Drawer slide hardware manufacturers are available in all shapes and sizes, but you have to know what to look for when purchasing them. If you want to get the most out of your money, it’s imperative that you consider the following factors before placing an order with one of these companies. Read this article to find out how to find What to Consider When Buying Drawer Slide Hardware.
What is drawer slide hardware?
Most people are familiar with drawer slides in its simplest form—an inexpensive, easy-to-install option for adding a drawer to any piece of furniture. But when you dig deeper into what’s available, you’ll find that there are several different types of hardware options out there—all designed to do specific things.
From heavy-duty slides for industrial applications to decorative slides made from high-end metals and wood, each type offers something unique and comes with its own price tag. Before you start shopping, make sure you know exactly what it is that you need and if one type of slide will work better than another. Knowing how drawer slide hardware works is an important first step in figuring out which type will work best for your project.
The materials used
Although it’s not necessarily a deal breaker, you should consider what kind of materials are used in a drawer slide. Cheaper slides might look attractive but they tend to be heavier and less durable over time.
In addition, you should make sure that your chosen manufacturer uses high-quality material as inferior components can affect how smoothly your drawers open and close. If you’re unsure about what materials work best for different types of slides, consider asking your drawer slide hardware manufacturer for recommendations or making a few calls to see what other companies have been using with good results.
Different types of drawer slides
Drawing slides come in many different forms, and it’s important to consider what’s right for your project. Some options include:
Full extension- These slides allow drawers to open all the way out.
Undermount- These slides are mounted on top of a drawer frame instead of inside it.
Soft close- Slides that soft close can slow down or stop drawer movement when they meet resistance, making them ideal for protecting your belongings from flying into other objects.
Weight rated- This rating indicates how much weight each drawer slide can support; specifically, these slides generally support up to 200 pounds per drawer. That means if you want to use them with heavy items like televisions, you should probably look for heavier weight rated slides than those designed only for light items like clothing.
Where you can find drawer slides
You can find drawer slides at your local hardware store or online. Regardless of where you purchase them, you’ll want to make sure that they are compatible with your dressers and drawers before purchasing them. You should also consider whether or not you want ball bearing drawer slides or non-ball bearing drawer slides.
Ball bearing drawer slides will offer a smooth motion while opening and closing drawers while non-ball bearing slide will offer a more precise motion. These slides can be great for dressers and cabinets that house precious items such as china and glassware.
By considering all of these factors, you’ll be able to decide which drawer slide best fits your needs and choose your drawer slide hardware manufacturer.