Slides

The following serves as both a checklist and a starting point for the discussion of a wide variety of drawer slide systems. While by no means exhaustive, the characteristics described below are often considered the most important by the client, the design professional, and the woodwork manufacturer. The selection of the slide characteristics will affect the usefulness of the cabinets. Careful consideration should be given to avoid "over specifying" for the purpose intended.

Degree of Extension

STANDARD EXTENSION, all but 4” - 6” (101.6 - 152.4 mm) of drawer body extends out of the cabinet

FULL EXTENSION, entire drawer body extends out to the face of cabinet

FULL EXTENSION with over travel, entire drawer body extends beyond the face of cabinet

Static Load Capacity

50 pounds, residential and light commercial

75 pounds, commercial

100 pounds, heavy duty

Over 100 pounds, special conditions, extra heavy duty

Dynamic Load Capacity

30 pounds for 35,000 cycles, residential and light commercial

50 pounds for 50,000 cycles, commercial

75 pounds for 100,000 cycles, heavy duty

Removal

Passive disconnect - A means of drawer removal that does not require active disconnecting.

Positive disconnect - A means of removing a drawer that requires active disconnection or removal of hardware.

Closing: Self-closing/stay closed, drawer slides will self-close with the related dynamic load when the drawer is approximately 2” (50.8 mm) from the fully closed position and not bounce open when properly adjusted.

Hinges

European style hinge

Also know as a cup hinge, typically used in conventional flush without face frame and reveal or flush overlay application. Offering moderate strength, full concealment, moderate cost, ease of installation and adjustment. European hinges with the screws set in synthetic inserts are an established industry standard. Follow hinge manufacturers’ recommendations on number and spacing of hinges.

Wraparound hinge

(3 & 5 knuckle), typically used in flush and reveal overlay applications offering very high strength, moderate cost, ease of installation and moderate ease of adjustment; however, can require mortising and shows an exposed knuckle and hinge body.

Butt hinge

Typically used in conventional flush with face frame application, offering high strength, low cost; however, can require mortising and shows an exposed knuckle.