obstructions
Drawer not closing all the way	Insufficient tension	Tighten tension screws
Drawer closing too slowly/quickly	Incorrect tension setting	Adjust tension screws as needed

Best Practices for Installing Soft Close Drawer Slides

Installing soft close drawer slides is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a successful installation:

1. Measure the Drawer Opening

The first step is to measure the opening of the drawer. This will determine the length of the drawer slides you need to purchase.

2. Choose the Right Drawer Slides

There are a variety of soft close drawer slides available on the market. Choose the ones that are the right size and weight capacity for your drawers.

3. Mark the Drawer Slides

Once you have chosen the drawer slides, mark the location of the mounting holes on the drawer and cabinet.

4. Drill Pilot Holes

Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. This will help prevent the wood from splitting.

5. Attach the Drawer Slides

Attach the drawer slides to the drawer and cabinet using the mounting screws.

6. Test the Drawer

Open and close the drawer to make sure it operates smoothly.

7. Adjust the Drawer Slides

If the drawer does not open or close smoothly, adjust the screws on the drawer slides until it operates properly.

8. Install the Drawer Front

Once the drawer slides are installed, you can install the drawer front.

9. Adjustments to Drawer Slide Tension

Most soft close drawer slides feature adjustable tension, allowing you to customize the closing force and speed of the drawer. Follow these steps to adjust the tension:

Adjustment Screw	Function
Front Adjustment Screw	Controls the speed at which the drawer closes in the last 25mm.
Rear Adjustment Screw	Controls the force required to fully close the drawer.

To adjust the tension, turn the front adjustment screw clockwise to increase the closing speed or counterclockwise to decrease it. For the rear adjustment screw, turn it clockwise to increase the closing force or counterclockwise to decrease it. Make small adjustments until you achieve the desired tension.

Drawer Slides for Enhanced Functionality

By incorporating soft-close drawer slides, you can elevate the functionality and aesthetics of your drawers.

Tips for Enhancing Drawer Functionality

Here are some tips for maximizing the functionality of your drawers with soft-close drawer slides:

1. Choose the Right Drawer Slides

Select slides with appropriate weight ratings and dimensions to ensure they can smoothly handle the weight of your drawers.

2. Install Slides Accurately

Precise installation is crucial for optimal operation. Align the slides perfectly and secure them firmly.

3. Adjust Tension

Most drawer slides have adjustable tension settings. Fine-tune the tension to achieve the desired resistance and smoothness of motion.

4. Lubricate Regularly

Apply a small amount of lubricant on the slides and rollers periodically to maintain their smooth operation.

5. Use Drawer Stops

Install drawer stops to prevent drawers from being pulled out too far and potentially damaging the slides.

6. Reinforce Drawer Bottoms

Reinforcing the drawer bottoms with plywood or hardboard adds rigidity, preventing them from sagging and causing operational issues.

7. Consider Drawer Dividers

Dividers can help organize your drawers, making it easier to find and access items.

8. Utilize Anti-Tip Mechanisms

Anti-tip mechanisms can prevent drawers from tilting or falling out, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens.

9. Install Soft-Close Dampers

Dampers can be added to the slides to further enhance the soft-close mechanism, providing a more refined closing action.

10. Customize Drawer Fronts

Customizing drawer fronts can align them aesthetically with your cabinetry and enhance the overall look of your furniture. Consider using materials such as wood, glass, or metal to create a unique and personalized design.

How To Add Soft Close Drawer Slides

Materials You’ll Need

Measuring tape
Drill
Screwdriver
Soft close drawer slides
Drill bit that matches the diameter of the screw holes on your drawer slides
Screws

Instructions

Measure the length of your drawer and cut your soft close drawer slides to that length.
Attach the drawer slides to the sides of your drawer using the screws provided.
Place your drawer inside the cabinet and make sure that it opens and closes smoothly.
If your drawer is not opening or closing smoothly, you may need to adjust the placement of the drawer slides.

Tips

Make sure that your drawer slides are level to ensure smooth operation.
If you are having difficulty installing your drawer slides, consult a professional.