Mounting drawers, slides ...

k7 · 11-21-2003, 10:55 AM

Greetings!

When making drawers or pull-out shelves I am happy with the result of the joints and actual drawer - but I have problems with the mounting of these such that they do not have a clean pull action on them. Sometimes they are "sticky" and other times they are not seated as square to the opening as they should be even though both the drawer face and opening are quite good.

Can anyone point to some general instructions or tricks which I can learn from? The wife wants an armoir now (Will also take directions for these plans) which means some big drawers and pull-outs!!

Thanks for any suggestions

Rick

**KnightJCK** · 11-21-2003, 12:16 PM

I guess it depends on your tolerances ...

GOOD: If you can stand a little slop, just measure real good and maybe use a guage block to position each slide in the cabinet and on the drawer.

BETTER: The next step would be to clamp the slides down real good while you pre-drill and screw. That should keep it from moving around much and get the slides where you want 'em.

BEST: Build the drawer with front-to-back measurement shorter by the thickness of your drawer front. Mount the slides and drawer (using the "BETTER" method), install it with a piece of carpet tape on it. Then carefully position the drawer front in the opening and press against the tape. Then remove drawer and attach front with screws from inside.

Jon
"Don't need a tool twice!"

**LumberJock** · 11-21-2003, 03:25 PM

Use a self-centering bit and a drawer slide jig:

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**daveferg** · 11-22-2003, 05:13 PM

Good methods listed----I much prefer gauge blocks, made of 3/4" ply----make one block for each distance you want to mount the drawer.

But, the real key is absolutely square carcus and drawers-----there isn't much play on drawer slides.

Binding problems can easily be fractional differences between width of cabinet and drawer----shimming slides on cabinet or drawer can help or if needed, a little planing of the drawer sides can help.

Agree----drawer fronts are only mounted after you have the slides moving well.