Drawer slides: easy handling of modern furniture

Modern furniture has distinctive advantages, one of which is the presence of pull-out systems. Drawer guides ensure easy and convenient handling of the elements. Products are presented in a wide variety of species. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. This article will help you figure out how to choose high-quality guides, how to install them correctly in order to ensure the durability of the furniture.

Guides provide the best stability of the sliding systems and ease of use

Types of guides for drawers and how to install them

The guides are represented by a special mechanism consisting of two main parts, one of which is attached to the drawer, and the other to the side wall of the furniture. Limiters and stopper parts, which are made of metal or plastic, can act as auxiliary elements. Depending on the variant of movement of the two plates, ball and roller guides are distinguished.

Ball guides are more technologically advanced, high quality and durable

Among the novelties of fittings for drawers, one can distinguish metaboxes and tandemboxes, presented by ready-made structures with metal walls, where ball or roller guides are built in.

The runners, depending on the type of guides, can be attached to the bottom edge, top or central part of the box sidewall. The first option is the simplest. It is used for roller mechanisms that are fixed at the very bottom of the box. This method is also typical for tandemboxes, which are mounted in the lower level of the box.

Ball runners for boxes can be installed anywhere on the side of this element. However, their central position is considered the best option, which greatly simplifies installation and subsequent adjustment of the system. Metaboxes are attached exclusively to the upper level.

Rail options complete with additional elements

Constructions can be additionally equipped with closers and dampers.The first element is used to smoothly close the drawer. It is activated at a certain point. Dampers contribute to smooth and silent closing. They act as a shock absorber if excessive force was applied to the box during the closing process. Slides for drawers with closer are characterized by a high level of reliability, ability to withstand significant loads, durability and ease of use.

The guides have a high degree of reliability, ensuring soft, quiet and smooth closing of the drawer

There are models of furniture runners for reverse acting drawers. Such fittings are similar to the option that is equipped with a door closer. The difference is that when you click on the drawer front, it opens. Pull-out structures with such a system are not equipped with handles, which has a beneficial effect on the aesthetic appearance of furniture.

Slides for concealed drawers, which can be equipped with door closers and reverse acting elements, are very popular among consumers. They are mounted under the bottom, creating the effect of floating the structure in the air. The fittings have a high degree of reliability, providing soft, quiet and smooth closing of the drawer.

Characteristics of ball runners for drawers

In ball, or telescopic, guides for boxes, the movement of the components is due to metal balls that move inside the profile. Such systems allow easy sliding of drawers of all sizes and made of various materials. These are high-quality, technological and durable mechanisms. They can easily withstand a significant load, which can reach 60 kg, without undergoing deformation changes.

Important! For furniture structures designed to store heavy items, ball guides should be installed.

The design of ball guides is simple, and the mechanism itself consists of several main and a number of auxiliary parts

These mechanisms work almost silently and contribute to the full extension of the drawer. The systems are characterized by the best stability of operation and ease of use. They can be installed in any plane. Such metal sliding devices are characterized by a long service life. The main disadvantage of ball systems is their high cost. You can buy a pair of guides for 300-400 rubles.

The mechanisms are presented in various modifications. Products differ in design, fastening method, degree of extension and size. Drawer ball runners are available in heights from 17 to 45 mm. The maximum size is the most popular, as in this case the device is able to withstand the maximum load. All models can be divided into collapsible and non-collapsible, two-section and multi-section, single and multi-level. There are ball guides for drawers with a closer.

Features of roller guides for sliding wardrobes

Roller guides for boxes are metal profiles with rollers fixed on them. Such retractable systems are a budget option. The price of guides for drawers is 50-100 rubles. (for a couple). They have a simple design and are easy to install. The sliding of the runners is carried out as a result of the rotation of special rollers made of nylon or plastic. When pulling out the drawer, a characteristic noise is generated. To reduce it, rubberized rollers should be used.

The action of the guides is based on the mutual displacement of the strong steel tracks that make up the tire

The runners are made of plastic or metal. The top is coated with a durable epoxy resin.Plastic drawer slides have a shorter lifespan and lower cost. They can be of different colors. Roller guides are capable of bearing loads up to 25 kg. They are produced in a wide range of sizes, where you can choose a product for boxes with a depth of 250-800 mm.

Helpful advice! In order for the guides to serve as long as possible, you should choose products with a thickness of at least 1.2 mm.

Roller mechanisms provide partial extension of the drawer. The rollers are quickly erased and loosened, resulting in distortions of the structure. At the same time, the box will gradually jam, and subsequently it will not slide out at all. If installed incorrectly, the system quickly fails. It is very important to correctly mark up before installing the device. The rollers are difficult to adjust during operation.

Metaboxes: a type of drawer roller guide

Metaboxes are a type of roller sliding system. They are represented by drawers with side metal guides, and the rollers are attached to the walls of the furniture. Such drawer systems provide partial extension of the structure by ¾ of the length. They are characterized by durability and reliability in operation. Metaboxes are standard sizes. Drawer runners are made of thin, durable sheet steel, which can be painted white or metallic. The rollers are made of plastic.

Metabox guide systems are coated with impact resistant or epoxy enamel, which is not easy to chip

Important! The mechanism is fastened at several points, which guarantees a secure position of the structure and excludes the possibility of any swinging.

Metaboxes are capable of supporting 10-20 kg. The smaller the box is, the greater the permissible load. The movements are available in heights of 54, 86, 118 and 150 mm. To increase this value, rails are used. To ensure smooth closing of the metabox, it can be equipped with a door closer. You can buy devices for 300-500 rubles.

Metaboxes have many advantages over other rail options. Thin metal side panels increase the volume and strength of the box. The structure has a rather thick bottom, which is made of chipboard, which enhances the bearing capacity of the product.

Metaboxes are easy to install. They do not need to manufacture separate sidewalls to which the rails are attached. This system provides for a convenient adjustment of the front fastening, so that the front wall can be positioned evenly relative to the furniture body. Unlike roller systems, which are fixed to the lower part of the box walls, the metabox guides are attached to the upper half of the products, which contributes to the ease of use of the box, which does not stagger in different directions.

Problems with the operation of metaboxes arise from improper calculation and installation

Tandemboxes: hidden drawer slides

The basis of tandemboxes are ball retractable systems. The bottom of the structure is made of thick chipboard, and the side walls are made of metal or glass. Ball guides are hidden in them. Hidden runner technology ensures smooth, quiet running of loaded boxes. They can be easily removed from the rails without the use of tools.

The tandem provides full or partial opening of the drawer. Side walls can be represented by a system of guides for a drawer with a door closer. The products are capable of withstanding loads up to 60 kg. This is the most suitable option for furniture with high sides. The cost of tandembox is 1000-1500 rubles. for a couple.

Modern expensive models are equipped with the TIP-ON function, which allows you to open the drawer by lightly pressing the front. A hidden drawer mechanism is attached to the underside of the bottom.The rails differ from conventional devices by the presence of a small projection with a cylindrical pin on the side. It clings to a hidden TIP-ON mechanism. The cost of such systems with an electric drive starts from 2500 rubles.

Tandembox runners are the most expensive and technically challenging segment in the drawer runner line

The movements are produced with a drawer side height of 68 and 83 mm. Each set consists of two side panels, two rails, decorative caps, holders for the rear panel and fasteners for the front.

Helpful advice! Tandemboxes can be used as sink cabinets. The bottom cutout allows you to bypass the bulging part of the plumbing fixture.

For a comfortable and efficient use of corner space, tandembox guides for corner pedestals are the ideal solution. The set of fittings consists of specific elements that are not found in other systems. Such models can additionally be equipped with special dividers to help structure the storage space.

Review of popular manufacturers of metaboxes and tandemboxes

These retractable systems are widely used. They provide ease of use of boxes, which, thanks to thin metal walls, are distinguished by good capacity, optimal carrying capacity, low weight, no wobbling effect, long service life, high resistance to mechanical stress, and attractive appearance.

Blum tandembox guides have a rather complex design

A number of manufacturers offer high-quality and reliable fittings today. The guides of the Austrian company Blum are in the greatest demand. Products are made of high-strength steel, therefore they are characterized by reliability, durability and strength. The main disadvantage is the high cost of such systems.

The German company Hettich offers a wide range of metaboxes and tandemboxes with different sizes of ball guides for drawers. Here are models with standard drawers, products with increased heights, complemented by longitudinal and cross rails. Structures, thanks to the presence of metal and glass inserts on the sides of the box, are distinguished by their stylish design. Some models are equipped with additional elements for organizing the internal space. Systems for premium furniture are equipped with an electric drive, which automatically opens the drawer after a light impact on the facade of the product.

The Polish manufacturer Gamet produces quality products at an acceptable cost, which are not equipped with additional elements in the form of door closers, dampers and electric drives. Reinforced rails for drawers with increased bearing capacity are offered by the Chinese manufacturer Linken System at a fairly low price. You can buy the device for only 800 rubles. High-quality and reliable products at an affordable cost are manufactured by the Turkish company Samet and the Polish manufacturer GTV.

Hettich tandemboxes are made of high strength steel, so they are reliable and durable

Characteristics of tandemboxes of the Austrian manufacturer Blum

Tandembox is the most advanced mechanism available for premium furniture. The products are equipped with telescopic drawer guides, double-walled drawers, back wall holders, decorative plugs and front mountings. These systems are manufactured by two manufacturers - Blub and Hettich. Drawer fittings from the Austrian brand are very popular due to their good price-quality ratio.

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Tandemboxes are available in several varieties, but they have the same guides. They can be additionally equipped with door closers or an opening system that acts by pressing the facade.

Invito models have simple metal sides or with glass inserts. Antaro tandemboxes are produced with classic side elements, with one or two rails, allowing to increase the height of the drawer. The rails have a square section and are equipped with grooves, so that inserts of different materials can be added to the gaps.

The Austrian company Blum drawer runners are very popular due to their good price-performance ratio

Tandemboxes with a bearing capacity of 30 kg have lengths of 270, 350, 400, 450 and 500 mm. Structures for 50 kg differ in dimensions of 450 and 500 mm, and models that can withstand a load of more than 60 kg are characterized by a length of 500 or 650 mm. Double-walled drawers can have a height of 68 and 83 mm, while the length corresponds to the size of the guides. The back wall holder can be right or left. It is the same for all systems.

For the convenience of using the tandembox, the front panel is often equipped with a simple handle or leash. The first option is used for classic designs, and the second for hidden drawers. The eccentric handle helps to integrate the inner element with the front of the standard drawer. Tandemboxes, which are more than 900 mm wide, are equipped with side stabilizers, which is typical for Invito systems.

Tips for choosing drawer runners

Choosing new drawer rails is a simple undertaking. First of all, you should pay attention to the thickness of the products. The thicker the metal for the guides, the longer the period of their operation will be. For roller systems, the metal should have a thickness of 1-1.2 mm. The product should be tested by touch, check its strength, absence of damage, defects, chips, the behavior of balls or rollers, which should move freely without lateral play. It is necessary that the guides are even, which will ensure that they fit snugly against the side walls.

The thicker the metal at the rails, the longer the drawer will function conscientiously for many years

The mechanisms are presented in two versions, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The roller system is characterized by simplicity of design and low cost. This option is best used for furniture elements that will be rarely used and will not take significant loads.

Important! Despite the external reliability of the structure, which is provided by metal drawers, temabooks do not have a high bearing capacity.

Drawer ball guides are more reliable and durable. They are able to withstand a fairly heavy load. Among the varieties of products, there are hidden options that are not attached from the side walls, but to the bottom. This mechanism is protected from the ingress of dirt and provides an aesthetic appearance of the retractable product.

Both parts of the guides must have special protrusions that facilitate reliable fixation of the drawer at the time of its full extension. This will prevent the structure from falling.

The dimensions of the guides must perfectly match the furniture where the drawer will be installed

Also pay attention to the manufacturer. It is better to choose guides from well-known brands that have won the trust of consumers in the manufacture of high-quality, reliable and durable furniture fittings.

 In the case of self-made furniture, its parameters should be calculated in advance, which will contribute to the correct installation of ball guides for the drawer. The dimensions of the structure should not coincide with the dimensions of the cabinet.A technological gap is mandatory, which will compensate for measurement errors and make it possible for all components to move freely. There should be a distance of 1.3 cm between the side elements, and 1 cm between the rear ones.

The value for the width of the drawer is determined by subtracting from the width of the furniture twice the thickness of its side walls, twice the thickness of the mechanism and twice the gap parameter.

Based on the dimensions of the drawer, the size of the ball runners is selected. The length of the rails should be the same as the depth of the drawer. The minimum value is 200 mm. Standard drawers have a depth of 250-800 mm and a height of 80-250 mm, which should be less than the size of its front panel. This will ensure the free position of items in case of overfilling the box.

In order for the drawers to function well, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of guides.

Before installing the ball guides for the box, marking is performed, which must be made as accurately as possible, which will eliminate the likelihood of skewing the box and other inconveniences during further operation.

Sequence of installation of ball runners for drawers

You do not need to have certain skills to install the system. It is enough to study the installation diagram for drawers of ball guides. After the retractable structure is prepared, they begin to install the system, which is carried out in stages. The kit includes two runners - right and left. Before attaching the ball guides for the drawer, the device is disassembled into its constituent elements. The wider product is fixed to the side wall of the furniture body, and the narrower element is mounted to the drawer. The runners are installed symmetrically.

The guide is spread as far as it will go. Pressing the long end pulls out a narrow bar. The first step is to attach narrow elements to the sides of the retractable structure. Before installing the ball guides for the box, a horizontal line is drawn in the central part of the sidewalls along which the rail will be attached. Self-tapping screws 3x12 or 4x16 mm are used as fasteners, which is determined by the thickness of the metal. Taking into account the location of the box and the guide on it, the sidewalls of the niche are marked for the installation of thick runners, which are also fixed on self-tapping screws.

Diagram of installation of guides for drawers

The box is inserted into the guides. The correctness of the installation of the structure will be evidenced by the characteristic click of the activated lock. Next, you should check the free movement of the structure in different directions.

The ball runner system is equipped with many holes, each of which is responsible for a specific function. Oval-shaped horizontal cells are designed for free movement of the telescope in a horizontal position and for its adjustment. Elongated vertical holes are used to move the rail up or down. After the drawer slides are installed, the elements are set. Further, the products are thoroughly fixed in certain positions using self-tapping screws.

For lower drawers, the guides are usually installed at a distance of 30 mm from its bottom. For other structures, the mounting location is selected taking into account the height.

To remove the drawer completely from the niche, pull it out all the way. Next, you need to squeeze the black tabs on the runners: one of them is up, and the second is down, after which the structure can be freely removed.

Installation of guides can be carried out on the side surfaces of the boxes or in the grooves of the side surfaces

How can you repair a box on ball guides

If, after installing the ball guides for the drawer, the structure moves quite tightly, this indicates an incorrect calculation of the dimensions of the structure or an illiterate installation of the runners. In this case, you need to check the width of the product. If necessary, it is worth reducing the frontal strips. Before starting installation, check the diagonal.

Helpful advice! To ensure free movement of the box, you can sprinkle a couple of drops of special oil on the rails.

If, after installing the rails for the drawer, the structure spontaneously extends, in this case, check the fixing part of the narrow strip located at the back. There is a bracket which, when closed, bends around the silicone sleeve. This position provides reliable fixation of the element in the closed position. For a tighter fit, tighten the bracket.

During the insertion of the box, the bar may be blocked, which will prevent the product from entering the niche, since it will rest against the fastening of the balls. To eliminate such a problem, the drawer is completely removed, the fasteners are unbent to the sides.

To make the guides move freely, you can sprinkle a couple of drops of special oil on them

Important! To carry out repairs, the structure should be pulled out exactly before disassembling the guides for the drawer.

If the bottom of the box is in a groove, it may pop out of there on the first load. It should be reinforced with thin strips or screwed to the bottom ends of the box with screws.

How to install drawer roller guides

To install the roller guides for the drawer, the first step is to accurately mark the drawer. Using a drill, blind holes are made for screws with a depth of not more than 14 mm. The element from the roller guide should be installed on the box. It is necessary that the end of the part, where the wheel is missing, rests against the front wall of the box. Accordingly, the roller should be located at the rear wall of the structure. How do I attach the drawer rails? The roller runners are fixed using the screws that come with them.

Important! The head of the fastening elements should not protrude more than 1 mm beyond the guide.

The holes for the rail fasteners are made with extreme care

On the other side of the box, the same element from the second rail is attached strictly symmetrically. Before installing the rails for the drawer, the inner side of the niche is marked for mounting the rails. The element is installed perpendicular to the cabinet front so that the roller is in front. Holes for fasteners are made with extreme care. Even a slight displacement can cause a disruption in the convenient sliding of the drawer on the rollers.

When fixing products to the wall, it is better to use elongated slots, rather than round ones. This will make it possible to adjust the position and nature of the movement of the exit box.

Slides for drawers are essential elements for comfortable and reliable furniture operation. Products are presented in several versions, which allows you to choose a mechanism based on personal preferences and financial possibilities. Due to the simplicity of the design, the installation of the rails for the drawer can be carried out independently without special skills.